Press Release, February 7, 2014

On February 8, Russian consumers will go on a rally protesting against restrictions put on e-commerce by the authorities. The rally is organized jointly by the Consumer Rights Protection Society, a number of NGOs and the YABLOKO party. YABLOKO leader Sergei Mitrokhin will participate in the rally.

The rally will be held at Bolotnaya Square, Moscow, under the slogan “Trade will be free!” It is expected that about 10,000 people will participate in the action. Protests will be also organised in other big Russian cities.

Sergei Mitrokhin outlined the party’s position on restricting e-commerce in his blog. He believes that the authorities should strive to lower consumer prices rather than put restrictions on e-commerce. To do this, the authorities should lift their ban on parallel imports, which restricts competition in Russia and allows to sell “branded goods” at high monopoly prices. In addition, it is necessary to develop post services in Russia.

The Association of E-Commere Companies together with the Federal Customs Service has proposed to reduce the duty-free limit for imported goods for Russian nationals from Euro 1,000 to Euro 150. In case the limit is exceeded, an excess charge amounting to 30 per cent of the customs value of the goods will be applied. At present only parcels over Euro 1,000 worth and weighing over 31 kg are subject to custom duties.

The rally will begin at 14:00.