Public Council and Rospotrebnadzor Advocate for Vendor and Marketplace Checks to Fight Counterfeits
A discussion gathering experts from the Public Council, coordinated by Rospotrebnadzor, centers on introducing verification processes for vendors and commodity marketplaces. The idea is to curb the spread of counterfeit goods by demanding clearer product information and more reliable supplier data across online platforms. This initiative is framed as a step toward greater consumer protection and market transparency, with officials outlining the potential benefits of standardized checks that can help distinguish legitimate products from fakes. (Source: News)
Oleg Pavlov, a member of the Public Council of Rospotrebnadzor, emphasizes that many violations in the current landscape are straightforward. He notes that some listings simply lack basic product information, while others present items that cannot be considered trustworthy due to misleading descriptions or missing provenance. Such gaps make it difficult for consumers to assess what they are purchasing, and they undermine confidence in online shopping overall. Pavlov stresses that addressing these observable gaps through uniform checks could significantly reduce consumer risk. (Source: News)
In his assessment, a portion of foreign copyright holders who previously undertook independent inspections of goods and acted to remove counterfeit items have chosen to withdraw from the market while remaining within Russia. This trend, he argues, signals a need for cohesive, nationwide criteria that platforms can use to evaluate suppliers and goods consistently. He believes that setting universal requirements for marketplaces and their verification mechanisms would create a level playing field, helping to ensure that only compliant sellers operate in the digital space. (Source: News)
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has publicly signaled that businesses should shoulder greater accountability. The ministry advocates for sites and marketplaces to implement checks that prevent the sale of infringing products, arguing that responsible platforms will contribute to a healthier commercial environment. The move is framed as part of a broader push to modernize the regulatory framework around online trade and risk management, aligning enforcement with contemporary e-commerce practices. (Source: News)
In the private sector, responses vary. Wildberries expressed reservations about the proposed measures, asserting that adding new verification requirements would burden online platforms and potentially hamper user experience without necessarily solving the core problem of counterfeit goods. The retailer contends that the added compliance costs could translate into slower listings and reduced product visibility for brands and sellers alike. (Source: News)
Ozon provided a different perspective, highlighting a proactive approach already in place. The company maintains a dynamic list of brands that matter most to customers and has instituted a process requiring documentation for its products. By maintaining this up-to-date catalog and demanding supporting evidence, Ozon aims to reduce counterfeit risk while preserving a smooth shopping experience for buyers. The emphasis is on practical, ongoing verification rather than one-off checks. (Source: News)
These deliberations form part of a broader conversation about marketplace regulation in Russia, a topic that resurfaces whenever consumer complaints accumulate. Authorities have signaled openness to reexamining the regulatory landscape to address recurring issues with counterfeit sales, while balancing the need for market freedom with consumer protection. Observers note that any forthcoming rules would likely shape how platforms vet sellers, how they display product data, and how enforcement actions are executed if counterfeit activity is detected. (Source: News)