The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) is developing a new approach to tariff regulation for external e-commerce. This was announced by EEC Minister of Trade Andrey Slepnev.
According to the minister, the commission is preparing decisions that will establish a unified customs duty rate for a new category of goods—"e-commerce goods"—and define the duty-free import threshold. These innovations are planned to be launched simultaneously with the amendments to the Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which will classify e-commerce as a separate type of economic activity.
Slepnev noted that the initial position for discussion proposes setting a unified customs duty rate of 5%. "The proposed 5% rate does not exceed the level of the weighted average import duty rate currently in force within the Union," he emphasized.
Regarding the duty-free import threshold, it is proposed to set it at €200 for 2025. At the same time, the minister did not rule out the possibility of gradually lowering this threshold by 2028. "As for the thresholds, we understand that the introduction of new regulations will require a comfortable transition period so that consumers, sellers, and e-commerce platforms can adapt to the changing situation," Slepnev explained.
It is important to note that the final decision on the unified rate and the duty-free import threshold will be made after reaching a consensus among all parties involved. These changes could significantly affect the online shopping market in EAEU countries, impacting both consumers and sellers.
