Russia raises duty on spirits from ‘unfriendly’ countries from 20% to 35%

Russia’s government approved the higher spirits duties on 31 October. The previous duty had applied since September 2024 and was calculated as a percentage of the goods' customs value, subject to a minimum charge per liter. Interfax said, citing the government decree, that the rate and minimum have both increased, according to The Moscow Times.

The duties cover whiskey, rum, gin, liqueurs, brandies, tinctures and undenatured ethyl alcohol. They apply to imports from the 49 countries Russia designates as “unfriendly,” including European Union members, the US and the UK. Those countries imposed sanctions on Moscow after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Expected prices and revenue

Alcohol industry experts previously told Kommersant that the higher duties would likely reach retail prices once existing stocks run out. They said the increase aims to boost demand for Russian-made spirits, but warned that domestic producers' sales growth could remain limited as alcohol consumption gradually declines.

Russia’s 2027–29 draft budget estimates that the increase will bring the federal government an additional 10 billion rubles (about $122 million) in 2027, Interfax said.

The Moscow Times report does not specify a precise start date for the approved duties. An earlier budget proposal had envisaged a 1 January 2027 start; the approved tariffs are stated to remain in effect through 31 December 2027.