Transnistria's leader Yevgeny Shevchuk signed a decree introducing special customs duties on excise goods imported from the western side of the Nistru. The news service Regnum reported, citing Shevchuk's press service, that the measure was adopted to protect local producers. The so-called Transnistria's customs committee was charged with the supervision of the decree's enforcement. The decree's effect is limited until 31 December 2012.