Unified standards for courier services in e-commerce approved

The National Agency for Advanced Projects approved the Regulation on the Implementation of Courier Services in e-commerce (reg. No. 3631 of June 18, 2025). The document was developed on the basis of Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 885 of December 26, 2024 and provides a regulatory framework for the operation of courier operators in the rapidly developing online retail segment.

The Regulation establishes the legal status of courier services, defines the mechanisms for providing delivery services, and sets out the obligations of both operators and direct performers — couriers. Among the priorities are ensuring the reliability of logistics chains, meeting delivery deadlines, meeting sanitary standards and transparent communication with consumers.

The document provides that a delivery order can be issued by the buyer or seller through a digital e-commerce platform or in any other way specified in the contractual relations between the parties. The terms of service — including delivery dates, costs, service geography, and execution methods — must be available to the buyer prior to order confirmation.

The Regulation sets out four key principles that must be met by the activities of courier services:

• Reliability — ensuring the safety of the cargo, its presentation and characteristics until delivery to the recipient.
• Punctuality — delivery on time with mandatory notification in case of deviations from the schedule.
• Security — compliance with standards that guarantee the protection of goods and the safety of the courier during the order execution process.

Informative — providing the buyer with information about the current delivery status and the expected arrival time of the courier, if such a technical option is implemented.

A separate block provides requirements for the transportation of food products. Vehicles, thermal containers and packaging must be in a technically sound condition, regularly disinfected and ensure sanitary safety. All packaging materials must be certified for contact with food and protect the contents from contamination and pests.

Regulatory consolidation of standards is aimed at streamlining the interaction of all market participants: sellers, buyers, digital platform operators, logistics companies and their employees. The Regulation forms the legal and organizational basis for a stable and controlled delivery system that meets the requirements of modern e-commerce.