1. Amendments to the Consumer Protection Law protecting sellers
Previously, the law favored consumers, creating an obvious imbalance between manufacturers/sellers and consumers. This often led to “consumer extremism” where goods were purchased not for intended use but to sue manufacturers for large compensation claims over alleged defects. Large retail chains and sellers of expensive goods were typically affected.
Recent amendments to the Consumer Protection Law (Articles 13, 23, and 24) as of February 1, 2026, have changed this situation.
Key hanges for business:
(a) Limited cases for seller penalties
Previously, if a seller did not voluntarily meet consumer demands, courts almost always imposed fines. Now, fines are not imposed in the following cases:
NB: the right to claim a penalty cannot be transferred until the court makes a final decision. Such transactions are now invalid.
(b) Liquidated damages limits officially introduced
Previously, liquidated damages amounts could grow indefinitely, often exceeding the good’s cost unless the court deemed it disproportionate. This led to multimillion-dollar liquidated damages rulings.
Now, liquidated damages cannot exceed the amount the consumer paid for the good.
(c) New rules for returning technically complex goods
Return rules for technically complex goods (e.g., electronics or vehicles) have changed. If a defective good is returned, the consumer receives the difference between the purchase price and the current price of a similar good with the same wear and production year. Previously, consumers received the difference between the purchase price and a new similar good, which essentially provided additional income.
NB: if the seller intentionally misled the consumer (e.g., concealed real wear, production year, or provided incorrect specifications), these new rules do not apply. The consumer is entitled to a full refund.
2. The “Russian Language Law” or “A Fly in the Ointment”
This refers to Federal Law No. 168-ФЗ of June 24, 2025, informally known as the “Russian Language Protection Law” or “Signage Law” effective March 1, 2026.
A new Article 10.1 was introduced to the Consumer Protection Law, defining “information intended for public consumer”.
Key point: all publicly accessible business information must be in Russian.
Practical implications and new rules:
(a) Russian language priority for public information
All public information must be in Russian. This includes:
(b) Foreign language use allowed with conditions
If using a foreign language or republican language, it must only duplicate Russian information, matching both content and design (font, size, color). Making large foreign text with small hidden translations is prohibited.
(c) Exceptions for trademarks and company names
The law allows exceptions where Russian language priority does not apply:
NB1: this applies only to the trademark itself. All accompanying information must be in Russian.
NB2: Verify using approved Russian government dictionaries. If a word is not listed, use a Russian equivalent.
3. Marking and “Honest Mark”: gradual expansion of product list
The list of mandatory-marked products is being expanded throughout the year.
Practical implementation:
4. New rules for platform economy
Starting September 1, 2026, sellers on marketplaces and online stores are obliged to attach official documents confirming product authenticity (certificates, declarations) to product cards and provide links to registries.
Starting October 1, 2026, Federal Law No. 289-FZ “On Platform Economy” comes into effect. According to this law, platforms must:
Comparative analysis of changes:
Previously, the law favored consumers, creating an obvious imbalance between manufacturers/sellers and consumers. This often led to “consumer extremism” where goods were purchased not for intended use but to sue manufacturers for large compensation claims over alleged defects. Large retail chains and sellers of expensive goods were typically affected.
Recent amendments to the Consumer Protection Law (Articles 13, 23, and 24) as of February 1, 2026, have changed this situation.
Key hanges for business:
(a) Limited cases for seller penalties
Previously, if a seller did not voluntarily meet consumer demands, courts almost always imposed fines. Now, fines are not imposed in the following cases:
- if the consumer is at fault for the unfulfilled demand
- if the issue is caused by a third party (e.g., delayed delivery by a supplier)
- if the seller and consumer reach a peaceful agreement before court proceedings
NB: the right to claim a penalty cannot be transferred until the court makes a final decision. Such transactions are now invalid.
(b) Liquidated damages limits officially introduced
Previously, liquidated damages amounts could grow indefinitely, often exceeding the good’s cost unless the court deemed it disproportionate. This led to multimillion-dollar liquidated damages rulings.
Now, liquidated damages cannot exceed the amount the consumer paid for the good.
(c) New rules for returning technically complex goods
Return rules for technically complex goods (e.g., electronics or vehicles) have changed. If a defective good is returned, the consumer receives the difference between the purchase price and the current price of a similar good with the same wear and production year. Previously, consumers received the difference between the purchase price and a new similar good, which essentially provided additional income.
NB: if the seller intentionally misled the consumer (e.g., concealed real wear, production year, or provided incorrect specifications), these new rules do not apply. The consumer is entitled to a full refund.
2. The “Russian Language Law” or “A Fly in the Ointment”
This refers to Federal Law No. 168-ФЗ of June 24, 2025, informally known as the “Russian Language Protection Law” or “Signage Law” effective March 1, 2026.
A new Article 10.1 was introduced to the Consumer Protection Law, defining “information intended for public consumer”.
Key point: all publicly accessible business information must be in Russian.
Practical implications and new rules:
(a) Russian language priority for public information
All public information must be in Russian. This includes:
- signs, plaques, and indicators on facades, in premises, and on doors
- information stands, menus, price lists, discount announcements, and operating hours information
- websites and apps: product cards, delivery terms, button texts, etc.
- product labels and markings
(b) Foreign language use allowed with conditions
If using a foreign language or republican language, it must only duplicate Russian information, matching both content and design (font, size, color). Making large foreign text with small hidden translations is prohibited.
(c) Exceptions for trademarks and company names
The law allows exceptions where Russian language priority does not apply:
- Registered trademarks and service marks: if officially registered in Rospatent in Latin, they can be used without translation
NB1: this applies only to the trademark itself. All accompanying information must be in Russian.
- Company names registered in the State Register in a foreign language
- Domain names
- Information for foreign audiences: no Russian translation required
- Borrowed words without common Russian equivalents (e.g., specialized technical terms or ethnic dish names)
NB2: Verify using approved Russian government dictionaries. If a word is not listed, use a Russian equivalent.
- Official historical names of cultural heritage sites and diplomatic missions
3. Marking and “Honest Mark”: gradual expansion of product list
The list of mandatory-marked products is being expanded throughout the year.
Practical implementation:
- Manufacturers and importers: order codes in the system, apply them to products, and introduce them into circulation
- Wholesalers: issue electronic universal transfer documents with codes for each product transfer via EDI
- Retail sellers: scan Data Matrix codes at checkout, and the system registers product withdrawal from circulation
4. New rules for platform economy
Starting September 1, 2026, sellers on marketplaces and online stores are obliged to attach official documents confirming product authenticity (certificates, declarations) to product cards and provide links to registries.
Starting October 1, 2026, Federal Law No. 289-FZ “On Platform Economy” comes into effect. According to this law, platforms must:
- Verify sellers' data
- Check products for counterfeiting
- Transfer information to tax authorities
Comparative analysis of changes: