The VAT refund system will have been introduced in Belarus by the 2014 International Ice Hockey Championship which is to take place in Minsk.
According to Andrey Martynau, Deputy head of Tourism Department, the plan for introducing the new system has been already developed.
The tax refund procedure is expected to have the following steps: a sales check and a special tax free form filled in by a seller should be handed over to a foreign buyer. After customs office confirms of goods export a state-appointed company will refund VAT paid by a buyer minus service charge. A foreigner will be able to obtain money at special stations at airports and border crossings by means of transferring a corresponding sum of money to a credit card or providing a customer with a bank check.
Deputy Minister of Trade Iryna Narkevich believes that the tax free system will improve the country’s image, boost an inflow of foreign exchange and increase a number of tourists who are gladly purchase ceramics, cut glass, linen fabrics and knitwear.
