EEC approves uniform rules for labeling beer, biologically active food supplements in EAEU
MOSCOW. Sept 24 (Interfax) - The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Council, upon the initiative of Russia, has decided to implement labeling of beer and beer-based beverages in the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) according to unified rules.
The message of the EEC trade bloc indicates that the countries of the union will independently determine the date of implantation and the procedure for labeling these products on their territory, notifying the EEC about this no later than six months in advance.
"The interaction of national labeling operators as part of cross-border trade will be carried out in the manner stipulated by the updated version of the basic technological organizational model of the system for labeling goods by means of identification in the EAEU," EEC Trade Minister Andrei Slepnev said in the statement.
The EAEU countries, where beer and beer-based drinks are classified as excisable, could establish additional requirements at the level of national legislation to apply a material carrier containing anti-counterfeiting protection means to goods and for transmitting information on the full payment of the excise duty, the EEC added.
The EEC has reached a similar decision on unifying digital labeling regarding biologically active food supplements. Russia was also the initiator to approve uniform rules. The EAEU countries will set the date for implementing labeling independently.
Because of the transition to uniform rules, "each of the EAEU countries will be guaranteed recognition of identification means of other states formed in accordance with the unified requirements," the EEC said.
Russia started implementing the labeling of beer and low-alcohol drinks in 2023. Labeling of products in kegs began on April 1, in glass and PET containers on October 1, and in other types of packaging on January 15, 2024. Similar rules entered into force for non-alcoholic products on September 1, 2024.
Mandatory labeling of biologically active food supplements has been in effect in Russia since September 1, 2023.