Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –
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The State Duma deputies adopted the draft federal law "On Certain Issues of Regulating the Platform Economy in the Russian Federation" in the first reading, as well as a package of amendments to industry legislation required in connection with the new regulation. These measures are designed to ensure transparency and stability of the market, protect the interests of consumers and entrepreneurs, and create conditions for the further growth of the platform economy.
The new regulation was developed on the instructions of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin and under the supervision of the Deputy Chairman and Chief of Staff of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Grigorenko.
"The President has instructed to speed up the adoption of the law on the platform economy, and together with the deputies we have already begun to implement this task. Last week we submitted an initiative to the State Duma, and today the draft law was adopted in the first reading. Such efficiency proves that we and the deputies see the goal of regulation in the same way. This is the protection of the rights and interests of our citizens: buyers, sellers, owners of order pick-up points and, in general, all participants in the platform economy," commented Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of Staff of the Government of Russia Dmitry Grigorenko.
The main focus of the developed regulation is on intermediary digital platforms that combine information about goods and services, allow transactions and payments, noted Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of Russia, in a report to the lower house of parliament. A unified conceptual apparatus is also introduced, the rights and obligations of platform operators, sellers, buyers and service providers are clearly defined.
"Over the past four years, online sales have quadrupled, and their share in retail trade has reached 15%. About 80% of Internet users access platforms every month – 6 billion orders were placed in 2024. Business is actively moving online: today, more than a million sellers work on platforms, and 80% of them are representatives of small and medium businesses," Maxim Reshetnikov emphasized.
The new regulation will increase trust in the platform economy. Every day, more than half of the country's population becomes buyers, sellers, and orders various services through platforms – from grocery delivery to taxi rides, the minister emphasized.
A number of measures are aimed at increasing the responsibility of platforms to buyers. Now operators are required to check data on sellers through the public services portal and official registers. Product cards without safety confirmation (labeling, certification or declaration of conformity) will not be published. Additionally, requirements for the storage of goods are established, including compliance with sanitary standards.
Agreements between operators and sellers must include clear grounds for sanctions, changes in the position of the product card in search results, the procedure for changing prices and calculating the operator's remuneration for providing services. Platform operators, in turn, are required to notify partners of changes in essential conditions at least 45 days in advance. Fines and blocking are possible only after a reasonable notice of three days. The use of discounts at the expense of the seller is allowed only with his consent, which can be revoked at any time. Also, platforms are required to provide reconciliation statements of mutual settlements upon request within seven days and update them monthly.
"Such detailing will make it easier for businesses to defend their rights. Moreover, it will be possible to resolve disputes with platforms not only through the courts, but also out of court. For this purpose, a special system will become mandatory on platforms, through which a compromise can be found with the operator," Maxim Reshetnikov emphasized, adding that initiatives of State Duma deputies, as well as proposals from businesses, industry associations and experts, were taken into account when developing the bills. This made it possible to create a balanced regulatory system that will contribute to the sustainable development of the platform economy.
Digital platforms are a fast-growing segment of the economy, and its regulation requires a serious, balanced approach, says Denis Kravchenko, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy.
"Today, the State Duma supported the bill on the platform economy in the first reading. We have been working on this bill together with the government for over a year. During its preparation, the text of the law underwent significant changes taking into account the position of market players, the expert community and deputies. Yesterday, the bill was unanimously supported by deputies of the Committee on Economic Policy. Today, during the discussion, consolidated support was also born. This is very important for us. This is a new sector of the economy, which will be defined in the near future. It is growing rapidly, so it requires serious legislative regulation. We will finalize the text for the second reading," Denis Kravchenko commented.
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