Chestny ZNAK: Everything you need to know about the new signage system in Russia

.A new digital transformation is coming from Russia and it is called Chestny ZNAK! This system now makes labeling mandatory for more and more product categories, significantly changing the way the market works.

If you are already operating in Russia or plan to export your products, it is vital to be properly informed and prepared for the upcoming changes.

What is Chestny ZNAK?

Chestny ZNAK in Russian means honesty or reliability and is one of the most innovative systems for tracking, tracing, and locating products in a supply chain using DataMatrix codes. Its goal is to ensure the authenticity of products, protect consumers from counterfeiting, and enhance transparency in the supply chain.

So, according to the new regulations, all consumer goods, that is, every product sold in Russia, must be marked with a special digital code that guarantees their authenticity and quality.

The DataMatrix code will provide information about the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), the unique serial number, the verification key, and a cryptographic code.

What are the main features of Chestny ZNAK?

The Chestny ZNAK system was designed to offer multiple advantages at all levels of the supply chain, thanks to the use of DataMatrix codes.

Its main features include:

Recall of products that do not meet standards

It allows for the rapid and targeted withdrawal of non-compliant or dangerous products from the market.

Consumer protection

Ensures that products reaching the end consumer are genuine and comply with quality standards.

Regulatory compliance

Requires businesses to comply with new labeling requirements, reducing the availability of counterfeit or counterfeit products.

Transparency in the supply chain

Each product can be tracked in real time at all stages of movement, thus enhancing reliability.

Reduced delays

Direct access to data through digital systems reduces bottlenecks and speeds up the movement of products.

Easy transition to electronic documents

The use of physical documents is minimized, enhancing efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint.

Benefit for the government

Chestny ZNAK contributes to increasing public revenues, combating smuggling and ensuring a level playing field in the market.

Who will benefit from the new system, Chestny ZNAK?

There are three categories that will benefit! Consumers, as the quality and authenticity of the products they purchase will be ensured, businesses, as traceability will be done in a much more direct way and operating costs will be reduced, and finally governments, since this way smuggling will be reduced, tax revenues will be increased, and market control will be strengthened.

What is the procedure for implementing the Chestny ZNAK system?

To implement Chestny ZNAK, businesses must follow these steps:

• Register in the Chestny ZNAK system.
• Register their products in the system.
• Order and print Data Matrix codes.
• Apply the codes to the products before they are released on the market.
• The process also requires obtaining an electronic signature and integrating the system into existing production lines.

Important dates for 2025 and the Chestny ZNAK system

2025 is a milestone year for the implementation of the Chestny ZNAK system, as new product categories are included in the mandatory labeling process. The most important dates to keep in mind are:

The start is on February 1, with the mandatory labeling of all vegetable oils in all types of packaging.

A month after March 1, mandatory labeling begins on a wide range of products, such as beer, antiseptics, dietary supplements, light industry items such as fabrics, clothing, leather, footwear, tires, cameras, perfumes, dairy products, bottled water, tobacco products and medical devices.

Then on May 1, snacks, soaps and detergents are included in the labeling process, while on June 1, the obligation is extended to sauces, spices, deodorants and hair and shaving products.

From July 1, the release of unlabeled light industry goods from customs warehouses is prohibited, while from August 1, the retail sale of unlabeled stocks is also prohibited.

In the fall and on September 1, another significant expansion of the system begins, as new product categories will be included in the Chestny ZNAK with the exact groups being determined through official government decrees.

By September 30, all imported products purchased before mandatory labeling must have been released on the market.

Accordingly, by October 31, the process of describing and printing codes for the products remaining in the warehouses will be completed.

How can HUBIN help you comply with the Chestny ZNAK system?

With the rapid changes brought about by the new system, it is understandable that you may feel that this is a demanding, difficult and complicated process. HUBIN is here to facilitate this transition, taking over the entire process of marking your products with absolute accuracy and reliability.

Through advanced and tested management systems, HUBIN offers you comprehensive solutions that include:

• Creation, ordering and integration of DataMatrix codes for each product
• Assignment of products to a database
• Automatic control and verification of correct labeling
• Integrated management of the traceability process
• Full compliance with Russian Chestny ZNAK requirements

With HUBIN’s experience and expertise, Greek businesses can quickly and effectively organize the labeling process, ensuring smooth access and maintenance of their presence in the Russian market.