A national discussion in Russia is reframing the future of online marketplaces and the potential shifts in pricing. Alexey Minaev, the Deputy General Director of Ozon, warned that if a proposed bill on how marketplaces operate becomes law, platforms may be compelled to raise commissions for sellers and intermediaries in the coming year. Such changes could raise the cost of goods for shoppers. Minaev voiced these concerns during a Monday Public Chamber session focused on the draft legislation.
In the same dialogue, major marketplaces including Wildberries, Yandex.Market, and AliExpress, along with product manufacturers and suppliers, highlighted several industry risks. The amendments could tilt the balance of responsibilities and economic incentives within the marketplace ecosystem, potentially impacting transparency, pricing, and competitiveness. Participants urged careful calibration of regulatory changes to avoid unintended consequences for customers and small businesses. Specific concerns centered on how measures might affect contract terms, information accuracy, and the enforcement tools available to marketplaces in relation to their partners.
Earlier, at the end of September, deputies proposed amendments to two key laws, the Fundamentals of State Regulation of Business Activities and the Law on Consumer Rights. The changes aim to codify the concept of a marketplace in statute, assign accountability for the accuracy of platform information, and grant marketplaces the authority to impose penalties on counterparties under defined conditions. They also propose limiting annual changes to bidding agreements and include other measures intended to tighten oversight. Observers noted that these adjustments could reshape governance standards for online trading platforms and influence how merchants and buyers interact in digital commerce. The debate highlighted the tension between consumer protection and marketplace freedom to manage partner relationships and pricing strategies, with ongoing discussions about timelines and enforcement options. This summary reflects parliamentary records and industry briefings.
On November 17, Prime Minister Mishustin reportedly rejected a proposal to introduce infrastructure fees charged by marketplaces. The government argued that such fees could be passed to buyers, raising concerns about burdening the end consumer rather than addressing regulatory aims directly. The decision underscored the government’s preference for approaches that minimize direct price increases for shoppers while pursuing regulatory clarity and market accountability. This stance was reported in an official briefing from the government.
In mid-November, the Office of the Prosecutor General conducted a legal assessment of marketplace practices, including a review of the rules governing the Wildberries platform. The assessment examined the legality of charging for the return of goods to determine whether these practices aligned with current consumer protection standards and contract law. The review signaled ongoing scrutiny of marketplace fee structures and return policies, reflecting a broader effort to align platform operations with regulatory expectations. This assessment is attributed to the prosecutor general’s office.
Industry observers consistently raise questions about fraud prevention in online marketplaces and how buyers and sellers can protect themselves. The ongoing policy discussion emphasizes clear terms of service, strong transparency, and reliable dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce fraudulent activity while preserving marketplace efficiency. Stakeholders urge policymakers to balance consumer rights with the commercial realities of digital platforms, ensuring fair access to markets for small and medium-sized sellers while maintaining competitive prices for consumers. This perspective comes from industry briefings and market analyses. [citation]