The Russian government is coming up with a decree on introduction of new excise stamps for tobacco products as of 1 January 2006.

Old stamps are not to be printed after 1 October 2005, and by 2006 their use is most likely to be banned. Unused old-type excise stamps are to be destroyed by 1 December. The tobacco companies are alarmed with the undertime given for the innovation and fear that they will not be able to meet the deadline. Besides, new excise stamps are going to be 2.5 times more expensive. (vt)