Life Will Never Be the Same: What Changes Await Belarusian Business from September 1, 2026

Author and Editor-in-Chief: Vitaly Kisterny 02.09.2026 00:53:57

From September 1, 2026, a whole range of normative acts affecting trade, construction, logistics, and labor relations come into force in Belarus.

On the eve of autumn, the government and relevant departments approved more than ten innovations that will affect both large enterprises and small businesses, including agro-estates and retail chains.

On the eve of the business season, the editorial board has gathered the key changes that entrepreneurs should be aware of right now.

Photo: © Belnovosti / Belarusian Money. Illustration for the article: Life Will Never Be the Same: What Changes Await Belarusian Business from September 1, 2026. Author Vitaly KisternyAssortment Under Control: Only Your Own

One of the most notable changes for retail trade will be the tightening of requirements for the formation of mandatory product lists. According to the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade (MART) Resolution No. 48 dated August 20, 2026, from September 10, stores are required to stock the established minimum assortment exclusively with products of Belarusian manufacture.

Previously, a relaxation was in effect that allowed positions to be replaced with goods from other EAEU member states. The new rule applies to all types of trade facilities — from supermarkets and specialized stores to discounters, kiosks, and auto shops.

At the same time, this is not about introducing a single mandatory share of Belarusian goods on the shelves — the requirement concerns precisely the structure of the mandatory assortment.

Logistics Is Getting More Expensive: Freight and Construction

Those who use railway services should budget for additional expenses. From August 14, MART, by its Resolution No. 45 dated August 12, 2026, increased the base level of regulated tariffs for freight transportation within the country by an average of 9.5%.

This directly affects the cost of delivering products and raw materials for many enterprises.

In parallel, the Ministry of Economy published forecast price indices in construction for the coming three years. According to Resolution No. 24 dated August 11, 2026, prices will rise by 7.6% in 2026, by 6.6% in 2027, and by 5.6% in 2028.

However, when preparing estimates, contractors can now factor in a more substantial increase in the cost of construction and installation works themselves: 11.4% in the current year, 9.8% in the next, and 8.9% in 2028.

These indices are designed to compensate for the possible increase in costs until the facilities are commissioned.

Alcohol Map and New Licenses

The list of approved players in the production of spirits has been updated. From August 19, a new list of organizations permitted to produce and sell original alcoholic beverages, approved by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 414 dated August 14, 2026, is in effect.

It includes 28 legal entities that have cultural, ethnographic, and tourism facilities within their structure. The production and sale of such beverages is possible exclusively at facilities included in the list.

Foreign economic activity has also come under additional control. From August 15, the Council of Ministers, by Resolution No. 411 dated August 13, 2026, "On Licensing the Import and Export of Certain Types of Goods," introduced licensing for the import and export of a number of goods.

When exporting, a permit will now be required for waste paper and glass waste. It is no longer possible to import without a license wood-based panels, wooden windows and doors, paper and cardboard, paper bags and sacks, as well as certain types of wooden furniture.

The restrictions are established until February 14, 2027.

Budget Sector and Goods Traceability

From September 1, the base rate on which the salaries of employees of budgetary organizations and related categories depend will increase. Council of Ministers Resolution No. 418 dated August 17, 2026 increases this indicator to 300 rubles. This is already the second increase in the base rate in the current year — it also grew from January 1.

The increase will make it possible to raise the wages of 770 thousand employees in the budgetary sector. Since many incentive and compensatory payments are tied to the base rate, the increase will automatically trigger corresponding bonuses and surcharges.

On the same day, September 1, the mechanism for tracing certain imported goods within the EAEU is launched on a permanent basis. The decision of the EEC Council No. 68 dated May 20, 2026 added household refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, televisions, and certain television equipment to the list.

The system makes it possible to track the movement of such goods between the member states, and Belarusian companies working with these products are required to submit information about their turnover to the traceability system.

The decision enters into force on September 1, 2026.

Technical Regulations and Agro-Ecotourism

Machinery and equipment manufacturers should pay attention to the amendments to the EAEU technical regulation, which also take effect on September 1. Under Decision of the EEC Council No. 36 dated March 13, 2026 "On Amendments to the Technical Regulation of the Customs Union 'On Safety of Machinery and Equipment' (TR TS 010/2011)," the requirements for informing certification bodies are being tightened — manufacturers are now required to report any changes in design or production technology that may affect product safety.

Previously issued certificates remain valid until the end of their term, but no later than September 1, 2031.

Finally, adjustments have also affected the sphere of agroecotourism. Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 403 dated August 8, 2026 increased the maximum number of residential rooms in an agro-estate from 10 to 15, and also expanded the list of permitted services.

For owners of estates located in regions remote from major population centers, an alternative is provided: instead of a tax, they may pay a special fee, the rate of which from January 1, 2026 is set at 45 rubles.

All the listed normative acts have already been published and are available for detailed review. Entrepreneurs are advised to carefully study those that relate directly to their field of activity in order to enter the autumn season without legal and financial surprises.

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