EAEU signs agreement on unified e-commerce return rules

September 5, 2026 at 02:35 PM2 min

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The Eurasian Economic Union member states signed an agreement on e-commerce in goods on August 7, 2026 in Cholpon-Ata, establishing unified consumer protection rules for cross-border purchases within the union. The agreement will enter into force 180 days after all member states complete domestic procedures. Buyers will be able to return goods of proper quality within 14 calendar days of receipt, with the option to set longer periods nationally.

Key Facts

The agreement was signed on August 7, 2026 in Cholpon-Ata, according to the Eurasian Economic Commission press service.
The agreement will enter into force 180 days after all EAEU member states complete domestic procedures.
Buyers may return goods of proper quality within 14 calendar days of receipt, with member states allowed to set longer periods.
The agreement applies only to cross-border e-commerce between EAEU countries and excludes orders from third countries.
Marketplace operators will be prohibited from imposing less favorable conditions on sellers from other EAEU countries than on local sellers.

Consumer Return Rules

A buyer may refuse a product of proper quality before actual transfer if it does not suit in color, size, or style, and after receipt may return it within 14 calendar days. The return period is counted from the day of actual receipt of the purchase. The 14-day period is a minimum standard, and EAEU countries may establish a longer period at the national level. Specific return conditions for quality goods and deadlines for refunds will be approved by the Eurasian Economic Commission Council. For goods of inadequate quality, the national legislation of the buyer's country continues to apply.

Marketplace Obligations

The agreement sets unified requirements for product card information, public offers, and notifications to sellers and buyers about changes in platform operating conditions. Marketplace operators will be prohibited from setting less favorable conditions for sellers from other EAEU countries than for local sellers. Pre-trial disputes between buyers and foreign platforms must be considered directly on the marketplace platforms according to a procedure to be developed by the Eurasian Economic Commission. Until the agreement enters into force, disputes will continue to be resolved under the current national legislation of the buyer's country.