05.11.2026 Regulation #Russia #Import #Duties

Russia raises import duty on spirits from unfriendly countries to 35%

On 31 October 2026 the Russian government signed two resolutions changing import duty rates on goods from unfriendly countries. Both were published on 3 November on the official legal information portal: No. 1441 and No. 1445. The rate on spirits under most subheadings of 2208 rose from 20%, but not less than 3 euros per litre, to 35%, but not less than 5 euros per litre. The second resolution introduces duties on rubber crumb and isopropylbenzene hydroperoxide. All new and amended rates are set through 31 December 2027 inclusive.

Rate changes under heading 2208

Resolution No. 1441 amends Resolution No. 2240 of 7 December 2022, which lists rates for goods from unfriendly states. The rate of 35%, but not less than 5 euros per litre now applies to:

2208 20 (except 2208 20 890 0): spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc;
2208 30: whisky;
2208 40: rum and other spirits distilled from fermented sugar cane products;
2208 50: gin and juniper spirit;
2208 60: vodka;
2208 70: liqueurs;
2208 90 (except 2208 90 690 1 and 2208 90 780 1): undenatured ethyl alcohol of less than 80% vol., spirits (other than liqueurs) and other spirit drinks.

The previous rate was 20%, but not less than 3 euros per litre. One line keeps it: grape distillates in containers of more than 2 litres (2208 20 890 0) remain at 20%, but not less than 3 euros per litre.

Resolution No. 1441 contains no separate provision on its entry into force. According to the explanatory note to the 2027–2029 draft budget, cited by Interfax, the increase is expected to bring an additional 10 billion roubles in 2027.

Rubber crumb and isopropylbenzene hydroperoxide

Resolution No. 1445 adds two lines to the same list:

4004 00 000 0: rubber crumb obtained by mechanical crushing of used tyres, 35%;
2909 60 000 0: isopropylbenzene hydroperoxide (cumene hydroperoxide) and its synonyms, 25%.

Both rates apply to goods from unfriendly states, except Hungary and Slovakia. The rate for 2909 60 000 0 carries footnote 5, and the amended footnote 1 makes an exception for that case from the general rule to be guided exclusively by the TN VED EAEU code, so for this line the product name also matters. Origin is determined under the EAEU non-preferential rules; the country of the seller or of intermediate shipment does not determine it.

Interfax reports that isopropylbenzene hydroperoxide is a feedstock for phenol and acetone, while rubber crumb is used in road construction, technical rubber goods and surfacing for sports and playgrounds.

Implications for importers

For imports of spirits from unfriendly countries both components of the rate change: the ad valorem part rises from 20% to 35% and the minimum charge from 3 to 5 euros per litre. For rubber crumb and the hydroperoxide the country of origin is decisive, as supplies from Hungary and Slovakia fall outside the new rates.

Resolution No. 1445 takes effect seven days after the day of its official publication, that is, after 3 November 2026. Rates in both documents apply through 31 December 2027 inclusive.

Primary sources

Mentioned codes

2208 2909

This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice or customs consulting. Verify changes against the primary sources before acting.