Parcels from abroad to Belarus. Now everything is clear

On April 14, Decree No. 40 came into force in Belarus. Now Belarusians will be able to receive parcels worth up to €22 and weighing up to 10 kilograms per month without paying a fee. New limits for those who often travel abroad will be €300 and 20 kilograms. More than three weeks ago, the State Customs Committee answered questions from Onliner.by readers. On the day the decree came into force, we decided to repeat this material.

Parcels

Transportation of goods across the border

How will customs determine the cost of parcels?

Before answering questions about determining the cost of parcels, the State Customs Committee noted that Decree No. 40 did not change anything in terms of determining the customs value of imported goods.

- We emphasize that these norms are valid today, customs officials noted.

How is the State Customs Committee going to determine the cost of parcels? Will you need to provide some information about the actual amount of the purchase or will you track online payments? For example, I ordered goods on AliExpress for $2-3. Upon receipt of the parcel, on the sticker that was on the package, there was an amount of $ 10 (apparently, this is already taking into account duties and forwarding by the seller), and I will find out this final amount only upon receipt of the parcel, and not when ordering.

The calculation of the customs value is made on the basis of the documents accompanying the parcel, as well as the declared value of the international postal item (IGO), which is indicated by the sender in the documents established by the acts of the Universal Postal Union. If the customs value is not indicated, or if the customs authority has reasonable grounds to believe that the submitted documents and (or) information are not reliable, executive of the customs authority, guided by paragraph 2 of Article 361 of the Customs Code of the Customs Union (CC CU), determines the customs value of goods on the basis of the information available to the customs authority price information for similar goods, including on the basis of data indicated in the catalogs of foreign companies engaged in retail sale similar goods.

The promotional item was purchased for €20. The parcel arrived in two weeks, a month, and this product is already worth €35 on the site. How will customs evaluate the cost? What facts must be presented?

On AliExpress, for example, the cost of the same product can fluctuate greatly. I recently purchased a $22 item. But you can find the same one for $25, and even for $40. The question is: will the inspector believe my price of $22, or will he just poke at the first one that comes across? Or will he go to the manufacturer's website, where the price of $50 can be indicated at all? (Eugene)

An individual has the right to prove the accuracy of the information submitted to determine the customs value. To do this, he needs to provide documents confirming the declared value (contract, specification, invoice, sales receipt, payment receipt, and so on).

In case of disagreement with the customs value determined by the customs authority for calculating customs payments, the recipient of the goods has the right to provide the customs authority with documents on the basis of which the customs value of the goods being sent can be determined (contract, specification, invoice, sales receipt, payment receipt, etc.). Further).

As additional documents, the customs authority may accept Internet catalogs with publicly posted information on the cost of goods sent, printouts of bank transfer pages, etc.

And if I do not agree with the cost of the parcel, can I dispute it?

If the cost and weight limits were not exceeded during the issuance of the MPO and this MPO was issued by the postal operator to the recipient, the customs value of such goods cannot subsequently be revised.

But if the recipient does not agree with the cost indicated by the sender, he has the right not to receive such an IGO and inform the postal operator of the need to return him to the place (institution) of international postal exchange where the release was carried out. After that, the recipient can apply in writing to the customs authority and attach the original documents confirming the value of the goods being sent.

What import standards will be applied to international postal items ordered before the adoption of Decree No. 40, but arrived in the Republic of Belarus after the entry into force new edition decree number 360?

The date of registration of documents submitted in accordance with the customs legislation of the EAEU for the placement of such goods for temporary storage is taken into account.

Thus, the norms of Decree No. 40 will apply to international postal items placed in temporary storage from 04/14/2016.

For goods imported into the IGO and placed in temporary storage until April 13 (inclusive), duty-free import norms of €200 and 31 kilograms are applied.

If the amount is indicated in Russian rubles, then at what rate will the conversion into euros be carried out? Will it be necessary to pay a duty if during the delivery of the goods the amount exceeded the limit due to the growth of the Russian ruble against the euro? (Kristina Malinovskaya)

The exchange rates of the US dollar and euro against the currency of the EAEU member state are calculated on the day of registration of the customs receipt order.

