The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is entering the final stage of creating a common market for electronic commerce. At the last meeting of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), a draft agreement concerning cross-border electronic trade was approved and is now submitted for ratification by the member states. The EEC press service reports that the new document is expected to come into effect by the end of the year, establishing transparent and equal conditions for Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. EEC Minister of Trade Andrey Slepynev noted that the main goal of this large-scale reform is to eliminate bureaucratic barriers and create a predictable environment for consumer rights protection online, comparable to that in traditional retail.
For entrepreneurs, this agreement opens new horizons, allowing the use of electronic document flow, reducing administrative barriers, and expanding sales markets. One of the key aspects of the innovation will be the establishment of a network of bonded warehouses, which will allow storing imported goods from foreign platforms within the EAEU without prior payment of duties and taxes. These mandatory payments will only be made when the goods are purchased by the end consumer. The institution of electronic trade operators will also be introduced, which will provide full support for transactions—from order placement to customs clearance. At the same time, individuals will retain the ability to purchase goods independently without intermediaries.
In addition to logistical advantages, the new agreement will ensure a high level of information protection for citizens, personal data protection, and effective mechanisms against spam. A significant element of the new system will be a unified customs declaration form, which was approved at the end of 2024. The transition to unified rules will not only provide consumers with a variety of quality goods but also create a trusting economic atmosphere where the freedom of trade is aligned with security interests.
