The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is preparing to complete the process of creating a single market for electronic commerce. The Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) has approved a draft agreement concerning cross-border electronic trade and sent it to the Union members for the necessary ratification stages. According to the EEC press service, the document is expected to come into force by the end of this year and establish unified, transparent rules for Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. EEC Minister of Trade Andrey Slepnev noted that the main goal of this reform is to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and create a predictable environment where the rights of online shoppers will be protected at a level comparable to traditional retail.
For entrepreneurs, the new agreement opens new horizons, including the possibility of using electronic document management, which will reduce administrative burdens and expand sales markets. One of the key innovations will be the establishment of a network of bonded warehouses, allowing the storage of imported goods from foreign marketplaces within the Union without prior payment of customs duties and taxes. These mandatory payments will only be collected at the moment of actual purchase by the end consumer. Additionally, a system of electronic trade operators will be introduced, who will be able to fully support the transaction process—from order placement to customs procedures. At the same time, individuals will still be able to independently purchase goods without intermediaries.
In addition to logistical advantages, the new agreement will ensure a high level of information security for citizens, protection of personal data, and effective mechanisms to combat spam. An important aspect of the new system will be the unified customs declaration form, which was approved at the end of 2024. The transition to unified regulation will not only provide consumers with a wide range of quality goods but also create a trustworthy economic environment where the freedom of trade is aligned with security interests.
