The leading importers of alcohol into Bulgaria, which include internationals Diageo, Allied Domecq and Pernod Ricard, are to put forward a joint proposal asking for changes to the law to help curb the country’s black market.
According to industry data, smuggled spirits account for around 35% of the entire Bulgarian spirits market. And the companies wish to see amendments to the laws that would see companies registered under the Excise Act only after they verify which leading spirits brands they represent. The excise stamps should specify the product’s type and quantity.
The proposed measures will not halt illegal imports but will definitely cut the practice of presenting smuggled goods for legally imported, Eli Gerganova, Diageo’s executive director for the Balkan region said.
