What is the ‘Honest Sign’ labeling and how to work with it

«Honest Sign» is a state digital product marking system created under Federal Law No. 488-FZ. In 2026, «Honest Sign» marking is mandatory for dozens of product categories, and without registration in the system, a seller cannot legally operate on Wildberries, Ozon, and Yandex Market.

Why the «Honest Sign» system is needed and how it works

The system was implemented to combat counterfeiting. It acts as a kind of product «ID card,» allowing its entire journey to be traced — from the moment of manufacture to reaching the shelf — thereby protecting the market from fakes and low-quality goods.

Each product unit receives a unique Data Matrix code, which is applied to the packaging and contains data about the manufacturer, country of origin, serial number, and a cryptographic signature. When sold, this code is scanned at the checkout, and the information is automatically transmitted to the system to record the product's withdrawal from circulation.

From April 1, 2026, Wildberries introduced mandatory code verification for every supply: errors in a single character lead to a refusal of shipment. Also, marketplaces have gained direct access to the Rospatent registry: the system automatically blocks products with unregistered brands.

Which products need marking in 2026

In April 2026, marking is mandatory for: • Medicinal products • Tobacco and nicotine-containing products • Footwear • Clothing and textiles • Perfumery • Dairy products • Packaged water • Dietary supplements • Beer and low-alcohol beverages • Cosmetics and household chemicals • Sports nutrition • Children's toys for ages up to 14 • Confectionery products • Tea and herbal mixtures

Which new categories are being added in 2026

Dates are regularly updated in the resolutions of the Government of the Russian Federation. As of April 2026, the following is planned:

From May 1, 2026:

• Consumer electronics (phones, laptops, headphones, routers, lamps) • Bakery products

From June 1, 2026:

• Coffee and chicory • Caviar tracking (salmon and sturgeon)

From July 1, 2026:

• Chocolate products, caramel, chewing gum • Mandatory scanning of codes at the checkout when selling cosmetics and household chemicals

From September 1, 2026:

• Complete ban on the circulation of unmarked toys • Transition of groceries to electronic document management (EDM)

From December 1, 2026:

• Ban on the sale of unmarked consumer electronics • Mandatory marking of razors and blades

How to register in «Honest Sign»

Registration is mandatory for all participants in the circulation: manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retail sellers, and marketplace sellers.

From March 1, 2026, the system automatically checks the notification of the start of operations with Rospotrebnadzor. Its absence is grounds for refusal of registration.

Step-by-step registration guide

Step 1. Obtain a qualified electronic signature (QES) from an accredited certification center.

Step 2. Submit a notification of the start of operations to Rospotrebnadzor via Gosuslugi.

Step 3. Register on the website chestnyznak.rf using the QES.

Step 4. Add products to the National Catalog: GTIN, characteristics, photos, certificates.

Step 5. Top up your balance and order codes. Cost — 0.5 rubles excluding VAT (0.6 rubles including VAT). Medicines cheaper than 20 rubles are marked for free.

Step 6. Apply codes to the product. Minimum code size — 0.5 × 0.5 cm, recommended for marketplace warehouses — 1.5 × 1.5 cm.

Step 7. Introduce the product into circulation in your personal account.

Step 8. Connect EDM to transfer universal transfer documents (UTD) with codes to chain participants.

How marking works under the FBO scheme

FBO is a model where the product is stored at the marketplace's warehouse. It withdraws the codes from circulation through its own checkout.

Stages:

Registration and introduction of the product into circulation

Creating a supply

Marking each product unit

Acceptance at the warehouse — codes transfer to the marketplace's balance

Withdrawal from circulation upon sale through the platform's checkout

Return of the code upon product return by the buyer

How marking works under the FBS scheme

FBS is a model where the product is stored by the seller. When an order comes in, the seller transfers the code to the marketplace, and the platform withdraws it from circulation upon processing the sale.

Stages:

Mark the product in advance

Introduce the product into circulation

Transfer the code when assembling the order

The marketplace withdraws the code from circulation through its checkout

How to process a return of a marked product

Upon return, two options are possible.

If the code is preserved:

The product is accepted without re-marking. Within 3 working days, you need to process a «return to circulation» in the system.

If the code is damaged or lost:

• Order a new code with the reason «return from buyer» • Apply a new sticker • Re-introduce the product into circulation

Sale is prohibited until the procedure is completed.

From 2026, return to the supplier is possible only for specific KIZ (product identification codes).

What types of marking codes exist

Data Matrix — the main code. Contains GTIN, serial number, cryptographic signature.

KIZ — physical carrier of the code (label, RFID tag).

UIN — identifier for jewelry items in the GIS DMDK system.

IMEI — identifier for electronics with a communication module.

Aggregates — group codes for boxes and pallets.

What fines are imposed for marking violations

There are state sanctions and marketplace sanctions.

Administrative fines

Circulation of unmarked products: • Individual entrepreneur: 10,000–30,000 rubles + confiscation • Legal entity: 100,000–300,000 rubles + confiscation

Incorrect HS code: • 1,500 rubles per unit

From March 1, 2026, automatic data reconciliation is included — violations are recorded without inspections.

Criminal liability:

For circulation of unmarked products exceeding 1.5 million rubles • fine up to 300,000 rubles or imprisonment up to 3 years, and for groups — up to 6 years.

Marketplace sanctions:

• Ozon and Wildberries block product listings for marking errors • Incorrect HS code — fine of 1,500 rubles and hiding the product from search

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is special equipment needed for printing codes?

No, a label printer from 5,000 rubles used or from 15,000 rubles new is sufficient. The main thing is to print codes at least 1.5 × 1.5 cm in size so that marketplaces can scan them during acceptance.

What to do with unmarked remaining stock if the category has just become mandatory?

Usually, a transition period of 3–6 months is given. After the period ends, it is prohibited to sell or store unmarked products. Deadlines are published on the «Honest Sign» website.

Is it necessary to mark private label products?

Yes. If the product is manufactured externally, specify in the contract in advance who is responsible for applying the codes. Most often, the manufacturer does this on the production line.

Can the same code be reused?

No. The code is tied to a specific product unit. After a return, the product can be sold again with the same code, but it cannot be transferred to another unit.

How to check if the supplier has transferred codes via EDM?

In the «Incoming UTD» section of the «Honest Sign» personal account, documents with codes will appear. Each KIZ must change its status to «On my balance.» If this does not happen within 3 working days, you need to contact the supplier or system support.