Russia to start rollout of mandatory beer marking March 1, brewers must register - Industry and Trade Ministry

MOSCOW. March 1 (Interfax) - Russia will start introducing mandatory digital marking of beer, beer-based beverages and certain other types of low-alcohol beverages on March 1, the Industry and Trade Ministry said.

From this date brewers must register in the Chestny Znak marking system. Marking of products will begin on April 1 starting with kegs. Mandatory marking will become mandatory for beer and other beverages in glass and plastic bottles on October 1 and for beer and other beverages in other packaging, including aluminum cans, on January 15, 2023.

Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Yekaterina Priyezheva said 359 companies, including 222 producers, took part in the experiment for digital marking of beer and low-alcohol beverages.

"Application of codes on all types of packaging, as well as the processes of the integration of the marking information system and the [automated state information system] EGAIS, Priyezheva was quoted as saying in the press release.

The government made the decision to gradually introduce digital marking of beer and low-alcohol beverages on November 30, 2022.