Have They Decided To Make Premium Alcohol Unavailable To Belarusians?

• 31.10.2026, 8:59

Excise tax rates will be 1.5 times higher than usual.

In 2027, Belarus plans to introduce new, higher excise tax rates on virtually all categories of excise goods, including tobacco. Premium alcoholic beverages are set to be taxed at rates 1.5 times higher than the standard rates. This is provided for in a draft amendment to the Tax Code, as reported by the “House of Representatives.”

“One of the innovations in tax legislation is the separation of premium alcoholic beverages into a separate category. This applies to excise taxes,” said “Member of Parliament” Natalya Kuleshova. — Every year, we index the rates set in Belarusian rubles. This applies to the indexation of excise taxes. Starting in 2027, premium alcoholic beverages will be listed in a separate line item, and the excise tax on them will increase by one and a half times.”

The “lawmaker” explained with an example: if the excise tax on standard Belarusian alcohol is about 27 rubles, then for premium alcohol it is about 41 rubles.