OREANDA-NEWS A twofold decrease in the duty-free threshold for parcels from foreign online stores did not lead to a reduction in the demand of Russians for expensive purchases at foreign sites. The number of payments has increased, despite the fact that not all major operators have yet connected to the online fee payment service.

Since January 1, 2019, the threshold for duty-free import of foreign parcels has been halved in Russia - up to € 500 (previously € 1 thousand) and 31 kg per month. This means that for any parcels exceeding this cost, the buyer must pay an additional 30% of the excess amount and at least € 4 per kilogram. The government decided that lowering the threshold is in the interests of Russian market players and limiting the cost of purchases should switch buyers to consumption in the local market.