Business and Consumer Protection: Russia’s Digital Platforms Face New Rules Starting in October

A Law That Targets Fast-Growing Sectors

Starting October 1, Russia’s new Digital Platforms Act comes into force. It requires all major online platforms to be listed in a government registry, while redefining how these platforms interact with the business community.

In recent years, digital platforms have dramatically expanded consumer access to goods and services—ranging from clothing, groceries, appliances, and furniture to food delivery and medicines. Availability has improved, too: people can now order almost anything to be delivered at a convenient time and place.

Entrepreneurs also benefit. Platforms provide them with easy access to customers and markets, saving time and resources. Russia’s rapid shift toward platform-based business models is reshaping consumer behavior, enabling flexible forms of employment, and boosting overall digital economic growth.

Transactions Will Become More Transparent

The federal law “On Certain Aspects of Regulating the Platform Economy” defines digital platforms and intermediary services, outlines requirements for transparency, partner notifications on deal changes, and establishes dispute resolution mechanisms.

It is critical for platforms and sellers to synchronize product listings with government registries. If an item requires certification, it must be certified, with links to its labeling where necessary. First, this helps fight counterfeits. Second, it supports conscientious manufacturers who comply with the law. And third, it ensures our safety as consumers

Maxim Kolesnikov

First Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation

To qualify for the registry, a platform must meet specific criteria—for example, the ability to host orders, process payments, and finalize transactions. The law also takes into account average daily user traffic, transaction volume, gross merchandise value (GMV), partner network size, and operator revenue.

Market Giants Take the Lead

To be listed, companies must meet at least one user or financial benchmark. According to the Ministry of Economic Development, about ten of the country’s largest platforms are expected to qualify. Together, just two of them already account for more than 80% of the market. Today, leading players such as Ozon, Wildberries, Lamoda, and others are actively participating in the discussions around these criteria.

This is logical, as marketplaces have long outgrown their role as digital storefronts. They now function as logistics hubs, create jobs in the regions, and help promote Russian producers in international markets. Being part of the registry allows platforms to engage with self-employed workers directly, while those excluded will have to contract with freelancers through formal labor agreements.

Industry representatives stress that the law strengthens consumer protection. As Alexander Perekrest, Head of Government Relations at Lamoda, put it: the most important task is “to prevent loopholes for bad actors and guarantee consumers the legal safeguards against unsafe or counterfeit goods.” If users authenticate their identity via the state portal ESIA, they will also gain access to restricted items, such as certain medicines.

Ensuring Safety and Trust

The registry and updated rules are expected to make digital commerce more transparent, particularly in relationships between platforms, partners, and consumers. Small and medium-sized businesses will be better protected against unfair sanctions, sudden contract changes, or forced discounts. The law also requires advance notice of changes, improved communication between sellers and buyers, and structured pre-trial dispute resolution.

Experts predict these steps will increase trust in digital platforms, making sellers more confident in listing their products and users more comfortable making purchases. For market players, clearer rules and continuous monitoring will simplify operations and reduce risks.