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11 Dec 2025

Exporting Cosmetics to Russia: Digital Marking Becomes Mandatory from March 1, 2025

For beauty brands and cosmetic manufacturers, the Russian market remains a major commercial opportunity. But starting March 1, 2025, a new regulatory requirement becomes unavoidable:
digital marking is mandatory for all cosmetic products.

This change affects packaging, production lines, supply-chain operations, IT systems, and the entire distribution process.
Companies that fail to comply risk customs blocks, fines, and losing access to the market.

Antares Vision Group—global leader in traceability and digitalization—supports cosmetic companies with fully compliant Chestny ZNAK solutions, ensuring operational continuity, product authenticity, and reliable market access.

Understanding the New Russian Regulatory Framework

Russia has developed one of the world’s most advanced digital traceability ecosystems. The Chestny ZNAK program, managed by CRPT, will expand in 2025 to cover all cosmetic and household-chemical products.

This requirement is driven by two key regulations:

Decree 1681/2024 – defines product groups and technical marking rules;
Decree 808/2025 – refines requirements, customs codes, and sub-categories.

Digital marking has been mandatory for perfumes and colognes since 2020, and from 2025 it will include:

makeup and skincare
hair-care products
oral and dental hygiene items
deodorants, shaving and depilatory products
soaps and detergents

The goal is to bring cosmetics in line with other regulated sectors—such as pharma, tobacco, and apparel—ensuring transparency, consumer safety, and anti-counterfeiting control across the supply chain.

What the Regulation Requires

Exporting cosmetics to Russia now involves a set of technical and procedural obligations. Here are the key elements.

1. Digital Marking & Data Management

Each individual product unit must carry a unique Data Matrix code, acting as a digital passport.
The system tracks manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and retail sale in real time.

Every code includes:

GTIN (14 digits)
13-digit serial number
cryptographic keys issued by CRPT
optional data for batch and expiry management

2. Registration & Onboarding for Foreign Companies

Manufacturers and importers must:

obtain a Russian qualified digital signature;
register on Chestny ZNAK;
sign group contracts for the relevant product categories;
upload all SKUs into the national catalog with required metadata.

3. Serialization, Aggregation & Reporting

Every movement of each marked product must be reported.
Items must be linked in a hierarchy—unit → carton → pallet—and all transitions must be notified to the national system.

Retail sale automatically updates the code’s status, removing it from circulation.

Key Challenges for Exporters

The Chestny ZNAK system creates several operational challenges:

Updating packaging and production lines to apply and verify Data Matrix codes at industrial speed.
Integrating IT systems (ERP, MES, WMS) with the Russian platform.
Coordinating global supply-chain partners to ensure compliant reporting.
Avoiding manual mistakes, which can immediately block shipments at customs.

Antares Vision Group Solutions for Full Compliance

Antares Vision Group delivers complete, scalable, and certified solutions that help cosmetic brands achieve full compliance without disrupting production.

Serialization & Aggregation

Generation and application of Data Matrix codes
Hierarchical linking of units, cartons, and pallets
Secure data exchange with CRPT
Full visibility of the distribution structure

Seamless Software Integration

Native integration with ERP, MES, and logistics systems ensures automated reporting and eliminates manual data entry risks.

Real-Time Monitoring & Analytics

Advanced dashboards allow companies to:

detect anomalies or counterfeiting attempts
monitor inventory and distribution flows
improve recall processes
activate consumer engagement via digital scanning

Consumer Transparency

Through the official Chestny ZNAK mobile app, Russian consumers can verify product authenticity instantly—strengthening brand trust with a single scan.

Why Compliance Is a Competitive Advantage

Achieving full compliance offers benefits far beyond regulatory approval:

Anti-counterfeiting protection through secure, unique digital identities
Guaranteed access to the Russian market after March 1, 2025
Greater supply-chain efficiency with end-to-end visibility
Higher consumer trust, thanks to transparency and authenticity checks
Data-driven insights on distribution, market behavior, and product performance

FAQ – Exporting Cosmetics to Russia

1. When does the obligation start?

March 1, 2025.

2. Are perfumes included?

Yes—perfumes and colognes have been marked since 2020.

3. How do foreign companies register?

By obtaining a Russian qualified digital signature, registering on Chestny ZNAK, signing group contracts, and uploading product data to the national catalog.

4. What happens if products are not marked?

They cannot pass customs or be legally sold. Violations may result in fines or revocation of import licenses.