Import VAT Deferral: New Rules

1. From 25 July 2026 through 30 June 2027, legal entities may obtain a deferral of import VAT when goods are placed under the customs procedure for release for domestic consumption (Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus No. 369 dated 23 July 2026).
2. The deferral is available only to legal entities. It is not available to individual entrepreneurs.
3. The maximum deferral period is 3 months, starting from the day following the release of the goods.
4. The deferral is granted without interest. However, security for payment of VAT must be provided in the form of cash, a bank guarantee, or a suretyship.
5. The deferral will not be granted if at least one of the circumstances specified in Article 43 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Customs Regulation in the Republic of Belarus” applies, including where:
   • the customs authority has information about an overdue obligation to pay customs and other payments, interest, or penalties;
   • insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings have been initiated against the applicant;
   • the company is undergoing liquidation;
   • the company’s director or chief accountant is involved in a criminal case investigated by customs authorities.