Rising Tobacco and Alcohol Prices in Belarus

Feb.27.2023
Rising Tobacco and Alcohol Prices in Belarus
Belarus raises tobacco and alcohol taxes, leading to price increases and plans to align with Russian rates by 2028.

On February 26th, according to reports from Belarusian media, the average price of tobacco products in January increased by 14.2% compared to December 2022 due to an increase in consumption tax on January 1st of this year. The price of vodka also rose by 4.7%.


According to the agreement on indirect taxes between Belarus and Russia, Belarus will increase its excise tax rates on cigarettes and alcohol for the next three years.


As per the plan, the tax rate for the second category of cigarettes will be aligned with Russia's consumption tax rate in October this year.


By the end of this year, the tax rate for the first category of cigarettes will be approximately 35% lower than that of Russia, and by the end of 2024, it will decrease by about 25%. According to the regulations outlined in this document, the tax rate will balance with Russia by 2028.


Starting from March 1st, Tabak-Invest company will increase the prices of many cigarette brands. For example, Camel Blue and Camel Yellow will rise by 30 kopecks to reach 4.65 Russian rubles (approximately 12.8 Chinese yuan), Winston Classic and Winston Blue will also increase by 30 kopecks to reach 5.5 Russian rubles (approximately 15.5 Chinese yuan), and Winston XS Purple Mix will increase by 25 kopecks to reach 5.25 Russian rubles (approximately 14.5 Chinese yuan).


Reference(s):


At the beginning of this year, prices for cigarettes and vodka skyrocketed. Walmart explained how this is related to the closer ties with Russia.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Germany's Four-Year Tobacco Tax Plan Heads to Parliament as BAT, JTI and PMI Push for Changes
Germany's Four-Year Tobacco Tax Plan Heads to Parliament as BAT, JTI and PMI Push for Changes
Germany's parliament is scheduled to hold a first reading of amendments to the Tobacco Tax Act on September 24. The government plans annual tax increases from 2027 through 2030 covering cigarettes, heated tobacco, vaping liquids and other categories. It expects the reform to generate €756 million in additional revenue in 2027, rising to €3.589 billion in additional annual revenue by 2030. Ahead of the parliamentary debate, the German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Novel Products, or BVTE, launched the "Tabaksteuer mit Augenmaß" campaign backed by BAT, JTI, Philip Morris, Reemtsma and wholesale and retail groups.
Sep.23
Product | JTI Introduces Fully Dissolvable PERLZ Nicotine Pearls in UK, Expands Range From 30-Pearl Dispensers to 10-Pearl Sachets
Product | JTI Introduces Fully Dissolvable PERLZ Nicotine Pearls in UK, Expands Range From 30-Pearl Dispensers to 10-Pearl Sachets
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has introduced PERLZ nicotine pearls in the UK, expanding its oral nicotine portfolio beyond conventional nicotine pouches. The fully dissolvable, multi-layer pearls are placed under the tongue and come in Mint and Berry flavors at concentrations of 1mg/g and 2mg/g, equivalent to approximately 0.3mg and 0.5mg of nicotine per pearl. UK retailer Haypp published four 30-pearl dispenser listings on July 31, 2026, followed by three 10-pearl sachet products on August 17. The dispensers retail for £6.50, while the sachets cost £2.50.
product
Oct.12
On-Site Report | After FDA Announces Review of PMTA Framework, CTP Director Details Reform Priorities
On-Site Report | After FDA Announces Review of PMTA Framework, CTP Director Details Reform Priorities
FDA CTP Director Bret Koplow used his FDLI keynote in Washington to outline how the agency is rethinking the PMTA framework. He discussed category-specific review, nicotine pouch and sPMTA pilots, AI-assisted review, a 70% reduction in pending applications, and a major staffing constraint: CTP currently has only nine scientific review teams. He also reaffirmed tobacco harm reduction while stressing youth protection, flavored products, risk communication, and the challenge of unauthorized e-cigarettes.
Regulations
Oct.06
Special Report | Altria's NACS Booth Raises Questions Over U.S. Tobacco Advertising Warnings
Special Report | Altria's NACS Booth Raises Questions Over U.S. Tobacco Advertising Warnings
During its coverage of Altria's booth at NACS Show 2026, 2Firsts documented product displays that prompted questions about U.S. tobacco advertising warning requirements. Following public comments from a former FDA official, 2Firsts sought responses from Altria and independently consulted U.S. regulatory lawyer Azim Chowdhury. Altria maintained that its B2B communications complied with applicable laws, while Chowdhury explained that federal warning rules provide no general trade-show exemption for e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The special report examines the broader regulatory implications.
Nov.04
JTI Invests ₱2.1 Billion to Upgrade Batangas Manufacturing Hub, Adds First Southeast Asia DIET Facility
JTI Invests ₱2.1 Billion to Upgrade Batangas Manufacturing Hub, Adds First Southeast Asia DIET Facility
JTI Asia Manufacturing Corp. has invested ₱2.1 billion, or about $37 million, in its manufacturing site in Malvar, Batangas, Philippines, to expand tobacco-processing capabilities. About ₱1.9 billion is allocated to JTI's first Dry Ice Expanded Tobacco, or DIET, facility in Southeast Asia, while more than ₱177 million has been spent on expanding its Controlled Atmosphere treatment facility. The Batangas plant supplies the Philippine market and exports to 22 overseas markets, making it one of JTI's key manufacturing hubs in Asia.
Sep.24
Texas Extends Tobacco Tax Interpretation to a 6-Methylnicotine Product, Citing VELO Ruling
Texas Extends Tobacco Tax Interpretation to a 6-Methylnicotine Product, Citing VELO Ruling
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts ruled in September 2026 that a combustible product made with non-tobacco plant material and 6-methylnicotine (6-MN), a synthetic nicotine analog, qualifies as a taxable tobacco product. The applicant said the product contained neither tobacco leaf nor measurable conventional nicotine. The determination applies reasoning from a May Texas Supreme Court decision involving VELO nicotine pouches, finding that the plant material and 6-MN together perform the functions of tobacco in a conventional smoking product. The ruling carries applicable tax, licensing and reporting obligations but is limited to the facts submitted by the taxpayer. It does not establish a blanket tax classification for all 6-MN products or extend the same conclusion to e-cigarettes.
Regulations
Nov.06