Russian Post tracking
How to track my Russian Post package?
To track a Russian Post package, make sure you have the tracking number provided by the sender or the retailer. This unique code gives you access to all the information related to your shipment.
Enter this number in the search field and confirm. The most recent tracking data will be displayed automatically.
A detailed timeline then traces your package's journey: current location, completed transit stages, and estimated delivery date. This information is updated at each new stage, allowing you to follow your shipment's progress in real time.
Where can I find my Russian Post tracking number?
The Russian Post tracking number is automatically sent when your package is shipped. As the recipient, you receive it by email, SMS, or directly on the order confirmation page of the retailer's website.
If you cannot find it in your notifications, log in to your customer account on the website where you placed your order. The tracking number can be found in your order history or in the section dedicated to ongoing deliveries.
Once you have this number, enter it in the search field to check your delivery progress and estimated arrival date.
Why isn't my Russian Post package moving in the package tracking history?
When your Russian Post package tracking hasn't updated for several days, several factors may explain this delay: customs formalities for international shipments, logistical incidents, or simply a delay in updating the information.
Before taking any action, verify that the delivery address provided during the order is correct. An error or incomplete information can slow down the shipping process. If the delay persists beyond the announced timeframe, contact Russian Post customer service or the sender with your tracking number on hand. They will be able to precisely locate your package and, if necessary, open an investigation to determine the cause of the delay.
When I track my Russian Post package, why does it show as "returned"?
A "returned" status means that the package has been sent back to the sender. Several situations can explain this return:
The delivery driver was unable to identify the recipient due to an incorrect, illegible, or incomplete address missing essential information (apartment number, access code, etc.).
After several unsuccessful attempts and in the absence of collection within the allotted time, the package is automatically returned to its origin point.
The recipient did not collect the package from the post office or pickup point within the holding period, usually 15 days.
For international shipments, missing or incomplete documents or an incorrect value declaration can result in customs clearance refusal and the return of the package.
If your package shows this status, contact the sender or Russian Post customer service to find out the exact reason for the return and agree on a solution: a new shipment or refund according to the seller's terms.
Why does the Russian Post parcel tracking timeline indicate that my order cannot be found?
If no information appears when tracking your Russian Post package, several causes are possible:
Make sure that the number entered matches exactly the one provided by the sender. A single character error prevents the package from being identified.
Tracking information is only available once the package has been picked up by Russian Post. A delay of 24 to 48 hours may occur between the notification being sent and the first status update.
Temporary malfunctions can sometimes affect the online tracking system. In this case, try again later or contact Russian Post customer service for assistance.
About Russian Post
Russian Post, also known as Pochta Rossii, is the national postal operator of the Russian Federation. It provides a wide range of postal and logistics services, including domestic and international mail delivery, express delivery, and financial services. With its extensive network of post offices and distribution centers across Russia, Russian Post plays a crucial role in connecting individuals and businesses across the country. The company is committed to delivering mail and packages efficiently and securely, contributing to the development of Russia's communication and logistics infrastructure.
How to contact Russian Post?
If you are experiencing issues with the delivery process managed by Russian Post, please do not hesitate to contact their customer support.
What is Russian Post?
Russian Post, officially known as Pochta Rossii (Почта России), is the national postal operator of the Russian Federation. This public enterprise constitutes the largest federal postal and logistics operator in the country, listed among the strategic enterprises of the Russian Federation. Russian postal history dates back to the 10th century with the first messenger systems, but the modern organization of Russian Post was established in 2002, when various federal postal entities were consolidated into a unified public company.
The company is responsible for the collection, routing and distribution of mail and parcels across Russian territory, as well as the issuance of official postage stamps. With its headquarters in Moscow, Russian Post currently employs approximately 390,000 people and manages over 42,000 post offices throughout Russian territory, making it one of the world's largest postal networks. The carrier processes billions of postal shipments annually, including mail, parcels and money orders, playing a vital logistics role in a country of continental dimensions spanning over 17 million square kilometers across 11 time zones.
