A member of the House Security and Anti-Corruption Committee, Sultan Khamzaev of United Russia, announced that during the upcoming spring session the State Duma will consider a bill mandating the linking of beer and beverage retailers to the Unified State System for Control of the Production and Circulation of Alcohol (EGAIS) and prohibiting the sale of unlicensed beer. The statement was transmitted by DEA News. The proposal aims to expand the reach of EGAIS beyond current scope, ensuring that every sale of beer and beer drinks is traceable and compliant with licensing requirements. This step would require retail outlets to register with the system and to verify licenses at the point of sale, reducing the opportunities for illicit trade and bringing greater transparency to alcohol distribution across the market.
According to Khamzaev, experts note that beer and beer-based beverages remain among the top-selling alcoholic products in the Russian market, yet they have not been fully integrated into the Unified State Automated Information System. The lawmaker contends that after these products are incorporated into EGAIS, stores will be barred from selling them without proper licensing. This approach would hold producers, distributors, and retailers accountable for every transaction, and it is expected to curb the flow of counterfeit beers, a problem that currently affects a sizable portion of the market. Analysts estimate that counterfeit goods could constitute a significant share of the beer segment, highlighting the potential impact of tighter regulation on public safety, consumer rights, and tax compliance.
In late November, President Vladimir Putin enacted a law introducing an excise tax on sugar-containing beverages, with the measure taking effect on July 1, 2023. The excise duty stands at 7 rubles per liter and targets soft drinks that are produced with added sugar or other sweeteners and exceed 5 grams per 100 milliliters. Fermented beverages, nectars, fruit juices, and fruit drinks—including kvass with an ethyl alcohol content between 0.5% and 1.2%—are exempt from this tax. The policy aims to influence consumer choices, encourage reformulation, and strengthen revenue collection while avoiding unintended penalties on non-sugars-based products. Market observers note that the tax environment for beverages remains dynamic, with ongoing discussions about broader nutritional labeling, enforcement, and potential future adjustments to tax rates and coverage to reflect consumer health goals and industry realities.