MINSK, 13 October (BelTA) – The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) plans to introduce amendments to rules regulating electronic commerce, so that VAT is to be paid in the country were products are consumed. This matter was discussed at a meeting of Belarus' Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko with member of the Board (Minister) for Economy and Financial Policy of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Ruslan Beketayev, BelTA has learned.
“At the EEC Council meeting on 5 October we discussed indirect taxes in cross-border electronic trade in goods. This topic is highly relevant. We have settled the issue related to charging VAT on services, but we also have to complete the rules regulating electronic trade in goods in our integration association in order to prevent any gray schemes” Igor Petrishenko said.
Ruslan Beketayev noted that he had previously met with the finance minister, the taxes and duties minister, and the head of the customs service of Belarus. “We also discussed issues related to taxation. This is a very important aspect of mutual trade. We had a constructive conversation and understood the position of the Belarusian side. It chimes in with the principles that we are promoting. I think all this will result in changes in electronic trade in goods in the EAEU. The point is that indirect taxes (VAT) will be paid at the place of consumption of goods. If, for example, an electronic platform registered in any of the four countries sells products to citizens of Belarus, then taxes must be paid in the country in which the goods are consumed,” he informed.
Igor Petrishenko mentioned the efforts to expand the use of national currencies in mutual payments. “We have been working on this very important matter for a long time in the EAEU. A high-level expert group has been put together; its dynamic and effective work is of great importance. We are a transit and export-oriented country, it is very important for us that these payments are settled not through the reserve currency (U.S. dollars), but by mutual recognition of national currencies. We are open and ready to work more actively on it,” the vice premier emphasized.
