Romania To Ban Sale Of Alcoholic Drinks, Tobacco In Duty-Free Shops Within 45 Days

Under the order, the sale of alcoholic drinks and tobacco products in duty-free shops will be banned after the 45-day deadline expires.

"Within 45 days from the coming into effect of the order, companies authorized to sell goods in duty-free shops must exhaust their stocks of distilled alcoholic beverages and tobacco products in authorized duty-free shops, so that these products will no longer be sold in duty-free shops after the 45-day deadline expires," according to the order.

The order also bans, starting February 12, the transfer of alcoholic drinks and tobacco products between duty-free shops owned by the same economic operator.

Products that can still be sold in duty-free shops include beer, soft drinks, wines, vermouth and other fermented beverages, jewelry, food products, white and brown goods, digital products, perfumes, office accessories, sparkling water, small photo cameras, sportswear, fur and leather clothing, items made of crystal, porcelain, wood, metal (excluding furniture), optical items, hand-made items, phone cards, video and audio tapes, DVDs, books, magazines and newspapers, watches, lighters, music instruments, toys, software programs, soaps and paintings.

Early February this year, sources close to the matter told MEDIAFAX that the Romanian Government empowered competent ministries to start drafting the normative act meant to limit the sale of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages in duty-free shops, in a move to crack down on illicit trade.

In November 2009, Romania said it plans to discard tax incentives it granted to duty-free shops, which are exempt from customs duties, to stop issuing authorizations for new shops and raise the current EUR10,000 permit fee to a level that should discourage illicit trade.

In December 2009, the Government said it plans to limit the quantity of tobacco and alcohol that can be purchased for personal consumption by a single individual in duty-free shops, in a bid to reduce tax evasion and increase budget revenue.

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