Importers will have stricter rules for selling on marketplaces: The Ministry of Finance is preparing new requirements by 2026
The Russian Ministry of Finance has announced an upcoming change in the conditions under which importers will be able to sell goods through marketplaces. The agency records an increase in the number of cases when unscrupulous market participants import products into the country without paying indirect taxes and then sell them on online platforms. Against the background of increasing control, the government intends to tighten the rules for importers as early as 2026.
Today, the sale of goods through marketplaces by taxpayers working under the USN is a legitimate and affordable mechanism that does not constitute a violation of tax legislation in itself, even if the goods are sold without VAT. However, the Ministry of Finance emphasizes that some players use this regime to avoid mandatory import payments: products are imported without paying indirect taxes, and then go on sale, creating an uncompetitive advantage and damaging the budget.
To stop such schemes, the government intends to introduce two key tools. The first will be a confirmation system for waiting for delivery, a single digital mechanism that will allow tracking each import batch even before it is imported. In fact, the importer will be required to confirm in advance the intention to import the goods and make a security payment, which will protect the market from "gray" supplies.
The second measure will be to reduce the income threshold, after exceeding which companies on the USN will be required to pay VAT. This will eliminate the practice where sellers of imported goods declare minimum turnover in order to maintain preferential treatment and avoid taxes.
According to experts, the new rules will significantly affect the structure of the marketplace market: it is expected that the transparency of import flows will increase, and control over the movement of goods will increase. Most bona fide companies support the reform, as illegal imports create dumping and hinder competition. At the same time, the business will have to adapt — to review logistics, contracts with suppliers and financial models for 2026.
The upcoming changes confirm the government's strategy to combat "gray" schemes and create uniform rules for all participants in the e-commerce market. This will be an important step in the transition to a more transparent and controlled import system.