- Founding date: The modern organization dates from 2002, although Russian postal history extends back to the 10th century with the establishment of the first postal relays
- Legal status: Public enterprise (JSC - Joint Stock Company) owned by the Russian state
- Headquarters: Moscow, Russia
- Workforce: Approximately 390,000 employees distributed across the territory
- Network: Over 42,000 post offices, one of the world's most extensive networks
- Official website: pochta.ru (available in Russian and English)
Russian Post's market positioning is based on its role as a universal postal operator, guaranteeing access to postal services for all Russian citizens, including in the most isolated regions. The company collaborates with the world's largest online retailers and logistics companies, continuously strengthening its position in the international market. Since 2021, the Russian government has implemented a modernization plan for branches in rural and hard-to-reach areas, demonstrating the strategic importance of the operator for territorial development.
Which countries does Russian Post deliver to?
Russian Post ensures particularly extensive geographic coverage, both on national territory and at the international level. In Russia, the carrier serves all 85 federal subjects, from major metropolises such as Moscow and St. Petersburg to the most remote villages of Siberia or Russia's Far East. This universal coverage represents a considerable logistics challenge given the immense distances and extreme climate conditions of Russian territory.
Internationally, Russian Post is a member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the organization that brings together 192 countries and coordinates worldwide postal exchanges. This membership allows the Russian operator to send and receive mail and parcels to or from over 190 countries. International shipments can be made in standard postal mode, by land, sea or air depending on the destination and shipping urgency.
- National territory: Complete coverage of the 85 federal subjects of the Russian Federation, including republics, territories, regions and autonomous districts
- CIS countries: Privileged connections with former Soviet republics such as Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries
- Europe: Service to all European countries with varying delivery times depending on services chosen
- Asia: Strengthened partnerships with China, notably enabling the flow of e-commerce parcels from platforms such as AliExpress
- Americas and rest of world: Over 190 countries served through UPU agreements
A parcel sent from Russia will be handed over, upon arrival in the destination country, to the local postal service for final delivery, and vice versa for shipments destined for Russia. Russian Post has notably developed close logistics partnerships with China Post to accelerate the flow of parcels from Asian e-commerce. These collaborations have resulted in the creation of dedicated shipping solutions such as "Simplified Registered Mail", a simplified registered mail service for AliExpress platforms with specific tracking numbers.
In terms of cross-border infrastructure, Russian Post manages several international exchange centers called MMPO (Место международного почтового обмена), where export and import operations of foreign mail are carried out. Historically concentrated in Moscow, postal customs processing has been decentralized with the opening of new centers in Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and other cities, allowing reduced processing times for international parcels entering and leaving the country.
What are the Russian Post services and delivery times?
Russian Post offers a complete range of postal services adapted to the different needs of individuals and professionals. The operator proposes solutions for both the Russian domestic market and international shipments, with varying service levels depending on desired delivery times and available budget. This service diversity allows meeting the expectations of all types of shippers.
For the Russian domestic market, Russian Post ensures the transport of letters, postcards and small shipments, as well as the distribution of press materials. The national parcel service allows shipping packages throughout the territory, with standard or accelerated options depending on distance and urgency. The operator also offers a registered mail service guaranteeing tracking and delivery with signature, widely used for sending important documents or valuable goods within the country.
- Ordinary mail: Economical service for letters and small shipments without tracking, with varying delivery times depending on distance
- Registered mail: Shipment with tracking and signature on delivery, guaranteeing complete traceability of the shipment
- Standard postal parcel: Service for medium-sized packages with tracking, delivery times of 3 to 14 days depending on destination in Russia
- National accelerated service: Faster delivery throughout Russian territory with reduced delivery times
- EMS (Express Mail Service): International express service guaranteeing priority transport within 5 business days to worldwide destinations
- International small packet: Economical solution for low-weight shipments abroad
The EMS service constitutes Russian Post's premium offer for international shipments. This express service guarantees faster and priority transport of parcels and documents abroad, with detailed tracking and signature on delivery. Russian Post's EMS allows international deliveries within announced timeframes of approximately 5 business days, although actual delivery times may vary from 10 to 30 days depending on destination distance and transit conditions. This service pricing starts around 20 euros and increases according to weight and destination.
