TV sets for credit

Belarus has changed transit rules for goods from Kaliningrad.

The story with seized Kaliningrad electronic equipment is continued. According to a new decision No. 366 of the Council of Ministers from April 29, the government improved the import procedure for transit goods from Kaliningrad region to the Eurasian Economic Union, Belsat reports.

This decision can't help but connect with Russian Prime Minister's statements. In late March, Dmitry Medvedev warned the problem of the confiscated TV sets would be decided at political and legislative level, relating compensation for losses of Kaliningrad producers to financial assistance to Belarus.

As a result Russia has repeatedly lent the shoulder to its closest ally. On April 30 the promised $110 million "to further strengthen friendly relations between two countries" have been received at the expense of the Belarusian Ministry of Finance.

However, the issue of the Kaliningrad "infringement products" has still not been resolved.

The new regulation is a precaution for Belarusian customs officers. The spokesman of Kaliningrad Chamber of Commerce Denis Kolotovkin says:

"Belarus ensures legislative protection against the situation occurred in January 2014. Now, if Belarusian customs officers have doubts about the origin of goods, they will send them back to Russia. It means that Belarusian government is interested in a constructive dialogue. Our producers still go to courts. There are some positive changes, but so far no actions have been taken."

Last December Belarusian customs officers confiscated 29 trucks with equipment from Kaliningrad. Despite Russians' protests, all the confiscated goods, based on a court decision, went on sale in Belarusian stores. Losses of Kaliningrad businessmen were about $4 million.