Ministry of Finance: until 2020, the duty-free threshold for parcels will not be reduced to zero

On Habré today has already published the news that the FCS offers to reduce the duty-free threshold to zero. In particular, it was said that the department had developed a proposal to completely zero the duty-free threshold for all foreign purchases of Russians, as well as to introduce a single customs duty of 20% for all goods cheaper than 200 euros.

The Ministry of Finance agreed with this proposal in general terms. But to introduce such a rule, according to representatives of the ministry, it is possible not earlier than 2020. Then the analysis of readiness of information systems of the FCS will be ready. If they work without problems, they will be put into operation.

“There can be different options to discuss, their [FCS] option can also be considered, but you can not get to it until 2020.” It should be understood that while reducing the cost standards for importation, what impact this will have on the load of people, the load of information systems - whether they are ready or not. If this happens smoothly, then we can talk about a further decline. If we see any problems, then, naturally, the information system will be set up first, we need to train people, increase the number of people, ”said Alexei Sazanov, head of the customs and tax policy department at the Ministry of Finance.

There is no talk about reducing to zero so far, but the threshold will be reduced already this year. From July 1, the duty will be levied on all foreign purchases of Russians worth more than 500 euros. Until July 1, the size of the duty-free threshold is 1,000 euros. The weight of the parcel, which is not subject to duty to the aforementioned price limit - 31 kg. If it weighs more, then the recipient will have to pay a fee of 30%.

In the opinion of the Federal Customs Service, the reduction discussed above will add about 25 billion rubles a year to the state budget. Russian e-commerce will become more competitive.