Russia Amends Regulations to Clarify E-Commerce Compliance Requirements

The Russian Federation has recently introduced amendments to the Consumer Protection Law, establishing new compliance disclosure requirements for e-commerce platforms. These amendments will take effect on September 1, 2026, providing online retailers with nearly two years to transition.

The amendments introduce significant revisions to Law No. 2300-1 on Consumer Protection, originally enacted on February 7, 1992. The primary focus is on defining procedures for providing consumers with product certification and compliance declaration information. Under the new regulations:

1. Starting September 1, 2026, online marketplace sellers must include a direct link to the relevant certification records in the Unified Register of Compliance Certificates and/or Declarations of Compliance within the product description.

2. For products not subject to mandatory compliance assessments, sellers must explicitly inform consumers that such certification is not required.

3. E-commerce platforms are obligated to provide sellers with the technical functionality necessary to display compliance information, ensuring consumers have easy access to these details.

These regulations do not apply to physical retail stores, as consumers in brick-and-mortar establishments already have access to mandatory compliance certification information.

This legislative update represents a significant step in strengthening e-commerce oversight in Russia, aiming to enhance market transparency and consumer protection. As part of Russia’s broader technical regulation reforms, these changes align with the compliance framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

1. E-Commerce Platforms – Must invest in technical upgrades to provide sellers with tools to display compliance information.

2. Online Sellers – Must ensure their products have the necessary certification documents and accurately disclose compliance status in product listings.

3. Importers – Businesses exporting goods to Russia must familiarize themselves with the new requirements to ensure compliance.

4. Consumers – Will benefit from easier access to compliance information, enabling more informed purchasing decisions.

The Russian E-Commerce Association has welcomed these amendments, stating that they will help combat counterfeit products and improve market order. However, some small and medium-sized e-commerce platforms have expressed concerns about the potential financial burden of implementing technical modifications.

International trade experts advise foreign businesses planning to enter the Russian market to closely monitor these regulatory changes and adjust their product certification strategies and sales processes in advance. With global e-commerce regulations becoming increasingly stringent, this amendment reflects a broader trend toward enhanced oversight of product safety and consumer rights.