In Russia, the prices of imported alcohol and sweets will rise due to tariffs.
Photo: Shutterstock.
If you’re a fan of Ferrero Rocher, Wagon Wheels, Toffifee or Kinder, then we have some bad news for you. On July 26, a Russian government decree on increasing customs rates “for certain goods whose country of origin are states and territories that are taking measures that violate the interests of the Russian Federation” comes into force.
The list includes more than 50 items, including cosmetics, household items, batteries, weapons and, most painfully, candy and alcohol: beer and wine. More details in “Specifically.”
The list includes more than 50 items, including cosmetics, household items, batteries, weapons and, most painfully, candy and alcohol: beer and wine.
Photo: Shutterstock.
For example, for zippers, suppliers will have to pay 50% of the cost of the goods at customs, for batteries (including lead) – 35%, the same for weapons and detergents, wines (including sparkling wines) – 20% of the cost, but not more than $1.5 per liter, malt beer – 0.1 euro per liter. Waffles and cookies cost 0.35 euro per 1 kg, and chocolate – 0.6 euro per 1 kg.
According to Pyotr Shelishch, chairman of the Russian Consumers’ Union, 0.35 euros is equivalent to approximately 35 rubles.
“For consumer prices, sweets and beer are too much, but for wine, not so much,” he said.
So that you don’t have to search desperately for something that will become more expensive in the near future, here are the most popular brands whose products are sold in Russia. Candy “Ferrero Rocher”, “Merci”, “Guylan”, “Mozart”, “Mamba”, “Toffifee”, “Casali”. Chocolate “Ritter Sport”, “Kinder”. Cookies and waffles “Wagon Wheels”, “Manner”, “Bisquini”, “Grisbi”. Beer of various well-known brands, etc.
There are, however, two important nuances. Firstly, the increase in duties is not permanent, but only until 31 December 2024. Secondly, it is possible that if a brand belonging to a “hospitable” country is imported, say, via Turkey or is produced there, the tariff will not increase. Why? Experts explain that the government decree refers to the country of origin. The country of origin of a product is considered to be the state in whose territory the product was entirely manufactured or subjected to sufficient processing or transformation.
Prices will soon increase for Ferrero Rocher, Merci, Guylan, Mozart, Mamba, Toffifee and Casali sweets; “Ritter Sport” and “Kinder” chocolate; and “Wagon Wheels”, “Manner”, “Bisquini” and “Grisbi” biscuits and waffles.
Photo: Shutterstock.
SPECIFICALLY
On which articles and to what extent will duties be increased:
Zippers – 50% of the price
Batteries (including lead): 35% of the cost
Weapons, rifles, rocket launchers, ammunition: 35% of the cost.
Coats, raincoats – 50% off the price
Wallpaper, plywood: 50% of the price.
Detergents and cleaning products: 35% of the cost.
Skin care products, hair products, dental cleaning, deodorants: 35% of the price.
Perfumes, eau de toilette, cosmetics, shampoos, hair sprays: 35% of the price
Wine: 20% of the price, but no more than $1.50 per liter.
Malt beer: 0.1 euros per litre
Waffles – 0.35 euros per 1 kg
Biscuits – 0.35 euros per 1 kg
Chocolates – 0.73 euros per kg
Gums, gelatin: 35% of the cost from no less than 0.438 euros per 1 kg
Caramel candy: 35% off the cost from no less than 0.438 euros per 1 kg
Toffee, caramel: 35% of the cost from no less than 0.33 euros per 1 kg
Chocolate – 0.6 euros per 1 kg