OREANDA-NEWS  On 25 September was announced, that the Economy Ministry of Belarus passed a new instruction on formation of prices and tariffs by resolution #183 dated September 10, 2008. The document comes into effect on September 14, 2008 and does not apply to commodities shipped and paid for before this date.

Importers form selling prices by adding a markup that may not exceed 30% to contractual prices, customs payments, transport and insurance costs and loan interests.

The rules do not apply to 49 commodities on the list annexed to the resolution. The 36 foods and 13 non-foods on the list are subject to various markups depending on the market situation.

Contractual prices denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Belarusian rubles using the official exchange rate of the central bank as of the date of price formation.

Processing costs may also be included in the selling price.

Wholesalers are authorized to add a markup not exceeding 20% to the selling price of importers irrespective of the number of wholesalers at this phase.

Sales of commodities acquired from non-residents in Belarus’ territory [except for acquisition by non-resident sellers of goods of foreign origin from residents] are subject to a markup not exceeding 20% irrespective of the number of wholesalers at this phase.

Retail prices are formed by adding a markup not exceeding 30% to procurement [importers’ selling] prices.

When acquiring products from a wholesale link, retailer is authorized to add a markup adjusted for the wholesale markup already added.

If commodity procurement is subject to a bulk discount, the markup is added to the procurement price set by the producer or importer.

Producers and importers are entitled to influence price formation by granting retailers discounts not exceeding maximum markups [for 49 commodities on the list discounts are to be agreed by concerned parties].