ROZETKA Owner Speaks Out Against Zelensky Government's Laws

Ukraine's largest online retailer says the new government is hurting business rather than helping it.

Vladyslav Chechetkin, owner of Ukraine's largest retailer ROZETKA, has spoken out against bill 1073, which has already been passed by the Verkhovna Rada but not yet signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"The laws were passed by the Verkhovna Rada supposedly to bring business out of the shadows and create healthy competition, but in reality they are meant to fight business. I am convinced that laws in this form will kill tens of thousands of entrepreneurs," — Chechetkin wrote on his Facebook page.

Vladyslav Chechetkin
owner of ROZETKA

Under bill 1073, any consumer can report a "incorrect" receipt to the tax authority. If it is proven that the receipt is incorrect, the consumer will receive the goods purchased with that receipt for free. Here, "incorrect" — means not present in the tax authority's public database. There are no limits on the number of complaints, no liability for the complainant, and no liability for the tax authority (they decide at their own discretion whether a receipt is correct or incorrect). But there is a potential fine for business of 250%, and always, for every complaint, a 100% chance of an unscheduled inspection for the entrepreneur.

"For some reason, most businesses are staying silent. Apparently they think it won't affect them.

At Rozetka we categorically do not support this law. We are preparing for business to stop, and for people with shifty eyes and sweaty palms to show up at our store-offices right after the law takes effect."

"Soon there will be inspections for everyone they want to come after. That is why I call on business not to stay silent. So that later it won't be painfully too late for years wasted for nothing."

The new government also plans to raise taxes for sole proprietors (FOPs).