The Legislative Chamber in the first reading passed the Electronic Commerce Bill in a new edition. The bill was developed with the aim of developing the electronic commerce and increasing its share in the economy. The document reflects a number of additional legal aspects related to the regulation of relations in the e-commerce.

The bill provides for the right of self-employed persons to engage in e-commerce on an equal basis with companies, and also proposes to legalize individual online commerce (for example, sellers on social networks). This proposal was put forward in March 2021.

In the new version of the procedure for drawing up electronic contracts, the following are now indicated:

• admissible requirements of the offer;
• features of storage of electronic documents;
• procedure for using electronic systems;
• conditions for the preparation of electronic documents and their legal force.

In addition, acceptable payment methods in e-commerce have been established. This includes cash, bank transfers, payment through payment systems, as well as electronic money.

According to the bill, e-commerce sites will have to create a secure payment system (escrow accounts). The money paid by the buyer will be stored there until the conditions are fully met by the seller.

In addition, the procedure for the sale, import and export of digital products (software, online services, etc.), as well as their customs clearance, is being introduced. The MPs noted that the current legislation does not cover the import-export of digital services and goods. According to experts, this creates barriers to their trade.

The bill also provides rules to prevent unfair competition. In particular, it is proposed to prohibit online sellers from:

• using fake Internet links and addresses;
• entering into a preliminary agreement with other entrepreneurs;
• offering goods and services in violation of intellectual property rights;
• providing consumers with false or misleading information;
• providing false comparisons and analogies.

The document also establishes the rights of buyers in the field of electronic commerce - previously only the rights and obligations of sellers were defined.