YEREVAN. – Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union will reduce the country’s duty-free trade turnover by 60 to 70 percent. 

Armenian Wine Makers’ Union President Avag Harutyunyan stated the aforementioned at a press conference on Friday.

“In a single customs space, the flights between the Customs Union countries will be regarded as domestic [flights], whereas [the] duty[-]free [stores], as it is known, are not intended for them.

“I believe our concern likewise is understandable; the bulk of the goods [being sold] in those stores is alcohol,” Harutyunyan remarked.     

There are duty-free shops in Armenia at Zvartnots International Airport of capital city Yerevan. In addition, an Armenian company has a license to conduct duty-free sales at the border with Iran. Solely sixteen companies are engaged in the duty-free business in Armenia.