The Eurasian Economic Union's customs allowance for overseas online shopping could fall from 1,000 euros to 150 euros if new proposals by the union's regulatory body go ahead, the Vedomosti newspaper reported Monday.
The Eurasian Economic Commission is also mulling lowering the accompanying weight limit from 31 kilograms to 10. Purchases falling within the new limits would come with a flat 25 euro fee; those exceeding them would additionally be subject to customs duties.
Both Vedomosti and news website Lenta.ru have referred to the new restrictions as an attempt to practically scrap duty-free online shopping within the EEU.
The trading bloc came into being in January 2015, with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan as founding members, and has now been expanded to encompass Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.
The new proposals are due to be debated by the commission on Monday, Lenta.ru reported. According to Vedomosti, they have already been endorsed by the Belarussian and Kazakh delegations.
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