Does Ozon Registration Require an Individual Business License?

Is Ozon registration a sole proprietorship?

When discussing whether the business license registration for Ozon is considered a sole proprietorship, we need to analyze from legal, commercial operation, and relevant background perspectives. Ozon is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in Russia, similar to Alibaba or JD in China. In recent years, with the rise of cross-border e-commerce, many Chinese enterprises have also chosen to expand overseas markets through platforms like Ozon. However, for domestic merchants, how to operate legally on the Ozon platform and whether they need to register as an individual industrial and commercial household has become a common concern.

First, let's clarify the concept of an individual industrial and commercial household. In China, an individual industrial and commercial household refers to an economic form where citizens or families engage in business activities using their own funds and skills. Typically, individual industrial and commercial households do not need to establish boards of directors or shareholders' meetings like companies; their business scope is relatively small, and the capital requirement is lower. When Chinese enterprises consider conducting business on Ozon, whether to register as an individual industrial and commercial household depends on various factors.

From the perspective of Ozon's requirements, there is no explicit regulation stating that only individuals can join. In fact, Ozon allows different types of merchants to join, including but not limited to individual operators and limited liability companies. This is related to the platform's desire to attract more sellers with different scales and capabilities. For small businesses or startup teams, adopting the form of an individual industrial and commercial household can reduce initial costs and simplify the registration process; whereas for enterprises with a certain scale, it may be more inclined to register as a limited liability company to enhance brand trust and enjoy more tax benefits.

Then, why do some people think that the business license registration for Ozon might be a sole proprietorship? This may stem from the experience sharing of some merchants. For example, in some news reports, it was mentioned that some Chinese sellers registered a simple entity of an individual industrial and commercial household nature locally in Russia to handle import and export matters quickly. Although this approach can meet basic needs, it also poses certain risks, such as limited liability issues. It is recommended that enterprises fully assess their own situations before making decisions and seek advice from professional lawyers or accountants.

It should be noted that with the changes in the international trade environment, countries are increasingly regulating cross-border e-commerce. For example, since 2025, Russia has implemented new VAT policies requiring foreign enterprises selling goods worth more than a certain amount to Russian consumers to pay VAT. This means that even merchants registered as individual industrial and commercial households must comply with this regulation. Regardless of the form of registration chosen, it is essential to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

In summary, the business license registration for Ozon is not necessarily an individual industrial and commercial household, but rather depends on the actual situation of the enterprise and personal preferences. Whether choosing an individual industrial and commercial household or a limited liability company, the key lies in whether one can effectively respond to challenges in the international market and continuously provide high-quality products and services. In the future, with the acceleration of the digitalization of global trade, it is believed that more and more Chinese enterprises will use the strength of platforms to step onto the world stage.