Exporting Food to Russia? Learn How to Comply with the Chestny ZNAK System

For companies exporting food products or consumer goods to Russia, regulatory compliance is now a fundamental condition for market access. Among the key requirements is the adoption of the National Track & Trace System (Chestny ZNAK) — the Russian national traceability system that mandates the unique serialization of every product unit. In a global context increasingly focused on transparency and safety, serialization has become a strategic pillar of export: it ensures food safety, full traceability, and brand protection throughout the international supply chain.

Why Serialization Is Essential for Food Export

Assigning a unique code to each product enables manufacturers to identify, monitor, and authenticate every unit throughout its entire lifecycle — from production line to end consumer. This approach:

Improves export logistics and flow management

Ensures compliance with governmental regulations

Allows for fast and targeted recalls when needed

Combats counterfeiting and parallel markets

Strengthens consumer trust in imported products

For exporters, serialization is no longer just a technical requirement — it’s a competitive advantage. Companies that comply gain easier access to regulated markets and meet internationally recognized quality standards.

The National Track & Trace System (Chestny ZNAK): The Key to Exporting to Russia

The National Track & Trace System, known as Chestny ZNAK, is Russia’s national digital traceability platform, managed by the Center for Research in Advanced Technologies (CRPT). Its purpose is to monitor the journey of every single item along the entire supply chain — from production and importation to distribution and retail. The regulation requires that every sellable unit be marked with a unique DataMatrix code, registered in the national Russian database. This code must be applied directly to the packaging (label or cap) and validated at several control points. For all exporting companies, compliance with Chestny ZNAK is an essential requirement to continue trading in the Russian market.

Antares Vision Group’s Integrated Approach to Export Compliance

Meeting Russian traceability requirements demands an integrated technological solution capable of connecting hardware and software. Antares Vision Group offers a turnkey serialization platform designed to ensure compliance, efficiency, and control at every stage of the production and distribution process. The integration between hardware and software systems enables companies to:

Print, verify, and aggregate DataMatrix codes on the production line

Manage traceability data at site and enterprise levels

Transmit the required information to the Chestny ZNAK system

Reduce implementation times and maintenance costs

Avoid errors and ensure data consistency for export

This end-to-end approach guarantees full regulatory compliance and more efficient management of export flows to Russia and other regulated markets.

Antares Vision Group’s Expertise in Bottle and Packaging Serialization

Antares Vision Group provides serialization and aggregation solutions for containers intended for export, including bottles, various packaging formats, and flowpacks. Our technologies are designed to adapt to the specific characteristics of production lines, considering materials, line speed, and plant structure.

With direct experience gained in international food & beverage manufacturing plants, we develop tailor-made serialization solutions for every product type. We ensure that print quality meets regulations and, together with manufacturers, assess the migration of printing substances through packaging to guarantee compliance with food safety (food-grade) standards. High-speed production lines are not a limitation: we operate on high-output systems and precisely manage aggregation phases — from bundle creation to box packing and final wrapping — even when multiple production lines converge at a single packaging point. We can handle both complex projects involving multiple lines and aggregation stages, as well as more compact setups, tailoring technology to the needs of smaller production environments.

Our solutions integrate seamlessly with existing packaging lines and management systems, maintaining high performance and ensuring full regulatory compliance for export.

Conclusion

In an increasingly regulated market, serialization is the key to exporting safely, compliantly, and transparently. The Russian Chestny ZNAK system represents an advanced model of traceability, and aligning with its requirements means protecting your brand and gaining secure access to the Russian market. Through its integrated hardware and software solutions, Antares Vision Group supports exporting companies in achieving full compliance, optimizing production processes, and ensuring maximum data reliability.

FAQ – Exporting to Russia and Chestny ZNAK

What is the Chestny ZNAK system?

The National Track & Trace System (Chestny ZNAK) is Russia’s digital product traceability platform. Managed by the CRPT, it requires that each sellable product unit be serialized with a unique DataMatrix code registered in the national database, from production to sale.

What are the benefits of product serialization?

• Compliance with national traceability regulations
• Ensures food safety and full traceability
• Reduces risks of counterfeiting and parallel markets
• Improves inventory and logistics management
• Strengthens consumer confidence

How does serialization work in practice?

Each product unit receives a unique code (DataMatrix) applied to the label, cap, or packaging. Production, batch, and distribution data are recorded in the national system and can be verified throughout the supply chain.

Why must exporters comply with Chestny ZNAK?

Compliance is mandatory for legally exporting to Russia. Non-compliance may lead to fines, customs blocks, or product rejection. Moreover, serialization enhances transparency and competitiveness.

What kind of solutions does Antares Vision Group offer for export?

Antares Vision Group provides turnkey hardware and software solutions for serialization and traceability:

• Printing and verification of DataMatrix codes (in-line printing or pre-serialized code management)
• Management of production, distribution, and compliance data
• Integration with production lines and management systems
• Technical support and regulatory updates

Does serialization work on bottles or complex packaging?

Yes. Thanks to advanced technologies and years of experience in food and beverage plants, Antares Vision Group systems ensure precise printing and code reading even on irregular shapes and different materials, without slowing down production. The Group applies serialization expertise across both the food & beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

Is serialization required only in Russia?

No. Many countries are implementing similar regulations for food safety, traceability, and anti-counterfeiting. Complying with systems like Chestny ZNAK — specific to Russia — also prepares companies to export to other regulated markets.

How can I start implementing serialization for export?

The first step is to assess your production process and supply chain. Antares Vision Group offers dedicated consulting to identify regulatory requirements, select the most suitable technology for your packaging and product, and implement a complete hardware and software solution — ensuring compliance and rapid operational readiness.

Discover our Track and Trace solution: click here