OREANDA-NEWS. May 31, 2011. Belarus plans to increase excise tax rates on alcoholic beverages in three steps starting June 1, and on tobacco products in two steps, a representative in the state administration told reporters.

“A presidential ordinance has been drafted to increase alcohol excise taxes on June 1, August 1 and October 1, while tobacco goods excise taxes will be raised on June 1 and October 1,” he said.

According to him, the excise tax rates and timelines may be adjusted.

Beer excise tax may be doubled to 700 rubles per liter.

The excise tax rate on fortified premium wines of improved quality are expected to be raised 4.3 times to 12,450 rubles per liter of absolute alcohol.

The excise rates on fruit and berry natural wines will amount to 540 rubles, and on cider, 600 rubles, per liter of finished products. These products are not subject to excise taxes now.

The excise rates on fortified fruit and grape wines may be increased 4.1 times to 24,890 rubles per liter of absolute alcohol.

Belarus plans to increase the excise tax rate on vodka 12.3% to 24,890 rubles per liter of absolute alcohol in finished products on June 1, 2011.

The government will decide on excise tax rates on cigarettes in the near future.

The excise tax rate on non-filter cigarettes was expected to be raised 5 times, on filter cigarettes of the lowest price range, 4.1 times, of the medium price range, 2.6 times, and on premium cigarettes, 2.4 times.