ARTICLE

Chestny ZNAK labeling: what it is and how to arrange it

Chestny ZNAK is the state system for mandatory digital labeling of goods in Russia. A unique DataMatrix code is applied to every individual product unit.

Which goods in Russia must bear Chestny ZNAK labels

The system covers more than 20 product categories:

clothing and textiles

footwear

perfumery

tires

dairy products

medicines

household appliances

photographic equipment

bicycles

Why businesses need to arrange Chestny ZNAK labeling

Legal compliance

Without labeling, goods cannot be sold in stores or on marketplaces. These platforms refuse to accept unlabeled goods.

Business protection

Labeling confirms that the goods are lawful during any inspection.

Fair competition

Customers can see the difference between lawful goods and the gray market.

How registration with Chestny ZNAK works

1. Obtain an enhanced qualified electronic signature (EQES)

An EQES is required to register in the system. It is issued by an accredited certification center. Processing time: 1–2 business days. Cost: from RUB 1,500 to RUB 3,000 per year.

2. Register at xn----8sbnjijqd5ak6cwc.xn--p1ai

Choose your product group, complete the registration form, and sign the application using your EQES. Registration is free.

3. Describe the goods in the system

Every SKU must be added to the national product catalog with its TN VED code, name, country of origin, and brand.

4. Order marking codes (KM)

One code costs RUB 0.50 excluding VAT. For imported goods, codes are ordered in advance, before shipment from the factory.

5. Apply the codes to the goods

The labels are applied at the factory in China or at the consolidation warehouse before dispatch. BOXCARGO handles the entire process.

How to avoid fines and delays

Common importer mistakes

Codes ordered after shipment — the goods are already on the truck, but the codes have not yet been issued
Unreadable code — the code is affixed at an angle or smudged, so the scanner cannot read it
Incorrect TN VED code — the commodity classification code does not match the actual goods
Goods not placed on the market — the codes are available, but the goods were not placed on the market after customs clearance