Will duties be charged on parcels that were sent, for example, in March, but will arrive after April 14? (Vadim)

Yes, they will, if the customs value of the goods sent exceeds the duty-free import rates established by Decree No. 40.

Is it possible to order parcels to one address, but to several family members?

Good afternoon. For now, a few questions. Will it not be considered as exceeding the limit if I order goods from China, paying for it with my card, to the same address for each of the family members: son (6 years old), mother, me. Can I order for €22 per month for each of them?

The specified norm is calculated for each recipient upon receipt of goods to his address.

Is it possible to order several parcels per month for one person duty-free, so that the total amount is no more than €22 per month, or will it be possible to order only one parcel? Thank you in advance. (Olga Belskaya)

You can order several parcels if the total cost limits (€22) and weight limits (10 kilograms) are not exceeded.

I ordered a $100 item in January (when I was unaware of the tax). The goods went for a long time, got to customs - and already new limits. Is it possible to refuse the goods and not pay? (Alyaksey)

In case of refusal to receive the goods, the goods will be sent back, customs payments in this case are not subject to payment.

Do I have to pay duty on gifts?

How parcels (gifts) from abroad (USA) from close relatives will be taxed. How much can they send gifts and how often? (Anatoly Shumko)

I thought about sending parcels to my mother and sister, since you can’t buy much from us. How will this law work here if it is my help? (Vadim)

Decree No. 40 does not provide for any features (separate norms) for sending this category of goods (gifts). If in aggregate the amount equivalent to €22 and the total weight of 10 kilograms are exceeded, they will be subject to customs duties at the rate of 30% of the customs value in terms of the excess, but not less than €4 per 1 kilogram.

How will the fees be calculated if the limits are exceeded?

Goods whose customs value exceeds €22 and/or whose weight exceeds 10 kilograms will be subject to customs duties. For example, on Amazon.com I ordered an external WD hard drive for $90 (or €82) - a little more than 4 times the excess. What fee will have to be paid in this case? (Lesha Gorenkov)

With regard to goods for personal use sent to the IGO and or delivered by the carrier within a calendar month to the address of an individual - the recipient of the goods, in terms of exceeding the norms of duty-free import established by Decree No. 40, customs payments will be subject to payment at the rate of 30% of the customs value of goods, but not less than €4 per 1 kilogram.

If the value of goods sent to the IGO for personal use is $90 (which is equivalent to €82) and the weight does not exceed 10 kilograms, and no other goods were sent to the address of this individual during the calendar month, then the amount of customs duties payable will be calculated as follows : (€82 − €22) × 30% + €5 (customs fee for making customs operations) - and will be €23.

The item costs $34 and shipping from the US is $98. Weight - 8 kilograms. How much will the fee be charged? (Yuri Sobol)

In accordance with part two of paragraph 1 of Article 361 of the Customs Code of the Customs Union, when goods are imported for personal use by individuals into the customs territory of the EAEU, the customs value of goods does not include the costs of transportation and insurance of goods before their arrival and after their arrival in such territory.

The amount of customs duties payable will be €8.1: ($34 × 20,980 (dollar to Belarusian ruble) / 22,100 (Belarusian ruble to euro)) − €22) × 30% + €5 (customs duty) = € 8.09.

How are additional duties calculated for multiple parcels? For example: ordered three parcels of the equivalent value of €22, €5 and €1. They all come at different times, but in one month. We pick up a parcel for €22 without any problems. What will happen to the rest? What duties and fees will have to be paid upon receipt of the remaining two? Specifically, I am interested in the issue of a customs fee of € 5 and payment for postal services in connection with this. (Savchenko Evgeny)

Suppose that all three parcels weigh up to 10 kilograms. After the duty-free issuance of an IGO worth €22, in respect of subsequent IGOs ​​received by the same individual, customs duties and customs fees are due for customs operations when issuing each IGO.

For the second IGO, customs duties of €6.5 will be payable: €5 (customs value of goods) × 30% + €5 (customs duty).

The amount of customs payments in respect of the third IGO will be €5.3: €1 × 30% + €5.

Does the amount of €22 include the cost of delivery (for example, the product itself costs €2, and the cost of sending (EMS to Belarus) - €35)?

