Russia proposes fines for online marketplaces that pressure sellers on pricing
Russia’s Economic Development Ministry has drafted amendments that would fine online marketplaces up to 400,000 rubles for applying pricing pressure on sellers, Forbes Russia reported.
The fine would scale with the severity of the violation. Technical infractions would carry penalties of between 20,000 and 50,000 rubles, while serious violations — such as restricting access to a seller’s account or systematically missing complaint-review deadlines — could reach 500,000 rubles.
The amendments would also establish specific protections against pricing pressure from platforms. Marketplaces would be required to give sellers the option to block price reductions on their goods at the platform’s own expense. Platforms that retaliate against sellers who refuse to offer discounts — by lowering a seller’s rating, downgrading their position in search results, or restricting their access — could face fines of up to 400,000 rubles.
The Economic Development Ministry described the measure as a “direct response to years of complaints from small businesses.”
If passed, the law’s main provisions on fines would take effect on October 1, 2026.
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