MANDATORY MARKING COMES INTO FORCE IN RUSSIA | TKM - International Consulting
February 03, 2021

On January 1, 2021, the resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation on the mandatory marking of light industry goods came into force. It is no longer possible to sell goods of this segment without marking in Russia. 

Mandatory marking implies that each product must have a unique identifier on its packaging, a data matrix code, containing particular information (a product’s serial number, an expiration date, a manufacturer’s name, etc.). This identifier enables monitoring of each product’s circulation on its way from the manufacturer to the end user. The system is aimed at decreasing the number of counterfeits in various markets.

In accordance with the federal information system for monitoring the circulation of products, it is planned to introduce mandatory marking for all types of goods by 2024.

The following categories of products are being marked:

2020-2021

  • pharmaceutical products (from July 1, 2020)
  • cameras and equipment (from October 1, 2020)
  • perfumery products (from October 1, 2020)
  • tires (from November 1, 2020)
  • goods of light industry and clothing (from January 1, 2021)
  • alternative tobacco products (from July 1, 2021)

2016-2019

  • fur products (from August 12, 2016)
  • tobacco products (from July 1, 2019)
  • shoes (from July 1, 2019)

Despite the system’s pros, TKM reminds that it has a number of cons:

  • there can be companies selling counterfeits in the marking operator’s database;
  • the procedure for customs clearance of the marked categories of goods will become more complicated;
  • an increase in product prices;
  • and others.

Since unscrupulous businessmen make millions from counterfeits, it would be imprudent to assume that they will all give up their illegal activities. They will find ways to bypass the system. The incidents have already been reported. Therefore, to reliably protect brands, it is necessary to apply a constant complex brand protection strategy.

 
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