Mandatory paid electronic mail for sole proprietors and self-employed individuals may be introduced in Russia

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has proposed developing a state platform for email correspondence between legal entities, sole proprietors, self-employed individuals, and the state. This was reported by Vedomosti with reference to a draft law providing for postal service reform.

This refers to a system with a digital mailbox. It is proposed that such a mailbox be created through Gosuslugi. A monthly fee will be charged for its use. At the same time, sending or receiving legally significant letters (with information that has legal consequences for the parties) will be paid for separately.

If the user fails to make a payment on time, access to the mailbox will be suspended. The tax authority will receive information that the address is invalid.

According to the draft law, the federal postal service organization (Russian Post) will be responsible for creating the state platform. The procedure for operating the electronic system, as well as the tariffs, will be determined by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The possibility of obtaining a digital mailbox may appear from September 1, 2026. Entrepreneurs will have to register an email address on the platform by March 1, 2027.

The Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation and Russian Post did not comment on the information about the draft law.