Mandatory Labeling of Goods

Since 2019, mandatory labeling of goods has been in effect in Russia, and every year the list of goods is expanding.

At the moment, such goods are:

- tobacco

- shoes

- medications

- perfumery

- photographic equipment

- tires and covers

- clothes

- home textiles

- bottled water

- cheese and ice cream

In 2021, mandatory labeling will as well be established for:

- dairy products (with a shelf life of more than 40 days - from September 1, and from December 1 - for products with a shelf life of less than 40 days)

- bicycles (from September 1)

By 2024, the government plans to introduce labeling for all products on the Russian market.

What is mandatory product labeling?

This is registration and accounting of goods in the "Chestniy Znak" state system, which allows you to track the entire path of goods from production to the end consumer and reduces the risks of selling counterfeit products.

The manufacturer or importer marks the goods with a unique encrypted code, and other participants in the turnover enter information into the system about the receipt and further movement of the goods. After the sale of the goods to the end consumer, the goods are removed from circulation.

The state has the opportunity to obtain information about production, imports, movements, sales and any other operations with the goods along all the way of goods to the consumer.

How to label a product?

1. Issue an electronic signature and install the appropriate software

2. Register in the "Chestniy Znak" system.

3. Conclude an agreement with the EDM operator.

4. Purchase a 2D scanner to read codes when goods are received and sold.

5. Purchase an online cash register

6. Label the goods subject to mandatory labeling.

You can find detailed instructions on the "Chestniy Znak" official website.

Liability

• Article 15.12 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation provides for administrative responsibility for the production and sale of unlabeled goods in the amount of 2,000 rubles for individuals, and up to 300,000 rubles for organizations.

In this case, unmarked goods will be confiscated.

Also, the government is already considering a bill on the establishment of criminal liability for the use of fake labeling codes in the form of a fine of 300,000 rubles, or imprisonment for a period of 3 years with a fine of 80,000 rubles. And in case of collusion, the punishment will be 4 years in prison with a fine of up to 100,000 rubles.

If you have questions about the labeling procedure or you want to be prepared in advance for the introduction of mandatory labeling for your category of goods, make sure to contact TEAM for expert advice on this matter!