No, shipping costs are not included.

Where to pay duties and fees on parcels?

Hello, please ask the question of the State Customs Committee: how to pay the duty? That is, will it be possible to pay directly at the post office or will it be necessary to go somewhere? And what about those who do not live in Minsk?

Customs payments are payable by the recipient at the post office where the IGO will be issued. Informing the recipient about the need to pay customs duties is carried out by the postal operator.

How do I know that customs has a package for me (no tracking number)? Is there an option to view somewhere on the Internet by phone number and address?

To obtain information about the delivery of MPS to the Republic of Belarus, its presentation to the customs authority, the number of MPS received by the recipient during the calendar month, their cost and weight, you must contact the national postal operator - RUE "Belpochta".

It turns out that, having ordered one parcel worth €22, I will be able to receive the next one only in a month. But how do I know how long the package will take? She can be in Minsk either a week later, or a month or more later. And if another parcel of the same value arrives, but ordered a month later? Pay a fee? (Maxim Zelkovsky)

Decree No. 360 determines that in order to control compliance with the import standards for goods sent to the MPO, exempted from customs payments, the customs authorities take into account the date of registration of the MPO at the temporary storage warehouse.

Do I need to pay duties on parcels from Russia and Kazakhstan?

Are these limits imposed on parcels from the SES countries - Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan (are the SES countries considered abroad)? (Denis Gulin)

It should be assumed that your question is about IGOs ​​sent between the member states of the EAEU, which currently includes the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation.

In this case, such IGOs ​​are considered intra-Union postal items, are not subject to customs control, and customs operations are not performed in relation to them. And customs payments are not paid.

What is the parcel limit for minors?

I ask you to clarify the possibility of receiving parcels with an estimated value of up to €22 and a weight of up to 10 kilograms by minor citizens of the Republic of Belarus. Are they eligible recipients? If not, please clarify this question in terms of tax code The Republic of Belarus. What will happen to shipments to them? Which persons will be authorized to make additional payments in the event that the customs authorities of Belarus accrue such payments on parcels sent to children? (Vereshchagin P. A.)

These persons may act as recipients of goods sent to the IGO. The rate of duty-free importation of goods will be calculated for each recipient upon receipt of goods to his address.

In accordance with paragraph four of part three of clause 3 of Article 8 of the Agreement on the procedure for the movement by individuals of goods for personal use across the customs border of the Customs Union and the performance of customs operations related to their release, dated June 18, 2010, by the declarant of goods for personal use sent to the IGO, is the sender.

At the same time, Article 316 of the Customs Code of the Customs Union does not define who is obliged to make customs payments in respect of goods sent to the IGO. In connection with the above, a person who is entitled to receive such an IGO is entitled to make customs payments accrued by the customs authority.

How to transport "used" things across the border?

If I travel abroad more than once every three months with a laptop worth at least €300, do I need to declare it every time? That is, every time to go through a crowded red corridor? Or will it be necessary to somehow prove to the customs officer upon returning home that this laptop belongs to me and I did not buy it abroad? (Vitaly)

What is the algorithm for the import/export of personal belongings? (I suspect that there is nothing in the laws about the purpose of the trip.) To declare all clothes, a camera, a laptop every time you leave the Republic of Belarus? It’s just that with a limit of 20 kilograms it’s more or less clear, but the cost is € 300 ... Will it not turn out that some customs officer will “shoot” in the head with the idea that my things (albeit second-hand ones) cost more in total? (Daria)

Approaches to the assessment of new and used goods have not changed. The restrictions imposed by Decree No. 40 do not apply to used goods imported back in an unchanged condition (except for normal wear and tear) after export, if their value does not exceed €1,500 and total weight does not exceed 50 kilograms.

In the event that a declaration was made at the time of departure, a passenger ticket may be provided. customs declaration filled upon export. If no declaration was made at the time of departure, then as part of the customs control.

I live permanently in Lithuania, I have a temporary residence permit. However, it will soon end, and I will need to return to Belarus. For all the years that I have been living abroad, I have “overgrown” with things, including expensive equipment. How can I transport all this painlessly for my budget?

