Asia Tech Wire (July 1) -- Russian e-commerce platform Ozon announced that starting June 26, it would impose sales restrictions on Chinese cross-border sellers in three major categories: electronics, cars and motorcycles, and DIY tools.

Considering the impact the restrictions could have on sellers' businesses, Ozon advised Chinese sellers to focus on fashion, household and daily use, children and pets categories, as well as consider selling ultra-small items.

To help Chinese sellers boost sales, Ozon said it plans to launch a CIS marketplace sales program soon.

The Russian e-commerce platform is now operating in many CIS countries, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Armenia.

"Assisting Chinese sellers to sell into these new markets is the next strategic step in our development in China," Ozon said.

To attract Chinese sellers, Ozon announced in November 2022 the opening of its China headquarters in Shenzhen and plans to attract 100,000 sellers to the platform by 2024.