When traveling beyond the Republic of Belarus, we sometimes want to purchase one thing or another. However, it is essential to consider the customs rules. Thus, the duty-free limit for the Republic of Belarus is possible within certain limits of cost and weight. If the norms are exceeded, it is necessary to pay customs duties.

The Mogilev customs office provides a clear example.

Question:

I bought a new iPhone in Poland for 1500 euros. I am returning to Belarus in my car. Do I need to pay duty to avoid violating the laws of the Republic of Belarus?

Answer:

Yes, when importing the said smartphone into the territory of the Republic of Belarus, you must pay the import customs duty. According to Article 266 of the Customs Code of the EAEU and Appendix No. 1 to the Decision of the EEC Council No. 107 for goods for personal use, imported by land transport (or on foot), the duty-free limit for the Republic of Belarus is 500 euros, and the weight limit is 25 kg.

Since the cost of the smartphone exceeds this threshold, a single rate is applied, established by point 2 of Table 1 of Appendix No. 2 to the Decision of the EEC Council No. 107: 30% of the cost in excess of the limit, but not less than 4 euros per 1 kg (in the given example, there is no weight excess).

Therefore, you must pay:

• 1000 euros x 30% = 300 euros.

• Additionally, you must also pay a customs fee of 10 Belarusian rubles.

• At the border, you need to go through the "red" corridor and declare the smartphone, - the Mogilev customs office summarized.