Benefits for persons returning (moving) to a permanent place of residence in the Republic of Belarus are subject to the conditions stipulated by the international treaty of the Republic of Belarus. Regulations on this issue are posted on the website of the State Customs Committee.

Decree No. 40 does not apply to this category of persons.

I travel often and without shopping, why can't I buy for €1500 later?

Let's say I went abroad a week ago, or 15 times in the last three months, but didn't import anything. Why should I be subject to restrictions of €300 and 20 kilos? After all, the decree clearly states that goods will not be classified as goods for personal use if they are imported more than once every three calendar months. (Dmitry Akhrem)

When applying the norms of Decree No. 40, customs officers will take into account each crossing by an individual of the Belarusian section of the external border of the EAEU (with the exception of air transport), and not the import of goods.

When does the countdown of three months start when crossing the border?

The countdown of three months will start after trips from April 14, or if you returned to Belarus on March 30, and then wanted to go on April 15, then the countdown will start from March 30? (Alexander Alexeychuk)

The provisions of Decree No. 40 apply from 04/14/2016. The countdown of three calendar months starts from this date.

For example, if an individual imports goods for personal use on 14.04.2016, the cost and weight characteristics for classifying goods as goods for personal use (€300 and 20 kilograms) will not apply when importing goods from 01.07.2016.

When can I exceed the limit of €300 and 20 kilograms? And are there any exceptions?

Can I bring a purchase worth more than €300 from abroad if I have to travel there weekly for work (driver on international routes)?

If a person works abroad and crosses it often, it turns out that he should bring himself some household appliances without customs payments he will not succeed?

Will there be exceptions for those who often travel abroad for work? (Anastasia)

Decree No. 40 does not regulate legal relations related to the departure of persons, the purpose or duration of such a departure. Regardless of the reason for which a citizen goes abroad (business trip, trip, visiting relatives, etc.), when importing goods more than once every three months, goods for personal use will be classified as goods worth no more than €300 and weighing no more than 20 kilograms.

These norms do not include used goods that were previously exported and imported by citizens back in unchanged condition (for example, mobile phones, cameras, tablets, laptops, etc.) necessary for staying abroad.

However, the movement of goods by air not taken into account by the customs authorities for the purposes of applying the decree.

How will they check the excess of the €300 limit for those who travel abroad more than three times a month?

My mother lives in Ukraine (in the Kyiv region), we go to her family at least twice a month. Well, we are bringing back some products to Gomel. So the question is: I drive more than once a quarter. Accordingly, I can carry goods weighing no more than 20 kilograms and costing no more than €300. What should I do if I bring 10 kilograms of cherries, 10 kilograms of sweet cherries and 2 kilograms of beets during the season? How will customs weigh it? What will you have to pay? And how much will the customs clearance time increase if now the customs officers check the car for about 15 minutes? And if I'm traveling by train, how will they check in this case? Will they drop me off for overweight or send me back? Please explain. Thank you.

If you import several items of goods, including types of food, you will independently determine among them goods (food), the total customs value and (or) weight of which does not exceed €300 and 20 kilograms. In this case, since the total weight of cherries, sweet cherries and beets is 22 kilograms, you yourself will determine what is carried in excess.

The time spent by the inspector on customs control (inspection (inspection), weighing and other procedures) depends on the amount of goods being moved and the willingness of the person to facilitate (unload, open the package, give explanations, and so on) the necessary forms of control.

The forms of conducting customs control and the procedure for conducting customs control have not changed.

If I carry food, powders, clothes along the green corridor, and the total weight is more than 20 kilograms, what will happen in this case? Surcharge? Will they not be sent through the red corridor?

If an individual entering through the customs border of the EAEU in the Republic of Belarus after crossing the line marking the exit (exit) from the green corridor is found to have goods in excess of the import norm, the actions of such a person are seen signs administrative offense provided for in Article 14.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (non-declaration of goods). The transfer from the green corridor to the red is not provided for by law.

Will minors be taken into account when transporting goods across the border?

Will minors be taken into account when transporting goods across the border? For example, we are traveling as a family of five people: two adults and three children (2, 7 and 10 years old). Will duty-free import be valid for goods worth €1,500 and 100 kilos, or €600 and 40 kilos? (Dmitry Brukhanchik)

Is it possible to declare goods for minor children?

