Regulatory Update: Tax Relief for E-commerce, SEZ Liability Shifts, and Digital Asset Governance

The current regulatory landscape is shifting toward targeted support for strategic e-commerce platforms while simultaneously introducing more rigid frameworks for consumer protections and special economic zones. From a financial compliance and audit perspective, these changes signal a move toward more discretionary state support and a redistribution of risk between sellers and consumers.

Fiscal Support: Tax Deferrals for Ozon and Sellers

The Ministry of Finance is currently drafting a mechanism to provide tax deferrals for Ozon and its third-party sellers. This move mirrors the support package previously granted to Wildberries.

According to Deputy Finance Minister Alexey Sazanov, the specific volume of this support will be determined by the government. For sellers, the eligibility threshold is expected to be tied to the level of financial damage—likely following the precedent where deferrals are granted if losses exceed 5% of annual revenue. Companies should prepare to document these losses meticulously to qualify for such relief.

E-commerce: The Battle Over Return Policies

A significant legislative clash is emerging regarding distance selling. The Ministry of Economic Development has proposed a bill that would grant the government the power to define categories of goods that are non-returnable when purchased online.

Key risks for consumer-facing businesses include:

  • The potential to deny returns for prepaid goods if the customer refuses them before delivery.

  • The ability to refuse returns processed through pickup points.

  • The legal right to deduct delivery costs from the refund amount.

    • Consumer advocacy groups have formally opposed these measures, arguing they severely undermine buyer rights. Businesses should monitor this bill closely, as it could significantly alter the cost of logistics and reverse logistics accounting.

    Special Economic Zones (SEZ): Shift in Liability

    The Ministry of Economic Development is proposing a more lenient approach to the first-time violation of SEZ residency agreements.

    Currently, a breach can lead to the immediate termination of residency status and a fine. The proposed amendment introduces a tiered penalty system:
    1. First violation: A fine ranging from 1 million to 15 million rubles (depending on the project type), without loss of status.
    2. Repeat violation: Termination of the residency agreement.

    This change reduces the operational risk for SEZ residents, moving from a "zero-tolerance" policy to a more manageable financial penalty framework.

    Digital Assets: Stablecoins and Regulatory Inertia

    The Bank of Russia has indicated that there is currently no market demand for a separate legal category for stablecoins or Digital Financial Assets (DFAs). First Deputy Governor Vladimir Chistyukhin noted that existing regulations already allow for the creation of instruments with stablecoin-like properties. Avoiding a separate category prevents the immediate need to resolve complex, additional tax complications associated with these assets.

    Insurance and Asset Protection

    Reinsurance Shifts: The Russian National Reinsurance Company (RNPC) has overhauled its coverage for terrorism and sabotage risks. The new model mandates a single base package for a group of companies, introducing a unified aggregate limit. This prevents the "stacking" or splitting of packages, effectively capping the maximum recoverable amount for corporate groups.

    Asset Protection Deductions: The Ministry of Finance is working on amendments to allow businesses to account for expenses related to the protection and restoration of facilities. This will require a broad adjustment of tax legislation and is expected to be introduced this autumn, potentially offering a new avenue for tax optimization for industrial enterprises.