New customs duties will be applied to imports from unfriendly nations, affecting lead batteries and a broad range of confectionery products. The decree establishing these measures was signed by the examining authorities and released to the public, signaling a clear shift in import policy. The aim is to adjust the value of incoming goods in response to geopolitical considerations and to modify the trade balance in goods deemed sensitive. The formal announcement came through the state information channels, underscoring the government’s intent to enforce stricter controls on a defined set of items. (Source: TASS)
Confectionery items, notably jelly type candies, fruit pastes, sugar caramel products, various candies, and similar sweet goods, will be taxed at a rate equal to 35 percent of their customs value. This aligns with a broader strategy to recalibrate the tariffs on nonessential consumer goods sourced from nations facing unfriendly or tense relations with the administering country. The intent appears to be to influence domestic consumption patterns and to support domestic producers by adjusting relative prices for imported sweets. (Source: TASS)
Batteries that are supplied from unfriendly countries will carry the same 35 percent tariff. This increase targets components and finished products that fall within the category of energy storage, which plays a critical role in transport, electronics, and industrial sectors. The policy signals a broader stance on supply chain resilience and national economic security by raising the landed cost of these imports. (Source: TASS)
For chocolate, wafers, and confections containing cocoa, duties are set at 0.73 euros per kilogram, while chocolate-covered cookies and waffles will incur a duty of 0.35 euros per kilogram. These specific per-kilogram charges introduce a predictable tariff structure that manufacturers and importers can model in their pricing and procurement planning. The tiered approach reflects an effort to differentiate products by processing intensity and value added within the confectionery sector. (Source: TASS)
The policy is scheduled to take effect within one week and will remain in force through December 31, 2024 unless further amendments are announced. The timing suggests a transitional period intended to allow businesses to adjust inventory, pricing, and supplier options. Market observers may monitor how this regulatory change will influence retail prices, consumer demand, and the broader logistics landscape for importation from jurisdictions designated as unfriendly. In related developments, Russia has recently limited imports of specific agricultural products, signaling a broader review of trade measures. (Source: TASS)