State purchases of imported wine in Russia are now banned
On May 25, 2019, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed Decree No. 660, which prohibits the purchase of wines of foreign production for the needs of state and municipal institutions. The document was published on May 28, 2019 and posted on the official website of the Russian government.
It should be noted that the new changes made to the “list of certain types of food products originating from foreign countries, in respect of which access restrictions are set for the purpose of procurement to meet state and municipal needs”, come into force on July 1, 2019. It is emphasized that the ban applies only to public procurement and does not apply to imported wines traded in the commercial sector (in stores, retail chains and commercial enterprises).
So, grape, sparkling, liqueur and fruit (fruit) wines were banned. As it is not difficult to guess, such a measure was adopted for several reasons. Firstly, it is necessary to promote the development of domestic viticulture and winemaking, which is clearly indicated in the reference to the decision. Secondly, there is a resonance in society when Russian officials openly show off expensive import wines at the expense of taxpayers. So the decree explicitly says to such officials - “if you want imported, buy at your own expense”. And it will be unambiguously approved by the population.
It should be added that the volume of state purchases of wine products in Russia is 7-8 million liters per year. Of which about 70% are imported products. At the same time, the total volume of the Russian market of wine products is 850 million liters per year.
It should be recalled that in August 2016, the Russian government already banned public procurement of a number of imported products. The list included: meat, fish and dairy products and even salt and sugar. So the new regulation expands and supplements this list.
It should be noted that the new changes made to the “list of certain types of food products originating from foreign countries, in respect of which access restrictions are set for the purpose of procurement to meet state and municipal needs”, come into force on July 1, 2019. It is emphasized that the ban applies only to public procurement and does not apply to imported wines traded in the commercial sector (in stores, retail chains and commercial enterprises).
So, grape, sparkling, liqueur and fruit (fruit) wines were banned. As it is not difficult to guess, such a measure was adopted for several reasons. Firstly, it is necessary to promote the development of domestic viticulture and winemaking, which is clearly indicated in the reference to the decision. Secondly, there is a resonance in society when Russian officials openly show off expensive import wines at the expense of taxpayers. So the decree explicitly says to such officials - “if you want imported, buy at your own expense”. And it will be unambiguously approved by the population.
It should be added that the volume of state purchases of wine products in Russia is 7-8 million liters per year. Of which about 70% are imported products. At the same time, the total volume of the Russian market of wine products is 850 million liters per year.
It should be recalled that in August 2016, the Russian government already banned public procurement of a number of imported products. The list included: meat, fish and dairy products and even salt and sugar. So the new regulation expands and supplements this list.
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