Selling products in Russia today involves more than logistics or distribution. With the implementation of Chestny Znak, manufacturers must now comply with strict traceability requirements based on DataMatrix codes.
This system has been introduced to control product circulation and prevent illegal trade, and it applies to both local and imported goods.
Why DataMatrix coding is now mandatory
At the core of Chestny Znak is a simple concept: every product must be uniquely identified and traceable.
To achieve this, companies are required to:
- Assign a unique DataMatrix code to each unit.
- Apply it directly on the product or packaging.
- Register the information in the national system.
Without this, products cannot legally enter the Russian market.
From marking to full traceability
Complying with Chestny Znak is not just about adding a code.
It requires a shift towards serialization and connected production environments, where each product can be tracked from manufacturing to distribution.
This is where Track & Trace systems become essential — managing code generation, aggregation and real-time data exchange across the line.
What changes on the production line
For manufacturers, the impact is practical.
Production lines must be able to:
- Print high-quality DataMatrix codes at speed.
- Ensure readability and durability of each code.
- Integrate with software systems that manage serialization.
Depending on the type of packaging, the challenge varies. Flexible materials require stable marking on moving surfaces, while rigid packaging demands permanent and resistant codes.
A growing requirement across industries
Chestny Znak is already active in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics and textiles — and its scope continues to expand.
For exporters, this means that compliance is no longer optional, but a prerequisite for market access.
Looking ahead
As regulations evolve, companies that invest early in serialization and traceability will not only ensure compliance, but also gain better control over their production and supply chain.
In that sense, Chestny Znak is not just a regulatory barrier — it is also an opportunity to modernise operations.