December 17, 2012

The Customs Union might raise the import levy on dairy products, specifically those imported by Russia, by 20%, according to Trade Minister of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Andrei Slepnev.

Currently, the import duty on dairy products is as high as 15%. Proposals to raise it to 20% are being considered by the Eurasian Economic Commission, said Andrei Slepnev. The 20% limit was set forth by the WTO before Russia's accession to this organisation.

He added that the decision to increase the duty may be finalised by January 2013. He also noted that it pertains to dairy products: cheese, butter, milk powder - the products that are imported by Russia and that influence the Russian market.

Andrei Slepnev said that the proposal to increase the duty on dairy products is considered at the request of Belarus.