Russia adds chemicals, components, food to duty-free imports list

MOSCOW. March 31 (Interfax) - The Russian subcommittee for customs tariffs and nontariff regulation and protective measures in foreign trade has approved the expansion of the list of goods that can temporarily be imported into the country duty-free, the Economic Development Ministry said.

It has included a number of food goods, chemical products, components for machinery and equipment and raw materials for light industry.

"As part of the continued implementation of the priority action plan to increase the stability of the Russian economy, the Economic Development Ministry received proposals from the Industry and Trade Ministry, Digital Development Ministry and other agencies to expand the previously approved list. Proposals were also received from member countries of the EAEU," the ministry said.

"The consolidated list of additional proposals [for temporary duty-free imports] from the five countries includes food goods, chemical products, components and spare parts for repair and maintenance of machinery and equipment, raw materials used by light industry companies and other products. The decision will make it possible to saturate the domestic market with the necessary goods in the current conditions," Deputy Economic Development Minister Vladimir Ilyichev was quoted as saying in the press release.

The ministry said that First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov has approved the minutes of the subcommittee meeting.

The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) decided earlier to exempt a number of food goods and products used in their production from import duties for six months. . "The decision, among other things, applies to animal and dairy products, vegetables, sunflower seeds, juices, sugars, cocoa powder, amino acids, starches, ferments and other food products," the EEC trade department said.