The law “On platform economy” adopted by the state Duma

State Duma in the second and third (final) Draft Law No. 959244-8 “On Certain Issues of Regulating the Platform Economy in Russia”

The initiative was introduced by the Russian government on July 3, in the first reading adopted on July 9.

The Federation Council has already approved the law, and after the signature of the President, it will enter into force. October 1, 2026 - six months before the originally stated date (March 1, 2027).

What is a platform economy and who is affected by the law

• The law introduces concepts:
  platform economy a model of relationships in which an unlimited number of people interact through digital platforms using services, goods, works;
  digitaland especially Digital mediation platform (PCP) - sites where transactions are concluded, goods cards are placed, payment and interaction between operators, partners and users is carried out.
• The register of PCP will include marketplaces, taxi aggregators, delivery, ad services and services.

Basic rules and requirements

Registration and verification of sellers

• The platform operator is obliged to check partners through the portal Public services, ESIA or state registers before admission to the site.
  
• You can not publish cards without safety confirmation, marking, certification and declaration of conformity.

Equal access and prohibition of discrimination

• The platform should provide free and equal access for all sellers and performers, without discrimination.

Manipulation with issuance and discounts

• If the user has applied sorting (by price, rating, etc.), the platform Cannot change the order of goods artificially.
  
• The use of discounts at the expense of the seller must be agreed in advance: notice at least for 5 working daysAnd the seller can refuse.

Changes in offer and penalties

• Any modification of contracts (offer) platform is required warn for 45 days.
• About fines, blocking of the office or cards - warn the minimum for 3 days, with justification.

Pre-trial settlement system

• Platforms should implement a complaint mechanism during the 15 days, and upon confirmation of the complaint - to cancel the decision within the 48 hours..

Sharing data with regulators

• Platforms must interact with tax and supervisory authoritiesprovide information on the labeling of goods and activities of participants.

Assortment restrictions

• Prohibited goods (for example, uncertified dietary supplements, agrochemicals) barred. Under certain conditions, the sale of goods with limited circulation (with biometric identification of the buyer) is permissible.

Exceptions: What is not regulated

Law spreadless on:

• audiovisual services, credit / non-credit financial institutions and financial market participants;
• investment platforms;
• State and municipal information systems;
• electronic platforms in the field of public procurement, bankruptcy, privatization;
• distribution of software and services of digital resource owners.

Why the law matters

• First systematic attempt legislatively form a framework for the platform economy, including marketplaces, taxi services, food-delivery, etc.
• According to MPs, the document should increase Transparency to protect buyers and sellersand form the basis for regulating new industriesincluding tourism, logistics and other platforms.

What's next?

• Upon signature by the President, the law enters into force October 1, 2026.
• will be further developed about eight by-laws, including the rules for the formation of the register of PCP, regulations for checking goods cards, logistics, automated procedures.

Main innovations in the table

1. The state Duma officially approved the law on platform economy in the second and third reading.
2. It imposes serious requirements and restrictions on Marketplaces, service aggregators and other digital intermediary platforms.
3. The law provides protect the rights of sellers, users and regulate the relationship between platforms and partners.
4. Date of accession - October 1, 2026accelerated from March 2027.
5. After signing the president, a series of by-laws will follow to formalize and launch new regulations.