AZE.US
Debate is intensifying in Azerbaijan over possible tighter regulation of online commerce, with critics warning that additional controls could lead to higher consumer prices.
The discussion follows recent remarks by Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee Guloglan Muradli, who said that “the expansion of electronic commerce increases the number of violations.” While no specific legislative package has been formally announced, the statement has triggered concern among market analysts and business observers.
Economist Natig Jafarli argued in a public commentary that increased regulatory intervention could undermine competition and ultimately raise costs for consumers. He pointed to the taxi sector as a recent example, claiming that expanded regulation in that market coincided with rising service prices after a period of competitive price declines.
Online shopping has grown steadily in Azerbaijan in recent years, particularly for cross-border purchases. Consumers have increasingly turned to international platforms for lower-priced goods and wider product selection. Industry participants say delivery costs and certain import-related expenses have already increased over the past year.
Supporters of stricter oversight say regulation is necessary to address tax compliance, consumer protection, and customs transparency. Critics counter that excessive intervention risks distorting market dynamics and shielding less competitive traditional retail businesses.
For now, no concrete regulatory amendments have been published. However, analysts say any new tariffs, stricter customs thresholds, or administrative limits on cross-border orders could directly affect end-user prices.
As Azerbaijan’s retail sector evolves, the balance between oversight and competition may determine whether online commerce remains a cost-saving alternative – or becomes a more tightly controlled segment of the market.