The Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation supports the idea of transferring control powers over the consumer market to the regions, in particular on tobacco excise taxes. This was stated by the head of the Ministry of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov during the 575th plenary meeting of the Federation Council.
This is how he answered the relevant question from the deputy chairman of the SF Committee on Economic Policy Murat Khapsirokov, who recalled that the head of the upper house, Valentina Matvienko, and senators have repeatedly called for transferring part of the revenue from tobacco excise taxes to the regions in order to replenish their budgets and stimulate the fight against illegal cigarette sales.
The Minister noted that the regional authorities have a better understanding of the situation on the ground — they know where alcohol or tobacco is illegally sold. He is confident that if the control system is properly built and the regions are financially motivated to combat violations, then order can be restored faster.
Earlier, Senator Sergei Ryabukhin noted that the transfer of 15% of income from tobacco excise taxes to the regions motivates them to fight counterfeit products and spend the proceeds on social needs.
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