The regulator says marketplace policies may harm sellers and mislead consumers.
Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has issued a warning to e-commerce platforms Wildberries (WB) and Ozon over practices it says impose unfavorable conditions on sellers, setting a deadline of May 15 to address the violations.
According to the regulator, both companies have extended the time it takes to pay sellers for goods sold, worsening their financial position. The FAS also said the platforms revise logistics and return fees after goods have already been accepted into warehouses, while linking shipping costs to product prices rather than the actual cost of services. This, the agency noted, prevents sellers from effectively planning their business operations.
In addition, Ozon introduced a paid “original” badge on product listings. The FAS warned that this may give consumers the impression that items have been verified for authenticity, even though the label is simply a paid feature and does not guarantee the accuracy of product information.
The regulator said the companies must eliminate practices that restrict competition, impose unjustified costs on sellers, and mislead consumers. Wildberries and Ozon are required to amend their public offer agreements accordingly.
If the companies fail to comply, the FAS said it will open a formal antitrust case under Russian law.
The issue of seller commissions and pricing policies is also under review as part of recommendations from the agency’s Expert Council.
Source: FAS
