Imagine your cross-border e-commerce goods are ready to board a flight to Russia, but the destination is no longer governed by a single tax threshold. Instead, it has become a meticulous cost-calculation game. New tax regulations for cross-border e-commerce, set to take effect in Russia on July 1, 2026, are quietly rewriting the rules.
The Core Changes
The heart of the new policy lies in the exemption of import duties for goods with a total order value not exceeding €200. However, if the amount exceeds this threshold, the entire order will be subject to a 5% tariff, with a minimum charge of €1 per kilogram. This replaces the previous flat 15% rate, introducing a more granular tax structure where weight becomes a critical factor in cost calculations.
The shift means sellers must now weigh both the price and physical dimensions of their products to optimize profitability.
Expanded VAT Requirements
Starting in 2027, all e-commerce platforms will be required to withhold and remit value-added tax (VAT) on behalf of sellers. The initial rate will be set at 5%, with planned annual increases culminating in a rate of 20% or 22% by 2030. While this will raise operational costs for platforms, it also presents an opportunity to standardize market practices.
Strategic Implications for Sellers
For cross-border sellers, these changes demand a reevaluation of product portfolios and pricing strategies. The €200 threshold is no longer just a number—it has become a pivotal boundary for product selection and pricing decisions. Bulkier or heavier items will face higher tax burdens, potentially shifting consumer preferences toward lighter, lower-cost alternatives.
To remain competitive in the Russian market, sellers will need to refine their product mixes, align pricing with tax-efficient thresholds, and closely monitor demand trends. The new rules reward precision and adaptability, turning taxation into a strategic lever rather than a fixed cost.