On October 1, 2025, Ozon will introduce a major change to its returns process for sellers operating under the Fulfillment by Seller (FBS) model. According to the new policy, any goods canceled by customers before pick-up or returned without quality complaints will be mandatorily redirected to Ozon’s fulfillment centers for inspection and potential restocking. Exceptions will apply to certain categories, such as jewelry and products unsuitable for warehousing, which will continue to be returned directly to sellers. Ozon positions this centralization as a move to triple the speed of listing returned goods back for sale and to reduce logistical costs by aggregating returns at its own facilities.This change follows a series of adjustments to Ozon’s returns and logistics policies in recent years, consistently aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. Notably, until July 1, 2025, Ozon is not charging sellers for processing returns to pick-up points; fees for various return processing and logistics services are expected after this date, with sellers to be notified in advance. Prior to the new rule, FBS merchants could opt to either collect canceled or returned stock themselves or send it to Ozon's warehouse, retaining direct control over their inventory’s condition and the quality of subsequent listings. The mandatory centralization removes this autonomy, making Ozon the primary handler for the majority of non-defective returns.The update arrives amid broader pricing adjustments: for items exceeding three liters in volume, per-liter logistics fees will increase from October 1—rising from 10 to 15 rubles for Ozon-warehouse shipments and from 18 to 23 rubles for FBS-managed goods. While the base delivery fee will remain unchanged and most low-value products (under 300 rubles) are unaffected, the escalation in oversized item tariffs represents a concrete increase in fulfillment costs for certain segments.### Implications for E-commerce Operations and Content InfrastructureThe introduction of automated return routing to marketplace warehouses—replacing flexible, seller-driven logistics—marks a notable shift in Ozon's operational infrastructure. For the e-commerce ecosystem, this adjustment has multi-layered implications:#### Impact on Product Feeds and Inventory UpdatesThis change requires a shift in how sellers manage their product feeds and inventory updates. [Learn how to structure your product data for smooth integration](/blog/csv-format-how-to-structure-product-data-for-smooth-integration/). Accurate and timely updates are critical to maintain a live and up-to-date catalog, avoiding disruptions in processing [product feeds](/blog/product_feed/). How to manage this effectively and maintain data accuracy during this transition is key. [Learn more about common mistakes in feed uploads](/blog/common-mistakes-in-product-feed-uploads/) to avoid issues preventing your listings from being successfully loaded. ### Broader Trends and OutlookOzon’s policy evolution is symptomatic of a larger trend in the global marketplace sector: platforms consolidating control over inventory touchpoints—especially returns—to optimize for speed, customer satisfaction, and consistent content output. Such centralization aligns with the ongoing adoption of automation, data-driven inventory management, and AI-powered product curation. However, the balance between platform efficiency and seller autonomy remains precarious, particularly in markets where merchant flexibility and specialization are key to ecosystem health.The coming months will test the resilience of Ozon’s new process as sellers adapt, integrating the revised returns infrastructure into their operating models. Further industry commentary is likely to focus on actual returns processing speed, the quality of relisted inventory, and downstream impacts on content infrastructure, catalog integrity, and customer trust. How Ozon navigates these operational and reputational challenges—and how it communicates changes and outcomes to its merchant base—will shape its standing as a marketplace innovator and partner.Relevant updates and seller commentaries can be found in Russian e-commerce media, such as Retailer.ru and Vedomosti, both of which offer ongoing analyses of market-changing infrastructure reforms.**NotPIM Commentary:** This change spotlights the increasing pressure on e-commerce businesses to optimize inventory flow, and to maintain consistent product data. This centralized return process necessitates robust product data management systems. NotPIM helps our clients handle challenges like this by streamlining the process of managing their product feeds and ensuring data accuracy and efficiency. It addresses the crucial need for seamless integration with evolving marketplace rules, minimizing disruptions to business operations during these changes. The trend towards platform-driven returns management will likely increase demand for tools to manage massive product catalogs in dynamic environments.