For standard shipments to Europe, delivery times generally fall between 3 and 24 days depending on the type of service chosen. Sending standard mail or parcel costs approximately 0.70 euro, while an express option reduces the timeframe to approximately one week at a cost of approximately 10 euros. For a 1 kg parcel, pricing is approximately 10 euros for domestic shipment and 20 euros for international shipment.
Regarding weekend deliveries, Russian Post maintains reduced service on Saturday in most of its offices, while Sundays and Russian public holidays generally see suspension of distributions. Automated lockers remain accessible 24/7 for parcel pickup, however, offering appreciated flexibility to recipients.
What are the rates and maximum dimensions accepted by Russian Post?
Russian Post applies a pricing grid based on multiple criteria including weight, dimensions, destination and service level chosen. Rates vary significantly between domestic and international shipments, as well as between standard and express services. The operator offers options suited to all budgets, from simple mail to voluminous parcels.
For shipments from Russia, the base rate for standard shipment is around 0.70 euro. A one kilogram parcel costs approximately 10 euros for domestic shipment and approximately 20 euros for an international destination. The EMS express service, which guarantees worldwide delivery within 5 business days, starts at approximately 20-30 euros and increases based on weight, dimensions and final destination of the package.
- Ordinary mail rate: Starting from approximately 0.70 euro for simple shipments
- Domestic parcel rate (1 kg): Approximately 10 euros
- International parcel rate (1 kg): Approximately 20 euros
- EMS express service: Starting from 20-30 euros depending on destination and weight
- Price factors: Weight, dimensions, destination, service level, declared value, insurance
Regarding maximum authorized dimensions and weight, Russian Post applies precise limits depending on shipment type. For standard parcels, the sum of three dimensions (height, width, length) must not exceed 300 centimeters. Maximum authorized dimensions are 350 × 190 × 130 cm. A parcel is considered oversized if one of its dimensions exceeds 60 centimeters, or if the sum of height, length and width exceeds 120 centimeters.
- Letters: Maximum weight of 100 grams
- International letters: Maximum weight of 2 kilograms
- Small packets (documents, photos, manuscripts): Minimum weight of 100 grams, maximum of 2 kilograms
- Heavy parcels: Beyond 10 kg, shipment is considered heavy with specific pricing
- EMS express service: Maximum weight of 31.5 kilograms
- Maximum dimensions: 350 × 190 × 130 cm, with the sum of three dimensions not exceeding 300 cm
- Oversizing: Applied if a dimension exceeds 60 cm or if the sum exceeds 120 cm
Certain merchandise categories are subject to shipping restrictions or prohibitions via Russian Post. Hazardous materials, flammable products, weapons and ammunition, illicit substances and certain perishable food products cannot be accepted. Restrictions may vary depending on whether the shipment is domestic or international, and according to destination country regulations. It is recommended to consult the complete list of prohibited items on the official Pochta Rossii website before any shipment.
What are the Russian Post delivery options?
Russian Post offers several delivery methods to adapt to recipient constraints and preferences. The operator has significantly developed its alternative pickup options in recent years, offering increased flexibility to users unable to receive their parcels at home during standard distribution hours.
Home delivery remains the main distribution method for Russian Post parcels. The mail carrier or distribution agent comes to the indicated address and hands over the parcel to the recipient or an authorized person. For registered or valuable shipments, a signature is required upon delivery. In case of absence, a missed delivery notice is generally left in the mailbox, inviting the recipient to pick up their parcel at the local post office.
