The antitrust regulator has told major e-commerce platforms to explain their fees and eliminate discriminatory conditions.
Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) said Wildberries and Ozon must adjust how they work with sellers after an expert council found that digital platforms had been applying different business conditions to domestic and foreign merchants. Participants also noted that commission levels often create unfavorable conditions for entrepreneurs, while intervention in pricing without sellers’ consent harms both sellers and consumers.
Following the meeting, the platforms were instructed to submit, by April 3, detailed information on commission rates for Russian and foreign sellers. The regulator said fees should be economically justified and non-discriminatory.
FAS also ordered the companies to draft and submit for approval their commercial policies governing how platforms invest in sellers’ prices. These documents must clarify funding sources, ensure equal conditions across product categories, and establish clear procedures for notifying both sellers and buyers.
In addition, the platforms must amend their terms of service and technical systems to require sellers’ consent for any price interventions, ensuring such consent is voluntary and does not disadvantage sellers.
The regulator warned it would take antitrust action if the companies fail to comply under the self-regulation framework.
Source: FAS
