21.07.2026
Starting September 1, 2026, Russia will require key freight transport documents to be issued electronically. The new requirements will apply to road, rail and air freight, as well as freight forwarding activities.
Documents will be submitted through the State Information System for Electronic Transportation Documents (GIS EPD).
Which Documents Will Become Electronic?
- Road consignment note
- Road freight order and transport request
- Rail consignment note
- Air waybill
- Freight forwarding instruction
- Forwarder’s receipt
- Warehouse receipt
Paper documents will remain permitted only in cases specified by law. These include certain special cargo movements, transactions involving foreign counterparties and transportation for individuals’ personal needs.
What Happens If the Internet Connection Is Unstable?
An unstable internet connection should not interrupt transportation. The document will be created and stored by the electronic document operator and transmitted to GIS EPD once the connection has been restored.
If a QR code cannot be generated temporarily, the driver may present the document on a mobile device or provide a printed copy.
What Happens If the Vehicle or Driver Is Replaced?
If the vehicle breaks down or the vehicle or driver needs to be replaced during transit, there is no need to issue a new document. The changes can be recorded in the existing electronic consignment note.
If part of the cargo is delivered separately, a new consignment note must be issued for that portion.
How Should Deliveries via a Temporary Storage Warehouse Be Documented?
Delivery of cargo to a temporary storage warehouse is considered the completion of the current transportation stage. The existing electronic consignment note must therefore be closed.
A new consignment note must be issued for onward delivery from the warehouse to the final consignee, taking into account the terms of the new contract of carriage.
What Will Change for International Freight?
If cargo is reloaded after crossing the border and continues to its destination within Russia, Russian transportation documents must be used.
If the final destination is outside Russia, the shipment is considered international and must be documented using a CMR consignment note.
A Forwarder’s Receipt Does Not Replace a Consignment Note
The Russian Ministry of Transport has clarified the purpose of these documents:
- A forwarder’s receipt confirms that the freight forwarder has received the cargo from the customer
- A consignment note confirms that a contract of carriage has been concluded between the consignor and the carrier
Therefore, these documents cannot be used interchangeably.
What Should Companies Do?
- Select an accredited electronic transportation document system operator.
- Connect relevant employees to the electronic document management system.
- Check the integration between the company’s accounting system and the operator.
- Assign responsibility for creating and signing documents.
- Test the processing of consignment notes, transport requests and freight forwarding documents.
- Update instructions for drivers and warehouse employees.
Key takeaway. The transition to electronic documentation is expected to accelerate document exchange and payments, reduce errors and simplify shipment tracking. Companies should review their internal processes in advance, as electronic documents will become the standard form of freight documentation from September 1.
Source
Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation: https://mintrans.gov.ru/