- Home delivery: Direct distribution to recipient's address by mail carrier, with signature for registered shipments
- Post office pickup: Over 42,000 post offices allow parcel pickup with presentation of valid ID and tracking number
- Automated lockers (Postomats): Self-service machines allowing parcel pickup 24/7 without employee assistance
- Postal kiosks: Modular service points deployed since 2011, serving as additional deposit and pickup locations
- Mobile post office: Itinerant post offices (equipped vehicles) serving rural or isolated localities
Automated lockers, often called postomats in Russia, represent a major innovation in Russian Post's distribution network. These machines installed in major cities allow users to deposit or pick up parcels autonomously and securely, without depending on post office opening hours. The recipient receives a pickup code by SMS or email that they enter on the locker console to open the compartment containing their parcel.
Postal kiosks constitute another proximity solution developed by Russian Post. Distributed across the territory, these modular service points facilitate delivery flow by serving as additional deposit and pickup locations. Beyond parcel operations, these kiosks now offer other services such as insurance, banking offers, transport ticket sales and telecommunications products.
For rural or isolated areas lacking permanent branch offices, Russian Post has implemented a "mobile post office" service. These itinerant post offices, typically equipped vehicles, travel to remote localities on a regular schedule. They offer basic services to residents on site, such as mail and parcel deposit and pickup, as well as standard postal services. This solution maintains postal presence even in the most remote regions of Russia's vast territory.
Regarding notifications, Russian Post informs recipients of their parcel arrival through different channels. The Pochta Rossii mobile application, available on iOS and Android, allows push notifications and real-time shipment tracking. SMS and email alerts are also available for users registered on the official website.
What should I do if my Russian Post parcel is lost or damaged?
In case of parcel loss or damage during transport by Russian Post, complaint procedures allow shippers and recipients to assert their rights and obtain possible compensation. The Russian postal operator has implemented a complaint processing system accessible both online and at post offices.
The first step is to regularly check shipment tracking on the Russian Post official website or through third-party tracking platforms. If no update appears for an abnormally long period and the estimated delivery time is significantly exceeded, a search or complaint procedure should be initiated. It is important to note that it is generally the shipper who must initiate the complaint with Pochta Rossii, as they are the contracting party with the postal operator.
- Deadline to file a complaint: Six months from shipment date
- Required documents: Original shipping receipt, valid ID, shipment tracking number
- Filing methods: Online via pochta.ru, at post office, or by phone to customer service
- Processing time: Up to six months for standard parcels, four months for EMS shipments
- Compensation payment: Within 10 days following favorable decision
Regarding compensation, Russian Post applies scales based on SDRs (Special Drawing Rights), the accounting unit used by the International Monetary Fund for international transactions. For uninsured parcels, maximum compensation in case of loss amounts to 40 SDRs per shipment, to which are added 4.5 SDRs per kilogram, plus shipping fees. For insured parcels, compensation corresponds to the declared customs value plus shipping fees, minus insurance fees.
- Uninsured parcel (loss): Maximum 40 SDRs + 4.5 SDRs per kg + shipping fees
- Insured parcel (loss): Declared value + shipping fees - insurance fees
- Certain specific shipments: Maximum 30 SDRs depending on type
- Other categories: Maximum 130 SDRs + shipping fees
- Cash-on-delivery shipments: Mandatory insurance at 3.5% of value, maximum compensation of 1000 euros
For damaged parcels, the procedure is similar but requires keeping the parcel and packaging in the condition they were received, to allow expert assessment if necessary. Photos of damaged packaging and contents may be requested to support the complaint. Compensation will be calculated based on declared value and level of damage found.
Russian Post customer service can be contacted by phone at 8-800-1-000-000 (toll-free from Russia) or +7 495 956 20 67 for calls from abroad. The official pochta.ru website also offers an online contact form and detailed help section. The Pochta Rossii mobile application also provides contact features and complaint tracking functionality.
Does Russian Post handle international shipments and customs procedures?
Russian Post handles mail and parcel transport worldwide thanks to its membership in the Universal Postal Union. The operator offers different types of international shipments, from simple mail to voluminous parcels, including EMS express service. Management of customs procedures constitutes an essential step for all shipments crossing Russian Federation borders.
