OREANDA-NEWS. The Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation has proposed to increase duties on wine, beer, perfume and decorative cosmetics imported from the EU, the Vedomosti newspaper reports, citing sources.

"The Ministry of Economic Development has prepared a proposal to increase duties on some consumer goods imported from the European Union," the newspaper writes. According to the sources of the publication, the list of discussed categories includes some types of wines, beer, eau de toilette, perfumes, decorative cosmetics, and so on.

The department has not yet determined the size of the duty, however, "the rates can be up to prohibitive," the newspaper writes. These measures are seen as a response to the EU restrictions on the supply of metallurgical products. Since July 2018, deliveries in excess of the established quota are subject to a 25% duty. In June 2021, the European Commission extended these measures until June 30, 2024, the newspaper recalls.

According to the source of the newspaper, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is also preparing its proposals, a representative of the Ministry, in turn, confirmed that a retaliatory measure can indeed be implemented, since due to the extension of restrictions on steel imports in the EU, Russia has the right to suspend trade concessions for European countries for an amount equivalent to the damage to Russian exporters.

"Such measures are not sanctions, their application is in accordance with the WTO rules, and they remain in force only for the period of time during which a special protective measure against Russian metal products will be in effect," the representative of the Ministry of Industry and Trade emphasized. The feasibility of introducing these measures and their content are being discussed with the Ministry of Economic Development, he added.

The source of the publication at the same time added that the list of goods on which duties may be increased is not final. The list may also include agricultural equipment, refrigerators, shoes, and more.