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Cabinet eases rules for Kaliningrad amber exports

Proposals aim to foster favorable conditions for development of amber production locally.
Photo EPA/MARCIN BIELECKI
Photo EPA/MARCIN BIELECKI

MOSCOW, November 6 (Itar-Tass) - Russia's Cabinet has approved simpler rules for the export of amber to fellow members of the Customs Union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. The changes will govern movement of the substance from Kaliningrad, Russia's westernmost region on the Baltic and site of the world's largest amber field with around 90 percent of total reserves.

Proposals destined for parliament aim to foster favorable conditions for development of amber production locally. Enterprises making amber goods there will be able to reduce the financial and time costs involved in documentation, ministers hope.

The bill applies to products from Kaliningrad region's special economic zone. It states that movement of raw amber and items made from amber as well as goods made from precious metals not covered by free customs zone procedures will not require confirmation of their status as Customs Union goods, irrespective of entity, person and method of transportation, if documents confirm these goods have a state hallmark.

Documents are not required if such valuables are taken out by individuals for personal use.