The lawyer explained possible changes to the rules for returning goods on marketplaces

It may become more difficult to return an order on the marketplace in the future: restrictions may appear for some products, and customers will have to undergo additional procedures if they refuse to purchase. At the same time, it is planned to preserve the basic right to refuse the goods before receiving them. ""Nikos Paraskevov, Managing Partner of the "Business Legal Group" bar Association, told Izvestia on September 22 about how the return rules may change and what is important for buyers to know.

"At the moment, the consumer has the right to refuse the product at any time before its transfer, and after the transfer of the product — within seven days. If information on the procedure and timing of the return of goods of proper quality has not been provided in writing at the time of delivery of the goods, the consumer has the right to refuse the goods within three months from the date of delivery of the goods. No seller's consent to such a refund is required now," Paraskevov said.

According to the lawyer, one of the main changes concerns the return of high-quality goods. Currently, the seller's consent is not required to cancel the purchase, but after the amendments are adopted, an approval procedure may appear: the seller will receive two days to respond, and the absence of a reaction will be considered consent.

Restrictions may apply to certain product categories. The list of items that are difficult to return after opening or using may include perfumes, cosmetics, and electronics. The list of goods that cannot be discarded upon receipt, including food, medicines and medical devices, is discussed separately.

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At the same time, the right to cancel the order before receiving the goods is planned to be retained. The buyer will be able to cancel the purchase before the transfer at the pick-up point or at the courier.

The seller will continue to be responsible for the quality of the product and its compliance with the description. The marketplace may respond if it has provided false information about the product or seller.

Another possible change concerns return shipping costs: sellers may be allowed to deduct them when returning high-quality goods. Currently, such costs can also be imposed on the buyer, but many sites take them on themselves voluntarily.

The order of return through the pick—up points may also change - it is proposed to introduce photo and video recording of the condition of the goods during transfer.

The lawyer noted that the return of high-quality goods is not a violation in itself, but sellers consider the situation with regular orders "for fitting" and the return of already used items problematic.

To protect their rights, customers are advised to keep receipts and order confirmations, not remove labels and seals until a final purchase decision is made, and record the receipt of goods on video. If the product does not match the description or there are defects, you should immediately file a claim through the marketplace and save photos, videos and correspondence.

""Sean Betrozov, a lawyer at the Moscow Chamber of Lawyers and a member of the Russian Bar Association, told Izvestia on September 4 that Law No. 289-FZ "On Certain Issues of Regulating the Platform Economy" will come into force in the country on October 1 of this year. In accordance with it, marketplaces will be obligated to provide their clients with the opportunity to make refunds and claims through their personal account, coordinate the return of goods during their organized delivery, and also check the assortment for products prohibited for online sale.