The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the field of precious metals, precious stones, and products made from them, signed in Moscow on 19 December 2025, enters into force on 6 October 2026. The treaty establishes a unified regulatory framework for the circulation, certification, and taxation of precious metals and gemstones within the Union State. It harmonizes customs procedures, mutual recognition of assay marks, and information exchange between tax and customs authorities of both countries.
Key Takeaways
- Harmonized Customs and Tax Regimes: The agreement provides for duty-free movement of precious metals and stones between Belarus and Russia, with aligned VAT treatment to prevent double taxation and tax evasion.
- Mutual Recognition of Certificates: Assay certificates and hallmarking issued by authorized bodies in one country will be accepted in the other, reducing compliance costs for cross-border traders.
- Joint Monitoring Mechanism: A bilateral working group will monitor market flows and coordinate enforcement actions against illegal trafficking, enhancing transparency and revenue collection for both treasuries.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement