Marking costs to rise in Belarus and importers and retailers will pay for it

As of May 14^th, Belarus has increased the product marking costs. The list of goods, subject to marking includes 20 items (food and non-food items), and marking costs are increasing by two to seven times. Given the Trade Ministry pricing regulations (price hikes should not exceed 12% inflation target in 2016), tea and coffee range in retailers will change and some cheapest sorts of tea packaged up to 50 grams will no longer be supplied to Belarus. Prices on expensive teas and coffees, as well as non-food products will not change, since importers will cover additional costs. Domestic manufacturers of mineral water and drinks will seek to transfer the increased marking costs on retailers. Amid the need to replenish the state budget, the list of goods subject to marking is likely to expand. In addition, the number of inspections at companies supplying such products is likely to increase too.