The State Duma has passed legislation setting requirements for buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) operators and their agreements. The new rules prevent sellers and BNPL operators from hiding interest charges on deferred payments by altering prices based on payment method. Additionally, the laws cap late payment fees charged by BNPL operators.
If an individual’s liabilities to a BNPL operator surpass ₽50,000, the operator must report this to a credit history bureau. This measure aims to assist banks and microfinance organizations in evaluating a person’s debt service-to-income ratio for loan applications. The laws aim to protect individuals from excessive debt and potential defaults.
Lawmakers have also reduced the maximum zero-interest period for BNPL services. It will be limited to six months starting April 1, 2026, and further reduced to four months beginning April 1, 2028.
These laws are set to take effect on April 1, 2026.
