July 7, 2010

The National Assembly adopted at its sitting on 7 July 2010, at second reading, amendments to the Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses Act. This is a step forward in support of the measures proposed by the government to improve employment, household and business conditions and to better fiscal policies in the country. The changed provisions abolish the zero excise duty rates on biodiesel used for heating. The changes also revoke the previously determined term of how long excise duty goods carrying an older excise duty tax rate label could be sold on the market upon entry into force of new rates.

The excised goods under "suspension of tax payments arrangements ", which can not be released because of non-compliance with technical standards regulations or standards of the manufacturer will be discarded in a way and manner, determined by the Provisions for Implementation of the law. Persons who load vessels are obliged to use special measuring devices installed on them. The data will be transmitted electronically to the Customs’ central office in a way and manner specified by the Director of the Customs Agency. The amended act prohibits the addition of any marker or color to energy products other than the stipulated in an act of the European Union.

The amendments to the Political Vindication of People who Suffered Repression Act, adopted at first reading by the parliament, give people who suffered repression in the first three days after September 9, 1944 or their heirs the right to seek political exoneration. So far, the law allowed the vindication of only those persecuted for reasons related to their origin, political views or religious beliefs after September 12, 1944 to November 10, 1989. The changes were proposed by Lachezar Toshev from the Blue Coalition parliamentary group.

At the same sitting the National Assembly ratified the changes in the Loan Agreement with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (Project for Social Inclusion). The amendments change the body in charge of implementing the project on social inclusion. This will be the Directorate “Social Inclusion” of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. So far it was the Social Investment Fund.