Russian Duma Speaker Questions Oyster Tax Break: 'Luxury Item' Should Pay Higher VAT

Volodin argues that oysters are a luxury item, not baby food. This could mean they won't qualify for reduced VAT rates, raising questions about the tax list's fairness and clarity.

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2025 October 23 . 8:04 PM

1 min read

In this picture there are oyster shells on the right side of the image.

Russian Duma Speaker Questions Oyster Tax Break: 'Luxury Item' Should Pay Higher VAT

Russian Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has sparked debate by suggesting oysters should not be considered baby food for tax purposes. This would mean they would not qualify for reduced VAT rates, unlike other seafood products like shrimp and mollusks. Currently, a government decree lists baby food products eligible for a 10% VAT rate, including shrimp, mollusks, and crustaceans. Oysters, however, are not explicitly mentioned in this list, approved in 2004. Volodin argues that those who can afford oysters should pay a higher price for them, implying they should not benefit from the reduced tax rate. The absence of oysters in the list has raised questions about the criteria used for inclusion. It is unclear which Russian agency created the list and whether oysters were intentionally excluded or overlooked. Volodin's comments have opened a discussion on the fairness of tax breaks for luxury items like oysters. The Russian government may need to review and clarify the list of baby food products eligible for reduced VAT rates.