Ministry of Economic Development to maintain registry of digital platforms
The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has been designated as responsible for the formation and maintenance of a registry of intermediary digital platforms. This decision is enshrined in a decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated January 22, 2026.
Platforms and marketplaces included in this registry by the ministry will be required to comply with the norms of the new law on the platform economy. The law comes into force in October 2026 and, according to Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Government Executive Office Dmitry Grigorenko, will lay the foundation for protecting the rights of both buyers and sellers. "To fulfill the new requirements, the state is already providing businesses with a set of ready-made tools. For example, platforms from the registry will be obligated to identify a seller before granting access to the platform through the Unified Identification and Authentication System (UIAS) or state registries, as well as check product listings for the presence of required certificates and registration in the marking system. This is aimed at combating counterfeit goods," Grigorenko explained.
Furthermore, the law creates unified legal conditions for the development of such platforms. For instance, if a platform complies with the requirements for working with partner-performers (e.g., absence of a strict work schedule, freedom to choose orders), it gains "immunity" from having these relationships reclassified as labor relations.
The registry, which will be published on the website of the Ministry of Economic Development, is intended to account for the largest digital platforms. The inclusion criteria, in addition to the basic ones outlined in the law (technical capability to host an offer, conclude a deal, and process payment), include additional indicators such as the number of users, partners, and transaction volume. The corresponding draft government act has already been prepared by the ministry.
Also under interdepartmental coordination are the rules for verifying seller and product data. All draft regulatory acts are being discussed in detail with the business community within the framework of a specially created working group on the platform economy. This group includes the largest business associations, digital platforms, representatives of retail, travel services, taxi services, and industry associations.