Restrictions implemented in duty free areas on Armenia-Georgia border

Citizens returning to Armenia from Georgia recently can’t freely make purchases on the duty free area. There is restriction on the quantity of items: it’s not allowed to buy more than two items, in particular, alcoholic beverages. If formerly trade was freer in the duty free area, then on the threshold of the New Year strict control has been defined.

168.am asked Suren Karayan, RA Minister of Economic Development and Investments, the reason. The Minister stated that all countries have restrictions in duty-free areas on alcoholic beverages, and generally, towards excisable goods, so that “trade turnover of tax-free payment wasn’t abused.” According to him it’s regulated by legal norms.

This explanation by Vahagn Khachatryan, economist, ANC member, considers unacceptable, and claims that there is no such a practice in the world.

“There is no such a thing in the world, let Karayan not introduce new order. Duty free is meant for people’s use. Otherwise, close the duty free shops. What does “abuse” mean? A person buys 50 bottles and resells them? The issue may be only there. But if an ordinary citizen makes purchases, what’s the difference whether he/she buys 20 or 50 bottles?”

He stated that formerly he personally made purchases from duty free areas on Armenia-Georgia border and there was no any restriction. According to V.Khachatryan, there is another restriction while leaving for Georgia, that a person can’t take more than 1 liter alcoholic and 20 boxes of cigarette, however, it’s an international norm.

The economist brought the example of “Zvartnots” airport, when there is no restriction in the duty free area, and generally in other countries actions are being organized to boost purchase.

According to V.Khachatryan, restriction in Armenia-Georgia border duty free area may be implemented for monopolies only, like artificial issues are made in case of banana or sugar import.

By Gayane Khachatryan