A recent survey shows that more than a third of Russians, about 34 percent, shop in foreign online stores. If the limit on duty-free purchases from abroad were reduced or removed, this group would feel the change noticeably. In total, around 2.7 thousand people participated in the survey.
Sixteen percent of respondents said they would need to curb their overseas shopping significantly if the current duty-free threshold were altered. They explained that they often buy inexpensive goods abroad through this channel because similar items cost more at home. An additional 12 percent stated they would stop purchasing products from foreign online stores altogether, as they are not willing to pay customs duties on every item.
Meanwhile, six percent of participants believed that even after any removal of the duty-free cap, many foreign products would still be cheaper than domestic options. Based on that assumption, they indicated they would continue to shop from overseas online stores.
At the same time, a majority of Russians, 66 percent, reported that they do not shop abroad at all.
One respondent explained that they avoid ordering from Chinese retailers because delivery times are too long and the total cost would still be higher than buying locally, preferring to pay a premium for immediate availability of what they need.
The discussion in Russia on February 13 centered on the question of lowering the duty-free import limit for goods purchased from foreign online stores. Various scenarios for modifying the current rule were explored. Proposed options included preserving the present €1,000 threshold, reducing it to €500 or €200, or removing the cap entirely and then applying a tax. These ideas aimed to balance consumer convenience with revenue considerations for the state.
Earlier discussions considered linking taxes to world price levels, trying to align Russian duties with global price movements and international market practices. The conversation reflected a broader concern with how duty-free policies shape consumer choices, cross-border trade, and the local retail landscape. Stakeholders weighed potential outcomes, including shifts in demand for domestic goods, fluctuations in government revenue, and the administrative work required to implement any change. The debate highlighted that even modest adjustments could have ripple effects across households, small businesses, and larger retailers operating in Russia. In this context, many households assess not just the sticker price of an item, but the total cost of obtaining it, which includes shipping, taxes, delivery times, and the reliability of service. For some shoppers, the guarantee of swift delivery and easy returns can tilt the balance toward buying locally, while others continue to rely on foreign platforms for affordability and availability irrespective of added charges.
Experts note that consumer behavior in relation to duty-free thresholds is influenced by several factors, including the degree of price parity between home and foreign markets, the speed of delivery, and the reliability of cross-border logistics. For policymakers, the challenge lies in designing a framework that preserves consumer choice while ensuring fair competition and predictable revenue streams. The ongoing dialogue suggests a careful approach, with a readiness to test different configurations and to monitor their effects on shopping patterns, border control administration, and the broader economy. As the discussion advances, it becomes clear that any realignment of the duty-free rule would need to account for the diverse preferences of shoppers, ranging from those who prioritize cost savings to those who value convenience and speed. The outcome of these deliberations will likely shape how residents approach online shopping from abroad in the coming months and years, influencing both personal budgeting and the broader retail ecosystem within the country.