Excise duty rates for alcohol, tobacco, and automobiles are to go up on January 1, 2007. This covers both cigars and cigarettes, strong drinks and spirit-based goods, and cars with engine power of more than 67.5 kW (90 HP), eCraft reports. The excise duty set for cars with engine power ranging from 57.5 kW (90 HP) to 112.5 kW (150 HP), for instance, will come to 19.26 RUR per .75 kW(1 HP). These changes have been brought about by the Federal Customs Service’s order issued on December 6, 2007. The order states that excise duty rates are to be raised gradually, that is, in three steps (January 1, 2008, January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2010).