For any international shipment, a customs declaration is mandatory. This document constitutes the "customs passport" of the shipment as it contains all information necessary for its entry into the destination country's territory: detailed contents, nature of goods, unit value, unit weight. This declaration allows customs authorities of the destination country to determine in advance the amount of import duties and taxes that the recipient must pay.
- Customs declaration CN22: For low-value shipments (generally up to 300 euros), simplified form
- Customs declaration CN23: For higher-value shipments or containing multiple items, detailed form
- Commercial invoice: Required for commercial-nature shipments or high-value items
- Specific certificates: Depending on merchandise nature (certificates of origin, health certificates, export licenses)
International shipments transit through Russian Post's international exchange centers (MMPO), where export operations and customs verification are carried out before shipment abroad. Upon arrival in Russia, parcels from abroad also pass through these centers for import procedures. International sorting centers have been opened in Moscow, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk to alleviate customs processing and reduce delays.
Regarding customs duties and import taxes in Russia, the tax regime provides for 20% VAT on import applicable to merchandise value. In case of exceeding thresholds allowed for individuals, customs duties of 30% of value (with a minimum of 4 euros per kilogram) may apply. These fees are the recipient's responsibility and must be paid before parcel delivery.
- VAT on imports to Russia: 20% on merchandise declared value
- Customs duties: 30% of value (minimum 4 euros/kg) beyond allowed thresholds
- Customs clearance fees: Customs presentation fees may apply
- Payment method: Fees can be paid online or upon parcel pickup
For exports from Russia, Russian customs authorities are authorized to inspect parcel contents and verify declaration compliance. Certain goods are subject to export restrictions or require special authorization. Artwork, antiquities, cultural objects and certain technology products may notably be subject to reinforced controls.
It is recommended to complete customs declarations with accuracy and completeness to avoid processing delays or customs retention. Vague description or manifest undervaluation can result in additional verification and prolonged delays. Tracking statuses "Presented to customs", "Held by customs" or "Customs duties to pay" indicate that the shipment is undergoing customs processing and actions may be required from the recipient.
Understanding tracking statuses
When tracking a Russian Post parcel online, different statuses may appear to inform you of shipment progress. These statuses correspond to different stages of the logistics journey, from initial receipt to final delivery. Here are the main statuses and their meaning:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Tracking number assigned | A shipment number has been generated for the parcel and shipping information has been recorded in the system. The shipment will soon be physically handled by the post office. |
| Taken in charge by post | The parcel has been accepted by a post office or postal agent. It is now officially in custody and will enter Russian Post's transport network. |
| Departure from origin office | The shipment has left the origin point and has been sent to the sorting center or next logistics step of the journey. |
| Arrived at sorting center | The parcel has arrived at a postal sorting center where it will be processed, sorted and routed to its next destination, such as a regional or transit center. |
| Sorting in progress | The shipment is being processed at a sorting center. Logistics teams or automated systems sort the parcel with other shipments destined for the same area. |
| Left sorting center | The parcel has completed sorting at the center and has been sent further. It is on its way to the next step of the journey, another center or the final distribution office. |
| Arrived in transit country | The shipment has arrived in an intermediate country serving as transit for international shipments. It will possibly be inspected and redirected to its final destination there. |
| Left transit country | The parcel has resumed its journey after transit. It has left the transit country and continues its transport to the destination country. |
| Sent to destination country | The shipment has left Russia and has been sent abroad. It is currently on its way to the destination country by air, land or sea. |
| Arrived in destination country | The parcel has arrived in the destination country's territory. It will be taken in charge by the local postal service for final delivery steps. |
| Arrived in Russia | For a parcel sent from abroad, this status indicates the shipment has entered Russian territory. It will be handed to Russian Post's network for arrival processing. |
| Arrived at international exchange center | The shipment has arrived at an international postal exchange center (MMPO). This center processes international parcels for customs procedures and redistribution to internal sorting centers. |
| Presented to customs | The parcel has been handed to customs authorities for inspection. It is undergoing mandatory verification controls of contents and compliance before being authorized to continue its journey. |
