Licenses to import beer to Belarus as from 1 May

As from 1 May licenses will be needed to import beer to Belarus from outside the customs territory of the Customs Union.

The measure is stipulated by the relevant executive order of the Council of Ministers of Belarus, the press service of the Belarus government told BelTA.

Representatives of the Belarusian food industry concern Belgospishcheprom noted that no licenses to import beer are required for now. In line with the executive order one-time licenses will be required to import non-alcoholic and malt beer classified by codes 2202 90 100 1 and 2203 00 of the harmonized commodity description and coding system of the Customs Union to Belarus. The Belarusian Trade Ministry will issue such licenses with approval of Belgospishcheprom.

The one-time licenses will be valid for up to one year, explained representatives of the Licenses and Non-Tariff Regulations Office of the Belarusian Trade Ministry. Since the effect period of the executive order will end on 31 October 2014, beer import licenses will be issued to stay valid for half a year.

The licensing procedure will be similar to the one stipulated by the agreement on foreign merchandise trade licensing of 9 June 2009 with regard to commodities, which are subject to prohibitions or import/export restrictions within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Community’s trade with third countries. The licensing procedure will take into account peculiarities of the executive order.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry has been instructed to notify the Eurasian Economic Commission about the measures stipulated by the Council of Ministers executive order and to suggest the enforcement of similar measures by other Customs Union member states.