Honest Sign: Marking of goods in Russia
The Honest Sign system It is a national digital platform designed to mark and trace goods sold in Russia. It is designed to fight counterfeiting, protect consumer rights and increase market transparency.
Marking of goods in the “Honest Mark” system is mandatory for a number of product categories. In this article, we will analyze in detail what is an “Honest Mark”, what goods are subject to labeling, how the system works, what requirements are imposed on market participants and what penalties are provided for violations.
What is an "Honest Sign"?
"Honest Sign" - is a state system of digital labeling of goods, the operator of which is the Center for Advanced Technologies Development (CRPT).
It was put into effect on behalf of the Russian government in 2019. The main goal is to ensure full control over the turnover from the manufacturer or importer to the final buyer, to exclude counterfeit and illegal products from circulation.
Each product to be labeled is assigned a unique digital DataMatrix code that contains encrypted product information. The system allows you to track the path of goods from production or import to sale to the final consumer.
Which products are subject to mandatory labeling?
The labeling of goods in the “Honest Sign” system was introduced in stages. Currently, the following product groups are subject to mandatory labeling:
- Medications (from July 1, 2020)
- Tobacco products (from 1 July 2020)
- Shoes (from 1 July 2020)
- Perfumes (from October 1, 2020)
- Photo goods (cameras, flash lamps) (from October 1, 2020)
- Tires and tires (from 1 November 2020)
- Objects of clothing made of natural fur (since 2016)
- Dairy products (from September 1, 2022)
- Water and soft drinks (from December 1, 2021)
- Beer and low-alcoholic beverages (phased introduction from 2022)
At the implementation stage are new categories of goods, such as medical products, antiseptics, dietary supplements and baby food.
How does the Honest Sign system work?
The system works on the principle of full control of the supply chain:
- The manufacturer or importer applies a unique labeling code to the packaging of the goods.
- Distributors and retailers scan the code at every stage of the product movement.
- The buyer can verify the authenticity of the goods through the mobile application “Honest Sign”.
When scanning the DataMatrix code, the consumer receives full information about the product: where and when it was produced, certification, legality of import and other data.
Who should register in the system?
All participants in the turnover of goods subject to mandatory labeling are obliged to register in the “Honest Sign” system. This concerns:
- Producers
- Importers
- Wholesale suppliers
- Retailers
Without registration in the system, the sale of marked goods is impossible.
How do I get marking codes?
Steps to register and obtain marking codes:
- Registration in the "Honest Sign" system through the official website fair sign..
- Conclusion of a contract with the system operator (CRPT).
- Obtaining a qualified electronic signature (CEP).
- Selection of equipment for applying and reading codes (printers for printing codes, 2D scanners, etc.).
- Order marking codes through the system.
- Product codes.
- Transfer of information about goods to the system.
How can the consumer check the product?
Each buyer can check the legality of the goods using the free mobile application “Honest Sign”, available for iOS and Android.
To check, you need:
- Download and install the application.
- Scan the DataMatrix code on the product packaging.
- Get information about the product: date of production, manufacturer, information about certification and route of products.
If the product is not in the system or the code is forged, the system will issue a warning.
Liability for violations and fines
Failure to comply with labeling requirements has serious consequences.
Penalties for violations
| Violation | Penalty for IP | Fine for legal persons |
| Sale of unmarked goods | 5,000 to 10,000 rubles. + confiscation of goods | 50,000-300,000 rubles. + confiscation |
| Failure to provide data to the system | 1,000 to 10,000 rubles. | 50,000 - 100,000 rubles. |
| Production of unlabeled goods | 5,000 to 10,000 rubles. | 100,000 - 500,000 rubles. |
| Use of counterfeit marking codes | Administrative or criminal liability |
In case of major violations, criminal liability is provided, up to imprisonment.
Pros and cons of the “Honest Sign” system
Advantages:
- Combating counterfeit products
- Quality assurance for consumers
- Simplification of control by government agencies
- Increasing market transparency
- Protection of bona fide producers
Disadvantages:
- High cost of equipment and labeling for business
- Additional registration and maintenance costs
- Difficulty of implementation for small businesses
The Honest Sign system This is an important step in the development of control over the circulation of goods in Russia. Despite certain difficulties associated with implementation, it helps to combat counterfeiting and counterfeiting, improves the quality of products and protects the rights of consumers.
For businesses, participation in the system is mandatory, and for buyers it is a convenient tool for checking goods before buying.
Being aware of all changes in the field of labeling is the key to successful work in the market.
