Alexey Vedev Leading Researcher, Financial Sector Department at the Gaidar Institute, in the RBC program ”The Day. Essentials” discussed the planned increase in environmental tax rates. The expert assessed the Ministry of Natural Resources' initiative, which will significantly increase the burden on manufacturers
Alexey Vedev noted that the system of extended manufacturer’s responsibility and the eco-fee as its mechanism are logical and transparent. In his view, the primary goal of the fee is to encourage businesses to recycle their own waste and create the necessary infrastructure is correct.
At the same time, according to Alexey Vedev, the main discussion should focus on the size of new rates, rather than the eco-levy tool. The expert highlighted that increasing the rate for various categories of goods (textiles, paper products, petroleum products, tires, batteries, etc.) happens at the wrong moment. Given the economic downturn and the 0.4% GDP growth in July, which evidences the edge of a technical recession, such measures could put undue pressure on businesses and individuals.
Alexey Vedev emphasized that additional costs for producers associated with the eco-tax are always factored into the price of goods. Therefore, the increased costs will effectively be passed on to the end consumer.