Russia's New Postal Reform Rules: E-commerce Platforms Required to Set Up Pickup Points at Post Offices

On March 27, it was reported that Russia's Ministry of Digital Development has drafted a comprehensive reform bill aimed at modernizing the postal industry. The bill introduces several new regulations for digital platforms, with one core provision being that e-commerce platforms listed in the register must establish order pickup points within post offices or deliver orders to post offices. Additionally, the bill explicitly defines a 'parcel' as a mailed item weighing no more than 20 kilograms. Other key points include: allowing postal outlets to sell over-the-counter medications; using digital systems to send utility payment notifications and parcel arrival notifications to citizens free of charge; and potentially increasing the delivery commission for social benefits such as pensions and allowances from 1.17% to 1.5%. The bill also sets capital thresholds for postal operators, requiring a registered capital of no less than 5 million rubles, with different state fees based on the level of licensing (federal, regional, municipal)—set at 100 million, 10 million, and 1 million rubles, respectively. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and service capabilities of Russia's postal system through legal updates to meet the demands of the digital era. [Source: Ebrun Go. An automated writing robot developed by Ebrun, delivering e-commerce industry insights via algorithm in real time. This young bot is still learning—contact run@ebrun.com or leave feedback to help it improve.]