Russia’s postal system is exploring new funding avenues to sustain its nationwide network of post offices and the services they provide. In discussions with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Russian Post Corporation has proposed an infrastructure fee aimed at online marketplaces, a move reported by Interfax based on information from a source close to the company. The proposal centers on a quarterly charge tied to the value of goods sold on these marketplaces, with a rate set at 0.5 percent of quarterly turnover. The intention is to channel this fee from marketplace operators with annual revenues around one billion rubles and other participants in the e commerce ecosystem. The stated goal is to secure a stable source of funds that would support the postal operator through a period of financial strain and help preserve the network of post offices that facilitate the delivery of a wide range of goods across the country. (Source: Interfax)
The proposal envisions appointing certain citizens as guarantors at the federal level for the suppliers of e commerce products. These guarantors would take on a responsibility to ensure the continued availability of e commerce offerings and their reliable delivery to customers across Russia. By creating this guarantor framework, the initiative seeks to formalize a safety net within the logistics chain, potentially reducing delivery delays and gaps in service that could arise from fluctuations in demand or regional challenges. (Source: Interfax)
Beyond the financial mechanics, proponents argue that the measure would help the postal operator meet its operating obligations more consistently. It is seen as a way to sustain the physical network of post offices, which remain a critical touchpoint for customers seeking to receive or return goods, especially in areas where alternatives to home delivery are limited. The approach is positioned as aligning the postal system’s funding with the realities of modern e commerce, where rapid order fulfillment and dependable delivery are essential to consumer confidence. (Source: Interfax)
In related news, the sector has recently highlighted promotional efforts designed to boost consumer engagement with the postal and financial services ecosystem. Earlier in the week, Post Bank announced a customer incentive tied to the My Card debit product. New cardholders who obtain a My Card debit card between May 1 and September 30 would be eligible for a 10 percent cashback on purchases made during the first three months, applicable to grocery store purchases and services provided by the Russian Post network. The program appears aimed at driving both card adoption and the use of postal-backed retail channels, reinforcing the broader objective of sustaining and growing the combined financial and logistical footprint. (Source: Post Bank announcement)