Ready for exporting to Russia? Digital marking is now mandatory for Cosmetics

For companies in the cosmetic industry, understanding and complying with these requirements is essential to maintain market access and protect brand integrity. Antares Vision Group, a global leader in traceability and digitalization systems, provides the technology and expertise to ensure full compliance for exporters entering or expanding in the Russian market.

Discover how to adapt your packaging, production lines, and data to Chestny ZNAK – ensuring your products move through the Russian market without disruption.

AT A GLANCE

How we help: End-to-end serialization and aggregation for cosmetic lines, integrated with your packaging and IT systems.

Deadline: 1 March 2025 – digital marking mandatory for cosmetics in Russia.

Who’s affected: Brand owners, contract manufacturers, importers, distributors.

What’s required: Data Matrix codes on packs, aggregation, event reporting to Chestny ZNAK.

If you’re not compliant: Blocked shipments, fines, loss of market access.

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Russia Cosmetic Regulations: Understanding the New Regulatory Context

Russia has implemented one of the most advanced digital traceability ecosystems in the world. Starting from March 1, 2025, the Chestny ZNAK program — managed by the Center for Research in Perspective Technologies (CRPT) — extends to all cosmetic and household chemical products.

This expansion follows:

• Decree No. 1681/2024 (November 30, 2024), defining product categories and technical marking rules;
• Decree No. 808/2025 (May 31, 2025), which refines requirements and customs codes for specific sub-categories.

The traceability obligation already applies to perfumes and colognes since October 1, 2020 (Decree No. 1957/2019). From 2025 onward, it will also cover:

• Makeup and skincare products
• Hair-care formulations
• Oral and dental hygiene products (including denture adhesives)
• Shaving and depilatory products, deodorants
• Soaps and detergents

The goal is to unify the cosmetic sector with other already regulated industries — such as pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and apparel — ensuring transparency, consumer protection, and anti-counterfeiting control across the supply chain.

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Key Challenges When Exporting Cosmetics to Russia

For businesses exporting to Russia, the new Chestny ZNAK requirements introduce several compliance challenges that must be managed carefully.

1. Digital Marking and Data Management

Each product unit must carry a unique digital code (Data Matrix), acting as a digital passport. The system records every step of the product journey — from manufacturing to retail sale — in real time.

2. Registration and Onboarding

Foreign manufacturers or importers must:

• Obtain a qualified digital signature for the company’s CEO or authorized person;
• Register with the Chestny ZNAK platform;
• Sign group contracts for the relevant product categories;
• Upload detailed product information to the national catalog.

3. Technical Code Structure

Every code integrates:

• GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) – 14 digits identifying the SKU;
• Serial number – 13 digits;
• Verification and crypto keys provided by CRPT;
• Additional readable information for lot management and expiry tracking.

This structure ensures that each item can be verified as authentic, preventing duplication or gray-market circulation.

4. Integration Across the Supply Chain

Each stakeholder — producer, distributor, retailer — must register every product movement within the system. The sale at the point of purchase automatically updates Chestny ZNAK, marking the item as sold and withdrawn from circulation.

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Digital Traceability Solutions for the Cosmetic Sector

Complying with Russian traceability laws requires reliable, automated technology. Antares Vision Group delivers end-to-end systems to ensure data accuracy and seamless compliance for companies exporting to Russia.

Serialization and Aggregation

Antares Vision Group solutions generate and apply Data Matrix codes directly on packaging lines, linking each product unit to its parent containers (cartons, cases, pallets). This enables:

• Unique code assignment per item;
• Secure data exchange with the CRPT system;
• Full visibility of the distribution hierarchy.

Integration with Enterprise Systems

Software modules connect manufacturing execution systems (MES), ERP platforms, and logistics partners to Chestny ZNAK. This integration eliminates manual entry errors and ensures all reporting obligations are met automatically.

Real-Time Monitoring and Analytics

Advanced dashboards provide real-time insight into product movements, helping companies:

• Detect anomalies or potential counterfeiting;
• Monitor stock levels and market flows;
• Optimize recall procedures and consumer engagement initiatives.

Consumer Transparency

Thanks to the official Chestny ZNAK mobile app, Russian consumers can instantly verify authenticity by scanning the product code. Brands can use this channel to reinforce trust and build loyalty through verified digital interaction.

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Benefits of Full Compliance for Exporters

Achieving compliance with Chestny ZNAK delivers more than just regulatory approval. For companies exporting to Russia, the advantages extend across operational, commercial, and reputational dimensions:

• Protection against counterfeiting – Secure digital identities make illegal reproduction almost impossible.
• Market access guarantee – Non-marked products cannot legally enter or circulate in Russia after the enforcement date.
• Supply-chain efficiency – Digital tracking simplifies logistics, customs clearance, and stock control.
• Brand trust and transparency – Consumers gain confidence in product authenticity and origin.
• Data-driven insights – Continuous traceability provides actionable intelligence on market behavior and distribution performance.

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FAQs About Exporting to Russia in the Cosmetic Industry

1. When does the Chestny ZNAK obligation for cosmetics take effect?

From March 1, 2025, all cosmetic and household-chemical products placed on the Russian market must carry a digital code under the Chestny ZNAK system.

2. Does the marking requirement apply to perfumes already exported to Russia?

Yes. Perfumes and colognes have been subject to mandatory marking since October 2020 under Decree No. 1957/2019.

3. How can foreign companies register for Chestny ZNAK?

Exporters must obtain a Russian qualified digital signature, register on the Chestny ZNAK portal, sign product group contracts, and upload product data to the national catalog.

4. What happens if products are exported without marking?

Unmarked goods cannot be cleared through Russian customs or legally sold. Violations may result in fines, confiscation, or revocation of import licenses.

5. Which data elements are included in the Data Matrix code?

Each code includes the GTIN, serial number, and cryptographic verification keys, ensuring each item’s unique identification and authenticity.

6. Why choose Antares Vision Group for Chestny ZNAK compliance?

Because Antares Vision Group offers proven serialization and traceability solutions, certified for the Russian market, integrating hardware, software, and regulatory expertise in one ecosystem.

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Conclusion: Ensuring Safe and Transparent Market Access

The Russian market presents substantial opportunities for cosmetic brands ready to comply with its digital-marking regulations. From March 2025 onward, exporting to Russia will demand a robust traceability strategy that aligns with Chestny ZNAK’s technical and procedural standards.

Antares Vision Group stands as a trusted partner for companies seeking secure, compliant, and efficient solutions — enabling full visibility from production to the point of sale. With its expertise in serialization, aggregation, and regulatory integration, Antares Vision Group ensures that your cosmetics reach Russian consumers with guaranteed authenticity and transparency.

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