Russia to Include E-Cigarettes in Mandatory Labeling Pilot from July 14, Managed via the “Honest Sign” System

Key Points:

·Experiment Scope: The experiment will include new e-cigarettes and similar reusable steam devices (including tobacco heating devices), corresponding to the TN VED (product code) 8543 4000 00 of the Eurasian Economic Union. 

·Time and Method: The voluntary experiment will take place from July 14, 2025 to February 28, 2026, with free QR codes provided as a means of identification. 

·Core Objective: Testing the application of label technology, researching market and system interaction, preventing counterfeit goods, and facilitating consumer verification. 

·Follow-up Arrangements: Clear guidelines for participating applications, registrations, and information input will be provided by August 31, 2025. It will be included in the "Honest Label" system management.

【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report by TASS on July 7th, the Russian government is further strengthening its regulation of the e-cigarette market. As an important experiment, e-cigarettes have been included in the category of products that require labeling. According to the relevant regulations, the list of specific types of electronic products has been expanded to include "e-cigarettes and similar personal reusable vapor devices (tobacco heating devices)". This experiment will officially begin on July 14, 2025, and will continue until February 28, 2026.

Market participants can choose to voluntarily apply identification means for reusable e-cigarettes and similar products that comply with the TN VED (commodity code) 8543 4000 00 of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In this trial, QR codes will be provided free of charge for the relevant products as key identification markers. By August 31, 2025, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade will detail in the method recommendations the submission process for participation applications, the registration process in the integrity mark system, and the specific information to be entered into the system.

A national-level "honest label" system is currently conducting a voluntary trial. Consumers can use this system to easily verify the authenticity of products. According to reports from TASS, this trial has multiple important goals. On one hand, it aims to comprehensively test the application of identification technology and evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness in practical use. On the other hand, it delves into the interaction patterns between market participants and the system in order to optimize and improve it in the future. Additionally, by implementing a labeling system, it effectively prevents counterfeit products from entering store shelves, thereby safeguarding market order and consumer rights. Furthermore, this experiment also provides an opportunity to test the technology of using QR codes, helping to identify the best application methods.