Russian Official Proposes Marketplace Discount Regulation

Russian authorities are planning to implement changes to the EIS customs code to collect VAT from online platform sellers. The ministry stated that this move aims to level the competitive playing field between digital platforms and traditional retail. Industry representatives from the Association of Trade Companies and Manufacturers of Electrical and Computer Equipment have welcomed the proposal. Implementation is expected to begin as early as 2027. The Russian Ministry of Finance is considering implementing Value Added Tax (VAT) requirements for Chinese online sellers starting in 2027. Currently, local sellers face different tax obligations than international platforms. The proposal includes measures to strengthen AML (Anti-Money Laundering) controls over digital asset operations. Deputy Head of the Department Roman Chekushov announced a draft law that would require online marketplaces to coordinate all discount promotions with sellers. The law aims to prevent platforms from conducting sales at the expense of sellers without consent. Under the proposal, platforms would compensate sellers for price reductions through direct monetary payments. One major marketplace has reportedly already implemented a similar mechanism.