| Released by customs | Customs has cleared the shipment and has not held it. The parcel is now released and will be able to continue its transport through the postal network. |
| Held by customs | The shipment is temporarily held by customs services. Additional inspections are underway, such as tax assessment or contents inspection, and delivery is suspended until resolution. |
| Refused by customs | Customs authorities have refused entry or exit of the parcel. This may occur in case of prohibited contents or non-compliant documents. The shipment will usually be returned to sender or destroyed according to regulations. |
| Customs duties to pay | Taxes or customs fees are applicable to this shipment. The parcel is awaiting payment of these duties by the recipient before delivery can proceed. |
| Pending fee payment | The shipment requires payment of certain fees, such as storage fees or customs presentation tax. It cannot continue or be delivered until these fees are paid. |
| Handed to transport company | The parcel has been entrusted to a third-party carrier such as an airline for an international flight. It is in external transit, being transported by this means of transport. |
| Departure of flight to destination | The aircraft carrying the parcel has departed and the parcel is on its way by air to the destination country or to a transit facility. |
| Transport by land | The shipment has been loaded for land transport by train, truck or other means. It is traveling by land to its next step. |
| Arrived at local distribution office | The parcel has reached the post office or distribution center near the destination address. It is now ready to be taken in charge for final local delivery. |
| Out for delivery | The shipment is currently undergoing final transport to the recipient. A distribution agent, mail carrier or courier has taken it in charge to effect delivery to the indicated address. |
| Delivery attempt unsuccessful | A distribution attempt has been made, but the parcel could not be delivered. The recipient was absent or unreachable during the delivery agent's visit. A missed delivery notice may have been left. |
| Awaiting recipient pickup | The shipment is available at the delivery point, usually the local post office, and awaits the recipient to pick it up with their tracking number and valid ID. |
| Distributed in mailbox | The item or small parcel has been placed directly in the recipient's mailbox. This status means the shipment has been delivered without requiring a signature. |
| Delivered to recipient | The parcel has been handed over in person to the recipient or an authorized person and delivery is thus completed successfully. This status closes tracking by confirming proper receipt. |
| Return to sender | The shipment could not be delivered to the recipient and will be returned to sender. The parcel is being returned or has already been sent back to its origin point. |
| Refused by recipient | The recipient has refused to take possession of the parcel upon presentation. The shipment will therefore not be delivered and will be returned to sender according to applicable procedures. |
| Undeliverable | The parcel is considered undeliverable under current conditions. This may result from an incorrect address, inability to make contact or other logistics problems. |
| Unclaimed | The shipment remained at the post office beyond the authorized holding period without being picked up by the recipient. It will usually be returned to sender. |
| Incorrect or incomplete address | The delivery address provided for the parcel contains an error or missing information preventing delivery. The parcel could be returned to sender or be awaiting address correction. |
| Recipient not found | The recipient could not be located at the indicated address, for example because they moved without leaving a forwarding address or the name is not known at that address. |
| Force majeure / Exceptional delay | Exceptional circumstances beyond the carrier's control are delaying shipment transport. This may include extreme weather conditions, natural disasters or other events affecting postal transport. |
| Public holiday - Delivery deferred | No delivery could be made that day due to a public or non-working holiday. The parcel will be held and delivery attempt will resume on the next working day. |
| Processing error | An internal error has occurred during shipment processing, such as a sorting or labeling error. A correction will be made, which may result in additional delay. |
| Missing or non-compliant documents | This status signals that documents required for the shipment are incomplete, illegible or incorrect. Shipping is suspended pending provision or correction of these documents. |
| Cancelled by sender | The shipment has been cancelled at the sender's request before its full processing. The parcel will not be shipped and will be returned to sender or held without transport. |
| Parcel damaged or incomplete | During transit, the parcel suffered damage or loss of contents. The packaging was deteriorated, or part or all of the contents are missing. |
| Lost | The shipment is officially declared lost by the carrier. No information on its location could be obtained and it is considered permanently lost. Compensation procedures may be initiated. |