Russian entrepreneurs asked Mishustin to introduce VAT on imported goods gradually, not all at once

Russian entrepreneurs asked Mishustin to introduce VAT on imported goods gradually, not all at once

The Association of E-Commerce Representatives (APET) sent a letter to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin asking that VAT on cross-border trade be introduced gradually, Forbes writes.

The signatories of the letter point out that the immediate full introduction of VAT on imported goods would lead to an increase in prices, which in turn would cause a price shock, a decline in traffic on marketplaces, and an outflow of buyers into “unregulated channels.”

The businesspeople are proposing that the government, “in the interests of Russian entrepreneurs, ensure a smooth transition period for introducing the 22% VAT rate through 2029.”

In October 2025, Russia’s Finance Ministry proposed introducing VAT on foreign goods sold through Russian marketplaces. Initially, it was planned that VAT rates on foreign goods would be raised gradually through 2030.

However, in February 2026, the Finance Ministry proposed introducing a 22% VAT on foreign goods immediately, starting January 1, 2027.

@meduzalive