Duty-free import norms apply to goods regardless of the age of the person moving them. The age of a citizen is taken into account only when moving alcoholic products, beer and tobacco products. It should be noted that only adult citizens can import alcohol and tobacco products.

Customs declaration of goods for a person under the age of sixteen is carried out by a person accompanying him (one of the parents, an adoptive parent, guardian or custodian of this person, another person accompanying him or a representative of the carrier in the absence of accompanying persons, and in the event of an organized departure (entry) of a group of minors persons unaccompanied by parents, adoptive parents, guardians or trustees, other persons - by the head of the group or the representative of the carrier).

Will the rules apply to a car or a person? If, for example, the situation is this: my sister drives less than once a month, and I drive more than once a month in the same car?

Duty-free import rules apply to goods transported by a specific citizen, and not by a vehicle.

Is it possible to carry one thing for two?

If two people cross the border in a car, is it possible to carry a TV worth €600, that is, €300 for each person? (Natalya Shumilova)

It should be understood that, in accordance with the law, one unit (set) of goods can only be moved by one person, that is, in this case it will be considered that one TV set is imported by one person.

Will these restrictions be applied if there was a border crossing at the airport, and then a person went by car or train to Lithuania before the expiration of three months?

Will the restrictions imposed by the decree (€300, 20 kilograms) apply if I cross the border of Belarus by car for the first time in a long time, and before that I often (including less than three months ago) crossed the border by plane? (Dmitry Zikratsky)

In accordance with the first part of subparagraph 1.18 of paragraph 1 of Decree No. 360 (as amended by Decree No. 40), goods for personal use do not include goods imported across the customs border of the EAEU in the Republic of Belarus by individuals in accompanied and unaccompanied baggage more than once every three calendar months if the customs value of such goods exceeds the equivalent of €300 and/or the total weight exceeds 20 kilograms.

Thus, for customs purposes, information on the crossing by individuals customs border in the Republic of Belarus (when entering the territory of the Republic of Belarus). At the same time, the number of crossings by an individual of the customs border by air, as well as at checkpoints through the “non-Belarusian” section of the customs border of the EAEU for these purposes is not taken into account.

How to bring things through Russia?

How to properly arrange the transportation of goods purchased in the Kaliningrad region if you travel by land transport in transit through Lithuania/Poland? If I understand correctly, then it should not fall under the decree.

How to pay duties?

Products, powders will also fall under the limit of no more than 20 kilograms? How will products be priced? What if it's overweight? How to pay?

Yes, the provisions of Decree No. 360 (as amended by Decree No. 40) apply to these categories of goods. The procedure for evaluating new and used goods has not changed.

The customs value of goods for personal use is determined in accordance with Article 361 of the Customs Code of the Customs Union. Goods that exceed the cost and (or) weight characteristics specified in the above decree are subject to customs declaration and are subject to the customs procedures provided for by the Customs Code of the Customs Union, using a declaration for goods with payment of due customs duties and taxes.

At the end of the week, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said that the EurAsEC countries had finally agreed on thresholds for duty-free online shopping. And, it seems, this is good news for Belarusian shoppers.

WHAT'S HAPPENED

February 2 Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev said that the EurAsEC countries agreed and made a decision: the thresholds for duty-free online trading will change. And if the inhabitants of Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are unlikely to be happy about this news, then Belarusians and Armenians can breathe a sigh of relief.

Now the thresholds for duty-free importation in the EAEU countries are not unified: in Belarus - 22 euros, in Armenia - 150 dollars, in Kazakhstan and Russia - 1 thousand euros, in Kyrgyzstan - 1 thousand dollars.

“From January 1, 2019, the threshold is set at 500 euros, and from January 1, 2020, at 200 euros. The Interfax agency quotes Medvedev, who made a statement at a press conference following the meeting of the heads of government of the EurAsEC countries.

WHY BELARUS INTRODUCED THE RATE OF 22 EURO

Limits on parcels from abroad and the import of goods from abroad were introduced in Belarus on April 14, 2016. The main reason that the Belarusian authorities appealed to when changing the norm was a significant increase in the volume of imports of goods on a commercial scale to individuals without paying customs duties.

