Sellers Could Face Consequences for Subpar Merchandise if Regulations Enforced Strictly
The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade (MART) in Belarus has announced new regulations for marketplaces in the country, aiming to address the impact of electronic platforms and online stores on domestic producers and traditional retail.
The decision to restrict access to marketplaces will be made by the MART, with a public discussion of the document taking place from September 19 to 29, 2025.
The new rules are expected to affect internet platforms operating in Belarus, and foreign marketplace owners will initially need to establish a legal entity in the country.
Foreign marketplace owners will also be required to maintain a Trade Register, ensuring compliance with Belarusian regulations and operation of the platform.
The aggressive policy of certain electronic platforms and online stores has led to an increase in consumer imports in Belarus. To combat this, price monitoring will extend to exported goods in Belarus.
Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs engaged in online retail will have to develop, approve, and coordinate a list of goods with authorized bodies. This is to ensure the quality and authenticity of products sold online.
The changes in the rules for marketplaces are aimed at protecting consumers from poor-quality goods sold online. It is proposed to introduce liability for online platform owners towards consumers for poor-quality goods.
The new rules also address the negative impact of e-commerce on traditional retail, including convenience stores. The document's rationale notes this impact and seeks to level the playing field for both online and offline retailers.
Interestingly, the document suggests lifting the ban on advertising alcohol, e-cigarette liquids, and similar products, but only in duty-free stores.
The share of e-commerce in Belarus is rapidly increasing, and the MART is responsible for overseeing the changes in the rules for marketplaces in Belarus. Non-compliance with the document's requirements may result in the blocking of internet platforms in Belarus.
Previously unregulated consumer goods being sold at prices lower than the domestic market have been noted by regulatory bodies. The new rules are intended to address these issues and promote fair competition in the market.
The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade has prepared a draft decree on improving consumer market regulation, which will be open for public discussion in September 2025. The initial legal responsibility for establishing a legal entity in Belarus to operate a foreign online marketplace platform typically lies with the foreign investor or the founding parties initiating the registration of the local legal entity. Unfortunately, specific detailed rules on the mandatory responsible party are not explicitly stated in the available sources.
These new regulations are a significant step towards ensuring the integrity of the Belarusian market and protecting local producers and consumers alike. The public discussion in September will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to voice their opinions and contribute to the refinement of these new rules.
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