Of the 12 million parcels received in Belarus in 2015, 70% were ordered from online stores, stated Vladimir Orlovsky, Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Belarus, on the air of the "Kontury" program on ONT TV channel, according to BELTA.
Of the 12 million parcels received in Belarus in 2015, 70% were ordered from online stores, stated Vladimir Orlovsky, Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Belarus, on the air of the "Kontury" program on ONT TV channel, according to BELTA.
"All our work experience shows that recently the number of parcels received by our citizens and then used for commercial purposes has significantly increased. If in 2013 Belarus received less than 2 million parcels, then in 2015 it was 12 million, meaning the number of parcels increased more than sixfold. By the way, the number of shipments from online stores is growing even faster. In total, more than 70% of all parcels come from online stores. This percentage is growing," said Vladimir Orlovsky.
The Deputy Chairman of the SCC noted that more than 90% of Belarusian citizens do not receive parcels at all. "In fact, these 12 million parcels are intended for 10% of the population. Of these, in 2015, about 250,000 citizens received from 10 to 100 or more parcels. Those who receive parcels on a regular basis, with the same assortment, certainly cannot use them for personal purposes," added Vladimir Orlovsky.
He emphasized that most European Union countries have set a duty-free import limit of 22 euros for goods transported in international postal items. "These are countries such as Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. There are even stricter limits. For example, in China, the duty-free import limit is about 7 euros. In some countries, such as France and Sweden, there is no duty-free import at all. Any parcel implies tax payment. Having assessed all the circumstances, we decided to follow the European experience and set a duty-free import limit of 22 euros," concluded the Deputy Chairman of the SCC.
According to data from the State Customs Committee of Belarus, in 2015, more than 80% of all international postal items received by Belarusians cost up to 22 euros. According to Vladimir Orlovsky, the new parcel restrictions will take effect on April 14, two months after the official publication of the decree.
As reported, the duty-free import of international parcels in Belarus will be limited to 22 euros and 10 kg. The corresponding decree No. 40 was signed by the head of state on February 11. It is established that customs duties are not payable on goods for personal use sent in international postal items within a calendar month to one individual residing in the republic, and imported into the country within a calendar month to one recipient as goods delivered by a carrier, if the customs value of such goods combined does not exceed the amount equivalent to 22 euros, and the total weight combined does not exceed 10 kg.