The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade has decided to temporarily introduce a norm on the presence of Belarusian goods in the retail assortment. This is codified in a decree of the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade dated 20 August 2026, No. 48. The document will take effect 15 days after its official publication, that is, from 10 September.

What are the positive aspects of this regulatory act? First, the guaranteed presence of domestic goods: the norm ensures a minimum, but guaranteed set of Belarusian products even in small retail outlets. Second, consumer choice will be preserved: the Ministry emphasizes that Belarusian goods will appear not in place of, but alongside imported items. The mandatory list is the minimum, beyond which stores may offer imported goods as well. Third, we must not forget the important task of ensuring national food security.

Let’s look at the statistics. At the end of the first half of 2026, the share of domestically produced goods in trade was 54.6%. By the end of 2026, the share should reach 58%. By the end of 2030, it should be 63%. To achieve these targets, corresponding measures must be taken. The main goal is not to punish but to help present Belarusian products on the shelves.

Moreover, the entire procedure for updating the lists takes no more than three days. To approve a list of goods, one must contact the district or city executive committee, the district administration in Minsk, at the location of the retail outlet. Approval is free of charge.

Photo from the myfin.by website, illustrative.