Spirits Romania has proposed to the authorities a reform of the excise duty for alcoholic beverages, estimating additional revenues of 3.6 billion lei by 2030.

Spirits Romania, the employers' association of producers and importers of spirits, has sent a proposal for reforming the way excise duties are calculated for alcoholic beverages, which could generate additional revenues of 3.6 billion lei by 2030. The proposal aims to reduce discrepancies between excise duties for different categories of products, correlate them with the pure alcohol content, and introduce a predictable adjustment mechanism based on the consumer price index.

Florin Rădulescu, the president of the association, emphasized the importance of an urgent debate on this topic, considering that currently consumers pay significantly higher excise duties for spirits compared to beer and wine. Additionally, recent increases in excise duties have led to a decrease in revenues, with consumers turning to cheaper beverages from the illicit market.

The proposal includes a phased schedule for harmonizing excise duties over a period of three years and a mechanism for updating them every three years. The spirits industry significantly contributes to the Romanian economy, supporting approximately 23,400 jobs and generating important tax revenues. Spirits Romania is affiliated with Spirits Europe and brings together renowned companies in the field.