Russian ministry urges 2-year transition period for CBDC adoption over infra concerns: report

Russia’s Ministry of Industry has proposed a two-year transition period for the implementation of digital ruble payments in retail due to infrastructure concerns.

Russia’s Ministry of Industry has called for a two-year transition period before mandatory acceptance of payments using the central bank digital currency, also known as the digital ruble, citing concerns about unprepared infrastructure.

In response to a draft law that would make digital ruble payments mandatory for major retailers by July 2025, the ministry warned that hasty implementation of the system could create serious difficulties for businesses, Russia’s state-controlled media outlet Izvestia reported.

The proposed legislation includes a provision requiring retailers to offer customers the option to pay using digital rubles. Under the draft, large federal retailers must comply by July 2025, while implementation could be delayed depending on the annual revenues of smaller businesses.

More time needed for CBDC adoption

However, according to the report, the Ministry of Industry stated in response to the government’s proposal that there are no clear operational rules for the digital ruble. In particular, the Ministry emphasized that additional time was needed to finalize software, update information systems, conduct tests and train staff.

To mitigate these risks, the ministry has reportedly requested a two-year transition period to give businesses time to adapt to the new system.

As crypto.news previously reported, Russia’s central bank governor, Elvira Nabiullina, stated that the country could bring the digital currency to “mass implementation” by July 2025 if pilot programs for the digital ruble continue as planned. However, he noted: the transition will be gradual.

The head of the Central Bank of Russia also stated that widespread adoption of Russia’s CBDC could take five to seven years, emphasizing that it would be a “natural process” driven by the needs and convenience of businesses and consumers.