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New laws to govern Russia, Abhazia, South Ossetia border trade

MOSCOW, December 23. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed laws ratifying intergovernmental trade agreements with the Caucasus republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Documents published on the government website on Monday regulate export duties. They also govern duty-free import of goods with exceptions including sugar, alcohol and tobacco.

In the first year after the agreements enter into force, there will be no export duties on petrol and diesel fuel intended for use in the republic of Abkhazia in volumes below 50,000 tonnes per year, and no more than 35,000 tonnes for the republic of South Ossetia.

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