Since that time, an ordinary Belarusian has the right to receive goods from abroad by mail for no more than 22 euros and weighing no more than 10 kilograms per month. If the limit is exceeded, the duty will be 30% of the customs value of the goods, but not less than 4 euros per kilogram.

As a result, in 2016 Belarusians received 12.7 million international postal items, and only 1% of them, according to the State Customs Committee, exceeded the limit of 22 euros.

AND WHAT IS IT

The Belarusians quickly realized that it was possible to order parcels through Russia - as a result, the State Customs Committee made a statement that such schemes were illegal, and some merchants.

It would seem that everyone should be happy: according to officials, Belarusian manufacturers and large domestic online stores benefited from the limits. Like ordinary Belarusians: “There was a certain surge at the stage when changes were taking place. But today everything is back to normal. Whoever wants to buy things for personal use of insignificant value does it without any problems, ”the chairman of the State Customs Committee assured in March 2016 Yuri Senko.

However, in the summer of 2017, the then Deputy Minister of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade Irina Narkevich that since the introduction of limits on parcels, Belpochta has lost a fairly large amount of money.

“We knew that there would be a redistribution of the flow of goods to the territory of Russia - the post offices of the Bryansk and Smolensk regions are now actively working for Belarus. Therefore, the post office is now actively initiating the return of the previous amounts of limits.

Parcel processing point at the post office.

SO WILL INCREASE RATES IN BELARUS OR NOT?

At the end of 2017, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Belarus Vladimir Orlovsky said: in the EAEU countries, the norms of duty-free import of goods will gradually decrease and will change in 2018. Judging by the statements of Dmitry Medvedev, the schedule for reducing (and for Belarusians - increasing) the norms for the import of goods is a settled matter.

It remains to be seen when exactly the changes will take place and whether we will be able to place orders for Asos and AliExpress in the amount of 500 euros for at least a year.

By the way, Vladimir Orlovsky clarified: the EAEU member countries have the right to set limits on duty-free import of goods at a lower level than the agreed ones. So, maybe we rejoice early ...

The number of parcels from China has increased, respectively, this has become the reason for tightening the rules for their duty-free import to Belarus in order to prevent commercial purchases on the Aliexpress website and not only.

From April 14, 2016, residents of the Republic of Belarus should be attentive to orders from abroad. Even if you bought a small mobile gadget at a huge discount and did not exceed 22 euros. If at the same time on the parcel it is indicated mobile phone and its value is presumably underestimated, the customs service may open an incoming international postal item. We wrote about various ways to avoid paying tax in an article. Read on to try and avoid further paperwork and additional government spending.

But now, you still received a notification from the customs control authorities.

How will the tax be paid if the limit of twenty-two euros is exceeded?

In this case your package is being sent to the customs temporary storage warehouse. After that, you will receive a notification letter with a request to provide proof of the value of the goods, or with a request to agree that the customs service will independently evaluate the value of your package and most likely it will be at the market price.

What to send to customs:

• sales receipt (usually, at your request, the seller sends it in a parcel, along with the goods);
• payment receipt (print out when you make a payment, or look for it in your e-mail, some electronic payment systems duplicate such data when making a payment);
• an extract from the card account on payment with a bank mark (with details). This method will not help if you made other purchases on the same day, since the amount will actually be more than this order;
• take a screenshot of the screen and print it, where you can see the cost of the order and all its data;
• write an explanatory note in which you indicate the circumstances of such a low purchase price.

Documents will need to be urgently sent by mail (better by registered mail with notification) at the address: Minsk National Airport, 86, 220054, Minsk.

The period of storage of your parcel is calculated from the day following the day of registration by the customs authority of the documents submitted for placing goods in temporary storage and is two months.

In case of non-submission of documents and information, a declaration for goods (if required), or the expiration of the period of temporary storage of goods, as well as the return of the Notice with the note “there are no documents, please evaluate the goods sent in international mail on your own”, the parcel will be returned back to the sender .

