The representatives of the Ministry of Finance who provided the rationale for the Bill said that it needs to be passed to adjust the excise tax of alcoholic beverages to the new regulation in the field of strong alcoholic beverages, which is to come into force on 1 January 2016.The amendments and modifications would expand the excise tax to low alcohol content beverages containing more than 1.2% v/v ethanol.

The Bill also proposes raising excise tax on certain oil derivatives – unleaded gasoline, gas oils and liquid petroleum gas.

Having their many questions answered by the Ministry representatives in the ensuing discussion, the Committee members decided to accept the Bill amending and modifying the Excise Tax Law, in principle.

The sitting was chaired by Committee Chairman Aleksandar Senic.