Starting February 13, 2023, Wildberries began charging for packaging at distribution points across its international marketplace. The fee ranges from 6 to 15 rubles, a change announced by the company through its information channel. The move is described as a step to streamline operations and introduce a clear pricing structure for the packaging used during the ordering and distribution process. Customers who require a package at the point of departure will see the corresponding cost appear in their personal account, with the charge applied to the card saved in that account. This adjustment is being implemented gradually and is clearly itemized so buyers can review the exact amount before confirming the purchase. In practical terms, this means shoppers will see a small, transparent deduction tied to their chosen packaging option, reflecting the real-world cost of handling and safeguarding items during transit.
In explaining the policy shift, company leadership notes a broader environmental objective. The packaging fee is presented as a lever to reduce single-use plastic consumption and to promote more environmentally friendly packaging practices. The approach aligns with a growing trend in logistics where merchants seek to balance efficiency with sustainability. The press materials emphasize that the packaging purchased for shipping can be repurposed for multiple uses, a note aimed at encouraging customers to consider reusable options and to extend the lifecycle of the packaging materials beyond a single shipment. This emphasis on reuse is framed as part of Wildberries’ ongoing commitment to responsible operations and to offering shoppers practical choices that can minimize waste without compromising the integrity of delivered goods.
Additionally, on February 7, company representatives conveyed another development relevant to marketplace participants. It was confirmed that the platform has updated its policy to enable sellers to recoup the costs associated with returning goods purchased through the market. This change reduces the financial burden on merchants by allowing them to reclaim return shipping expenses, thereby supporting more competitive pricing on the storefronts. The combination of packaging charges and return-cost recovery is presented as a coordinated effort to enhance price competitiveness while maintaining service quality. Buyers and sellers alike are advised to review the updated terms in their accounts and to consider how these adjustments may influence purchasing decisions, shipping speeds, and overall value when choosing among available shipping and packaging options.