Russia Mandates E-Docs and National Freight Registry for Logistics Overhaul

A new law will digitize transport documentation and create a unified freight forwarders registry—modernizing the country’s logistics infrastructure.

Russia is undergoing a major transformation in its freight and logistics sector. President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law introducing two major reforms: the creation of a unified national registry of freight forwarders and a mandatory switch to electronic document management (EDM) in transportation.

Starting in March 2026, all freight forwarding companies and individual operators must register in the 'GosLog' system. After a 60-day grace period, those not listed will be legally barred from offering forwarding services. From September 1, 2026, all core transport documents—such as waybills, service requests, and freight forwarder paperwork—must be processed exclusively in electronic form. Paper versions will only be allowed in rare cases determined by the Russian government.

Deputy Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin called the law a major step toward digital transformation in the industry: “The new measures will improve logistics safety, transparency, and efficiency, while reducing business costs.”

Experts view the switch to electronic documentation as a strategic move toward establishing Russia’s National Digital Transport Platform. This shift is expected to make the country’s logistics system more modern, high-tech, and globally competitive.