Russia plans to launch a pilot project for online sales of energy drinks and wine, which may begin in December 2025. The timeline is specified in a government plan reviewed by RBC.
According to a source familiar with the initiative, authorities are considering this experiment as a way to combat the gray market for remote alcohol sales. The pilot project will require changes to legislation and integration of online delivery with the EGAIS system, which tracks the production and turnover of alcoholic beverages.
The office of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko confirmed the possibility of conducting a pilot project for the sale of wine using biometrics, noting that "the initiative requires the formation of a detailed and reliable legal framework," including verification of the age verification service.
Some online platforms have already confirmed their readiness to test biometrics for age verification. This will help prevent the sale of age-restricted goods to children and adolescents. In parallel, the implementation of an age verification service in vending machines and self-service checkouts is planned for the fall.
A representative of the Center for Biometric Technologies reported that they, together with partners, are preparing to launch an age verification service for online purchases of energy drinks. The sale of wine will require not only the readiness of technological solutions, but also the availability of an appropriate regulatory framework.
After the experiment is completed, authorities may consider expanding online sales to the entire range of alcohol and tobacco products.
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