Photo from open sources, illustrative in nature

Domestic goods will become more abundant on store shelves, but imports will also be sold on an equal footing. This was stated to journalists by First Deputy Minister of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade Natalia Vasilevskaya, commenting on the introduction of a new norm in trade.

The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade has decided to temporarily introduce a norm regarding the presence of Belarusian products in the trade assortment. This is codified in the MART resolution dated August 20, 2026, No. 48. The document will enter into force 15 days after its official publication, i.e., from September 10.

«In my view, there will be no major changes for retail outlets. I am confident that even today, the mandatory assortment list that has been brought to our retail outlets has largely been met through Belarusian products. Especially when it comes to food. All of us enter a store and see an abundance of domestic cheese, dairy, sausage, confectionery products. The mandatory list contains the minimum number of product items that must be available on the shelf. Beyond that, both the retail chain and a small rural shop determine their own assortment policy. If foreign-made goods are in demand, they will be placed alongside Belarusian goods and sold on equal terms. Therefore, no problems should arise for retail chains,» said Natalia Vasilevskaya.

She pointed out that when forming the list, it was also taken into account whether domestic producers could provide the necessary number of varieties. «If these are critical import goods that are produced in Belarus in insufficient quantities, there is a note that this list may also be complied with through foreign-made goods,» noted the first deputy minister.

Natalia Vasilevskaya noted that there is administrative liability, but the fines are small. And if a violation of the assortment list is found for the first time, the business entity will be limited to a warning. «It is not the goal to fine or punish someone.