FAS: WITH THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SELF-REGULATION MECHANISMS OF MARKETPLACES THERE IS NO NEED TO REGULATE THEM

Otherwise, the Authority will have to think about government intervention

FAS receives complaints about marketplaces from both citizens and entrepreneurs. Basically, the issues relate to the non-transparency of work, forced participation in promotions, unilateral changes in contractual terms, fees, problems with acceptance, storage, delivery and return of goods, etc. In this regard, the service recommends that marketplaces should interact more effectively with their counterparties (suppliers and citizens) for the prompt resolution of issues.

The first steps in this direction are already being taken. So, earlier, the protocol of the meeting of the Expert Council at FAS approved the principles of interaction of participants of digital markets. This February the service and Internet companies signed a Memorandum on the basic principles of fair behavior in digital markets. In addition, on June 7, the largest marketplaces and sellers of goods, with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, signed Interaction Standards specifying general principles in relation to marketplaces.

The implementation of signed standards and principles into practice will help to avoid most of the listed problems. The documents provide for the public access of information about services, fees, packaging requirements, as well as compliance with the terms of the offer and responses to sellers' requests, resolution of disputes by a special commission, non-discrimination of persons not affiliated with the digital platform.

According to the antimonopoly Authority, marketplaces are an effective, fast and convenient way to get goods “on the shelf”. They help to expand the consumer's choice of goods, prices, payment methods, conditions and speed of delivery. This is especially relevant given the withdrawal from the market of individual foreign suppliers, branded goods, as well as the risks of reducing the product range and increasing prices. Besides, marketplaces enable small manufacturers and suppliers to address people directly.

FAS will ensure that the provisions of the offers and working conditions comply with both principles and standards, and are publicly available to all existing and potential counterparties. If necessary, the Authority will be involved in solving complex situations that arise in the market due to compliance or non-compliance with the principles by companies, and determine the conditions of competition and equal access for companies.

Reference:

The lack of regulation of marketplaces with the effectiveness of the self-regulation mechanism will not extend to the procedures for verifying the authenticity, quality and safety of products established for any type of goods, including confirmation of the originality of the goods within the framework of customs control.