Tourists will soon have one more reason to come to Russia – tax-free shopping.

Under the scheme, which is expected to start in 2012, foreign visitors will be able to get back some of the money they spend on souvenirs.

The minimum purchase eligible for tax return will be 10,000 rubles ($300). Under the new rules, foreign visitors will be able to reclaim the VAT, amounting to 15 per cent. The list of the goods taking part in the program will be wider than in Europe.

“We're not just talking about cheap souvenirs,” Valentina Enina, director of Mark Prior, told RT. “Take Orenburg shawls, for example. Hand-made shawls are expensive. They'll set you back at least $600. Many foreigners, including my own friends, buy them although they find it a shame that they can't get some of their money back. This also applies to jewelry, diamonds, amber – these are all very popular as well.”

After purchasing the goods, a buyer will receive a customs declaration which a shop assistant will help fill in. At the airport, the declaration should be submitted to the Mark Prior Tax Free stand and the company’s employees will sign all the necessary documents which are then sealed by customs officials and put into the Mark Prior box.

The money will be transferred to the customer’s account within three months. The process could be controlled through the company’s website. Apart from shops recognized by a special Tax Free sign the project will involve airports and payment systems. At first, only Moscow and St. Petersburg will support the new initiative. Later, Sochi will join in.

Around 6.2 million tourists visit Russia annually, each buying at least €300 worth of souvenirs.