Alcohol Tax on Various Types to Decrease from 15 Million AMD to 3 Million AMD: Bill in Parliament

In Armenia, the tax for the production of aperitifs and several types of alcohol will be reduced from 15 million AMD to 3 million AMD.

The package of amendments to the laws "On Notification of Business Activities" and "On State Duties" was presented in Parliament by the Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan. He emphasized that the adoption of the bill is aimed at simplifying regulation in certain types of activities, contributing to the development of these sectors.

Additionally, to delineate and clarify the types of alcoholic beverages subject to notification and to promote the production of specific types of alcoholic drinks, more affordable annual state duty rates have been established for obtaining the right to engage in their production. The Ministry of Economy accounts for 19 types of activities that require notification.

"The draft proposes to reduce the tax for several types of non-alcoholic and non-fruit alcoholic beverages (vodka, rum, gin, etc.) from 15 million AMD to 3 million AMD. The tax on vodka made from grain alcohol remains at 15 million AMD," noted Kerobyan.

According to him, a few years ago, the tax for traditional fruit vodka types in Armenia was reduced to 50 thousand AMD annually.

Moreover, it is proposed to simplify the production procedures for cognac (no notification is required for releases exceeding 100 thousand liters annually). The same simplification is proposed for the production of beer and wine (including fruit wine).

In response to questions regarding the development of winemaking, Kerobyan stated that in the last two years, the number of winemaking companies in Armenia has increased by 60%, reaching about 110. The concept for the development of winemaking, which includes measures for vineyard care, improving the knowledge and skills of farmers and winemakers, as well as seeking new markets, is currently under discussion.