Starting September 1, 2024, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to broaden the scope of mandatory labeling to include additional items. Among the changes, biological active food additives and certain skin antiseptics will fall under the labeling requirement, as reported by TASS citing the department’s press service. This step is part of a deliberate policy to enhance traceability for consumer goods, helping buyers verify origins and ingredient information more easily. (attribution: TASS, department press service)
The ministry’s documentation indicates that from that date the list will expand further to cover more nutritional supplements and skin care antiseptics. In practice, manufacturers and distributors will need to implement clear, scannable labels so products can be accurately identified throughout the supply chain and at the point of sale. The move aligns with broader efforts to standardize labeling practices and curb counterfeit products in markets across Russia. (attribution: Ministry of Industry and Trade press release)
Officials stress that the transition will be gradual rather than abrupt. The plan favors a staged rollout to give businesses time to adjust systems and processes. This phased approach is intended to minimize disruption while building a robust framework for product verification, consumer information, and regulatory compliance. (attribution: Ministry of Industry and Trade communications)
Meanwhile, Russia has already mandated labeling for alcoholic beverages. Since January 15, 2024, all packaging for beer and low alcohol drinks, including aluminum cans, must carry a labeling code. A forthcoming measure will ban the sale of draft beer without proper labeling as of April 1, 2024, reinforcing controls over the beverage sector. The overarching aim is to curb illicit production and ensure accurate tracking from producer to consumer. (attribution: regulatory announcements and行业 briefings)
There is historical context behind these developments. In the past, the State Duma, acting on behalf of the supervisory body Rospotrebnadzor, oversaw labeling practices for a range of products, including those involving insect-based components. The government’s labeling agenda has continued to evolve with a focus on consumer safety, quality assurance, and transparent market information. This evolution is part of a wider trend toward modernizing regulatory oversight and aligning with international approaches to product labeling, testing, and traceability. (attribution: historical reports and regulatory records)