So, you want to receive your order and all the documents you have on it you sent. After a while, you will receive a notification from the post office that you need to pick up the package. If customs service your given circumstances were not taken into account , you receive the parcel and the customs receipt order, fill out the form for the payment of cash on delivery. Now you will have to pay at your post office the amount of tax calculated by customs (30% of the amount of the parcel) and a customs fee of 5 euros.

Since April 14, 2016 in the Republic of Belarus, the norms for duty-free receipt of goods in postal items have changed. Without paying customs duties, one person is allowed to receive property worth no more than 22 euros and weighing up to 10 kilograms. Parcels that do not fit into set limit are not prohibited, however, the amount of exceeding the permissible norms is subject to customs duties, in addition, the payment of a fixed customs fee becomes mandatory.

The above restrictions are established in the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 40 dated February 11, 2016.

Payments for parcels to individuals exceeding the established norms are paid in the same way as commercial consignments of goods. Currently size customs duty is (in most cases) 30% of the cost; the amount of the customs fee depends on the type of goods, for example, you will have to pay 5 euros for a phone.

The calculation mechanism can be visualized as a simple arithmetic problem:

• Parcel cost: 100 euros;
• Amount exceeding the limit: 100 - 22 = 78 euros;
• 30% of 78 euros = 23.4 euros;
• customs duty- 5 euros;
• Total: 23.4 + 5 = 28.4 euros.

In case of exceeding the limit by weight, but not by value, the calculation is even simpler: 4 euros for each kilogram in excess of 10 allowed.

The recipient of the parcel will be able to learn about the accrued customs payments from the telecom operator. You can also pay them at the post office upon receipt of the goods.

Limits and duties on parcels are usually considered as a kind of protective measures to protect the domestic market from cheaper imported goods, and also as a way of taxing citizens who purchase commercial consignments of goods under the guise of things for personal use. All the introduced restrictions are directed mainly against online stores of far-abroad countries. However, officially all parcels from abroad are in the same position, i.e. even gifts from foreign relatives may be subject to duties and taxes.

Here it is worth warning that the deliberate underestimation of the cost of the parcel becomes at least a thankless task. Customs have sufficient information about the price range of most common products

The opinion that postal items from abroad harm the domestic and contribute to illegal enrichment was expressed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich, a few months before the signing of Decree No. 40. Such statements met with a lot of criticism. In particular, it was stated that 80-90% of Belarusians do not receive parcels from abroad. That a significant part of imported goods arriving by mail is not produced in the Republic. And finally, they reminded of the "transparency" of the internal borders of the Customs Union. Thanks to this, recipients of commercial consignments of goods or simply expensive parcels can order them to an address in Russia or another country of the Customs Union (where the cost limits are hundreds of times higher) and pay for shipping services to Belarus. An increase in revenue due to the new rules has not yet been reported. According to online surveys, the majority of respondents intend to give up expensive parcels from abroad. This does not guarantee a commensurate increase in budget revenues, but, of course, it is unpleasant for domestic buyers.

The EAEU proposes a gradual alignment of limits on goods for personal use sent in international mail and express cargo. Irina Narkevich, Deputy Minister of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade, announced this on June 8 at a round table on electronic commerce.

Alignment of limits is a matter for discussion by the Eurasian Economic Commission, Irina Narkevich clarified.

Previously, the site that the EEC proposes to reduce the limits on international postal items from abroad to the territory of the EAEU. From January 1, 2019, it is proposed to reduce the norms to 500 euros and 31 kilograms per calendar month for one individual, from January 1, 2020 - to 200 euros and 31 kilograms.

According to Irina Narkevich, the introduction of limits up to 200 euros is a premature decision today.

“We consider this issue, having discussed it with the business community, including large Internet sites and the Internet association, and representatives of domestic enterprises, premature,” said Irina Narkevich.

Recall that the limits for parcels from abroad and from abroad were April 14, 2016. The reason for tightening the limits of duty-free import of goods was a significant increase in the volume of import of goods on a commercial scale to individuals without paying customs duties. Behind last year Belarusians received 12.7 million international postal items, and only 1% of them, according to the State Customs Committee, exceeded the limit of 22 euros. Belarusians paid 2.4 million rubles for exceeding the limits last year.

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