Russia to start mandatory marking of soft drinks as of Dec 1, 2023, juices as of June 1, 2024

MOSCOW. June 2 (Interfax) - The Russian government has approved a decision to gradually introduce mandatory marking of non-alcoholic beverages.

Producers of non-alcoholic beverages will begin to be registered in the marking system on September 1, 2023, the cabinet order posted on the official website for legal information said.

Producers will have to start putting marking codes on non-alcoholic beverages in glass and plastic containers, except for juices, nectars, plant-based milk and compotes, as of December 1, 2023, and starting March 1, 2024, they will have to mark such beverages in cans, including aluminum cans.

As of June 1, 2024, mandatory marking will be extended to juices, nectars, plant-based milk and compotes in all types of packaging, as well as other non-alcoholic beverages, except those for which marking began on December 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024.

Earlier this week, the Industry and Trade Ministry announced the beginning of an experiment for marking nonalcoholic beverages on June 1. The experiment will run to August 31 and cover water (including mineral and carbonated) containing added sugar, other sweeteners or flavorings; beverages made from soybean, nuts, cereals or seeds; drink mixes with added sugar, other sweeteners or flavorings; as well as kvas, juices, compotes and mors fruit drink.

Marking will be handled by the Center for Research on Prospective Technologies (CRPT), the operator of the Chestny Znak government marking system. The company said more than 60% of producers on this market have already introduced marking of other types of products that they make and already know how to work with Chestny Znak.