“Honest Sign” labelling: which goods and how to label them on import

30 March 2026

More and more product categories require mandatory labelling in Russia. Which goods are affected, at what stage codes are applied and how to organise labelling for an import.

What “Honest Sign” is

“Honest Sign” (Chestny Znak) is Russia’s national system of mandatory product labelling. Each unit is assigned a unique Data Matrix code that allows the product to be tracked from manufacturer to buyer and helps fight counterfeits.

The list of categories subject to labelling keeps growing. It already includes footwear, certain clothing categories, perfumery, tyres, photo equipment, tobacco, dairy products, packaged water and several other groups. Before importing, it is important to check whether your product is covered.

When and where codes are applied

Imported goods must be labelled before crossing the border — the codes are applied abroad, at the factory or at a consolidation warehouse. The alternative is labelling at a customs warehouse before release for free circulation. Unlabelled goods that are subject to labelling may not be imported or sold.

Codes are ordered in advance in the “Honest Sign” system and passed to the site where they are applied; then the data on putting the goods into circulation are submitted to the system. Errors in this chain lead to delayed release and fines.

How labelling fits into a shipment

1Check
We check whether the product is subject to labelling.
2Order codes
The importer orders Data Matrix codes in the system in advance.
3Apply codes
Codes are applied at the factory or at the consolidation warehouse before dispatch to Russia.
4Put into circulation
Data on the goods are submitted to the system and the goods are released.

How to organise labelling

The most convenient option is to label goods at the consolidation warehouse before dispatch to Russia — this avoids downtime at customs. This needs a partner who receives the codes, arranges their application and handles the documents correctly.

We help build labelling into delivery and customs clearance: we check whether the product is covered, arrange code application at the warehouse and support putting the goods into circulation. This reduces the risk of fines and delays. For you as a supplier, this means your Russian customer may ask for labelling at your factory — or we can take it on at our warehouse, so your production process stays unchanged.

Questions and answers

Must goods be labelled before they cross the border?

Yes, as a rule — at the factory or at a consolidation warehouse abroad. The alternative is a customs warehouse before release.

Which categories are covered?

Among others: footwear, certain clothing, perfumery, tyres, photo equipment, tobacco, dairy products and packaged water. The list keeps growing.

Can labelling be done without involving the factory?

Yes, codes can be applied at the consolidation warehouse before dispatch to Russia.

Certification and labelling →Certification for Russia →Household chemicals and hygiene for marketplaces →

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