The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation is ready to amend the tax law and immediately impose value-added tax on foreign online trade, with a maximum tax rate of 22%. The department explained that the move was to create equal competitive conditions and allow the market to emerge from the shadows. The functions of the tax agent will be assigned to the trading platform itself. A gradual increase in fees had previously been discussed, but the ministry’s position changed in favor of immediate introduction of full rates.
In addition, the ministry plans to impose a new customs fee of 100 rubles per item worth up to 200 euros. This innovation will affect parcels within the scope of duty-free import restrictions of the Eurasian Economic Union. Starting from 2027, in the context of the implementation of general taxes, tariffs exceeding the threshold will be reduced to 5%.