Threshold for duty-free imports of online goods to EAEU could be lowered to 100 euros in 2026 - EEC

MOSCOW. Sept 26 (Interfax) - The Eurasian Economic Commission has published a draft EEC Council resolution providing for a gradual reduction of the threshold for duty-free import of online goods to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The threshold of 200 euros that has been in effect since April this year should remain in effect from January 1 to December 31, 2025, according to information on the commission's website. It might then be lowered to 100 euros from January 1 to December 31, 2026 and to 50 euros from January 1 to December 31, 2027. The subsequent threshold has not been determined.

Earlier, the EEC published a draft resolution, according to which a flat-rate duty of 5% would be charged from 2025 if the threshold for duty-free online imports of goods by individuals is exceeded.

Currently, the customs duty for individuals importing goods online to the EAEU territory is 15% with an exception for motor vehicles, for which the duty rate depends on the age of the vehicle and engine capacity (the EEC draft on the flat duty leaves duty on cars at the current level).

The duty-free threshold for e-goods imported online to the EAEU for personal use has been 200 euros and 31kg since April 2024.

Russian regulators are in favor of keeping the duty-free import threshold for online goods at the current level for 2025, so that a decision can be made next year to gradually change the threshold, State Secretary and Deputy Russian Industry and Trade Minister Roman Chekushov has told Interfax. But he said Russia generally favored lowering it. "The level which this threshold will be reduced to is being discussed. We have discussed the mechanism for a gradual reduction with all ministries, but the issue arises whether it will be zero, whether it will be some threshold in the format of 50 euros or 100 euros," Chekushov said at the beginning of September.