A spokesperson for the General Directorate for Diplomatic Service (UPDK) at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that efforts are underway to open duty-free stores for diplomats in Moscow and St. Petersburg. He explained that work is being done to implement a decision by the Russian government regarding the regulation of duty-free trade for diplomatic missions, consulates, international organizations in Russia, as well as members of the diplomatic staff and consular officials and their families residing in Russia, and employees of international diplomatic missions.
According to this document, the prices of goods in the stores will be listed in rubles, dollars, and euros. Access to the store will only be permitted upon presenting documents that verify accreditation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. Purchases made through these stores will result in the issuance of a receipt for diplomats marked Duty Free, which may also contain information about the buyer.
The spokesperson for the UPDK stated to the Russian news agency "Novosti" that operators of the duty-free markets will be selected based on the results of a tender, indicating the range of products to be sold in the stores. He clarified that it would be a mistake to consider these stores a revival of the "Piryuzka" stores from the Soviet era, which Soviet citizens could visit with foreigners, provided they had coupons issued by the Soviet Vneshposyltorg agency.
