Tobacco industry to shift to ‘digital excise tax’, sellers to report per can of beer: developments since June

What changes since June 1:

• The tobacco industry is moving towards the so-called “digital special tax”. Tobacco and nicotine-containing products will now be labeled using a unique QR code, which will be applied to the package. Previously, a special stamp was applied to excisable products, which confirmed the authenticity of the products.
• With all the force Labeling of beer and low-alcohol drinks will begin — sellers will begin to transfer data on the sale of each bottle or can to a unified information system. This measure should help in the fight against illegal products, the proportion of which in beer can reach 30%. The requirement applies to both retail stores and public catering.
• New standards come into force for the certification of developed computer programs, which should simplify this process. Previously, software developers certified each new product release: they sent it to an FSTEC-accredited laboratory and, on average, the process took three to six months.
• Restaurants and cafes can now sell alcohol on their porches and summer terraces. Now this is prohibited almost everywhere: companies do not sell alcohol in seasonal places or do so illegally (fines of up to 300 thousand rubles are imposed). In Moscow, the sale of alcohol is legalized: you can buy drinks with a concentration of no more than 16 degrees.

What changes from June 24:

• Import and export licenses Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will be available online. This will simplify and automate trade processes with third countries within the EAEU.