Gov’t introduces sanitary and legal norms for food delivery couriers

The Ministry of Justice has officially registered a regulation titled “On the Approval of the Regulation on Courier Services in E-Commerce.”

This document introduces unified legal standards for the sector, defining the rights and responsibilities of courier service operators and couriers involved in the delivery chain. It also outlines the procedures and requirements for the prompt and safe delivery of goods to consumers, including food items.

According to the regulation, a courier is an individual (including self-employed persons) who delivers goods based on an employment contract and/or a civil law agreement with a delivery service operator or entrepreneur.

If stipulated by the agreement, both the delivery operators and couriers are permitted to accept payment from customers for goods and/or delivery services. In such cases, the use of a cash register device is mandatory, along with the issuance of a receipt – either in electronic or paper form.

For the delivery of food products, vehicles and thermal containers must be kept clean and in good working condition, and must be regularly washed and disinfected.

The regulation also prohibits couriers from engaging in the following actions:

• Opening the product packaging without authorization;
• Disclosing customers' personal data or information about the delivered goods to third parties.