MOSCOW, November 10. /TASS/. The proposal on allocating quotas on wine imports to Russia was considered when an increase of duties on wine from unfriendly countries was discussed, Deputy Agriculture Minister Marina Afonina told a forum.

"This issue was discussed. When we introduced/increased the duty there were various options, there was quite a heated discussion on how high the increase should be, as yesterday was said, there were suggestions to ban [imports]. But now, as of today, we together have chosen the option to increase and see what goes next, and further on to get to the next stage," she said when asked whether allocating wine import quotas was considered.

"Allocating quotas as one of measures is being used, indeed, all measures of customs and tariff regulation are submitted to the Economic Development Ministry's subcommittee. But again, we all have various views. This option will be one of those to be considered if there is such a proposal," Afonina explained.

In July 2023 the Russian government increased import duties on wine from unfriendly countries from 12.5% to 20%, valid until the end of 2023. Domestic wine production and imports from friendly countries fully meet domestic demand, the Economic Development Ministry noted.