New certification rules may boost illegal supply of household appliances to Belarus

According to the Government Resolution No 849 of October 21^st, 2016, as of February 1^st, 2017, Belarus will introduce a mandatory certification of all imported home appliances. Certification will be required for each consignment of imported products, even those produced in the EEU. Given the certification deadline and terms, as well as the workload at the testing facilities, it would be virtually impossible to test all appliances in a timely manner. This will lead to a sales ban on non-certified products. This measure was designed to boost sales of domestic home appliances and increase the price of those imported. Gray import schemes of home appliances are likely to emerge and retail trade turnover after certification requirements take effect is likely to reduce, so as the range of home appliances on sale. Belarusians are likely to start purchasing home appliances abroad. In addition, other countries may regard new certification rules as restrictive and introduce retaliatory measures against Belarusian goods.