Food labelling system
The labeling of goods in Russia has already become a mandatory element of market regulation, but in the food segment it has its own specifics. Unlike clothing, shoes or appliances, the food group is regulated not only by a traceability system, but also by safety requirements, expiration dates and veterinary control.
By 2025-2026, control over the circulation of food products is strengthened, and the requirements become more complex. For business, this means taking into account not only the fact of labeling, but also the features of specific product categories.
What about food in terms of regulation
Food products - This is one of the broadest categories of products, including:
- processed products (canned, semi-finished products, drinks)
- Commodities (grain, meat, dairy products)
- ready-made
Each of these categories may fall under different control systems. Unlike other products, there is no universal approach to labeling.
Basic monitoring systems
In practice, food in Russia undergo several levels of control:
- Digital marking system (e.g. “Honest Mark”)
Used selectively - not to all products, but to individual categories (for example, water, dairy products, etc.). - The Veterinary System (Mercury)
Used for products of animal origin: meat, milk, fish.
Tracks the movement of goods and confirms its safety. - Technical regulations of the EAEU
Establish requirements for labeling on the package: composition, shelf life, manufacturer, storage conditions.
Thus, the food can be simultaneously under several types of control.
Role of HS in labelling
A key element in the definition of requirements is the HS code. It defines:
- Does the product fall under mandatory labeling?
- Whether veterinary control is required
- What documents need to be issued
For example:
- group 02 - Meat and edible offal (control through Mercury)
- group 04 - Dairy products (partially labeled through a digital system)
- group - cereals (main emphasis on phytosanitary control)
- group - processed products (depending on the specific type of product)
An error in the FEA code can lead to an incorrect choice of control system and, as a result, to delays or penalties.
Features of food labeling
Unlike other product groups, there are a number of fundamental nuances.
First, the expiration date plays an important role. The whole system should work quickly, as delays in clearance can lead to damage to the goods.
Secondly, a significant part of production requires a temperature regime, which complicates logistics and interaction with accounting systems.
Thirdly, for many categories traceability of the origin of raw materials is mandatory, especially in products of animal origin.
In addition, the packaging must contain mandatory information: composition, nutritional value, date of production, storage conditions. This is not part of digital labeling, but is a legal requirement.
Practice for imports
For food importers, the process becomes more complex compared to other commodities.
It is necessary:
- Define the HS code correctly
- Understand which control systems are used
- Get the necessary documents in advance
- synchronize delivery with marking process
It is especially important to take into account that part of the operations must be performed before the goods are imported into circulation, and part of the operations must be performed. - It's already in the country.
Current developments and trends
By 2026, there are several key trends:
- Gradual expansion of the list of products subject to digital labeling
- strengthening import controls
- integration of different systems among themselves
- Transition to more complete traceability of supply chains
The state strives to ensure that the movement of the product can be traced from the manufacturer to the buyer.
The main risks for business
In the food segment, mistakes are particularly costly. Key risks are related to:
- incorrect classification by HS
- inconsistency n
- delays
- Violation of expiration dates due to logistics
In addition, if violations are detected, the goods can not only be detained, but withdrawn from circulation.
Food labelling - It is a complex system that combines several levels of control. Unlike other product categories, not only digital traceability is important here, but also product safety, shelf life and correct classification.
For businesses, this means a need for deep work on processes and attention to detail. Mistakes in this area directly affect not only costs, but also the possibility of entering the market.
