Ukrainian candy makers have suspended exports to Belarus over restrictions recently introduced by Minsk.
According to an association of Ukrainian candy makers, the Belarusian authorities have required importers of Ukrainian candies to obtain licenses and warned that licenses will be issued only if the products are sold in Belarus at a price that is 30 to 500 percent more than the producer price. The association has condemned the requirement as unfair and discriminatory and accused the Belarusian authorities of violating international agreements.
The organisation has urged the Ukrainian government to respond to the restrictions.
The decree on licensing was adopted on May 16, 2014. According to it, confectionery importers should obtain one-time licenses. Before applying for a licence a candy maker is to reach an agreement establishing bottom prices for goods with Belarusian Food Manufacturing Association.
Belarus was the fourth largest consumer of Ukrainian candies in 2013. It imported $70 million worth of candies from Ukraine last year.
www.belsat.eu/en, following BelaPAN
