The Russian Post is updating its passport presentation requirements for sending registered letters, parcels, and packages starting September 1, a move officials say will heighten security and reduce counterfeit flows. This perspective comes from Yulia Kovalenko, an economist, associate professor at the Moscow University of Economics, and a candidate of economic sciences, who spoke with socialbites.ca. Kovalenko heads the main department of financial control, analysis, and audit in the city’s control department and brings a practical view on how identity checks can strengthen the system. (Citation: socialbites.ca)
According to Kovalenko, the changes are a necessary safeguard to protect staff, customers, and the nation as a whole. When shipments pose any risk to public safety, both the Post and law enforcement will be able to quickly trace the sender and recipient. This rapid traceability is intended to prevent critical incidents and reassure the public that dangerous consignments are caught early. (Citation: socialbites.ca)
She also notes that the tightened verification should improve the handling of fraud related to door-to-door packages and counterfeit goods sold through diverse marketplaces and services, including platforms such as Avito. The new protocol could make illicit transactions harder to conceal and easier to detect, contributing to cleaner marketplaces and more reliable service for legitimate buyers and sellers. (Citation: socialbites.ca)
Industry observers do not foresee a drop in the total volume of mail and parcels moved by the Russian Post under the new regime. Before September 2023, presenting a passport was a standard requirement for most commercial operators offering similar delivery services, and the shift aims to align practices with enhanced security without curtailing overall service levels. (Citation: socialbites.ca)
Kovalenko also suggested that the Russian Post could carve out a competitive edge by leveraging its extensive distribution network and often lower rates compared with private couriers. A broad, consistent user base of regular senders from large online retailers may help the Post sustain volumes, even as stricter identity checks become the norm. (Citation: socialbites.ca)
On August 21, announcements indicated that starting September 1, Post employees will verify the identity of senders of registered mail and parcels using passports. The company also indicated that verification could be done through driver’s licenses or a simple electronic signature, broadening the ways customers can authenticate themselves when shipping. (Citation: socialbites.ca)
Earlier developments included the Post’s direct air deliveries to Georgia, reflecting ongoing efforts to streamline cross-border logistics while maintaining the security framework that supports traceability and accountability across routes. (Citation: socialbites.ca)