On May 1, 2026, the Russian Federation officially launched the second phase of the mandatory labeling system for confectionery and bakery products within the Chestny ZNAK national track-and-trace system. The new regulatory requirements apply to products packaged in consumer containers: cakes, pastries, rolls, croissants, and bakery products containing sweetening additives with a shelf life exceeding 30 days. In the commodity nomenclature, these groups are primarily classified under HS codes (TN VED) 1704 and 1905 90 (specifically, 1905 90 300 0 and 1905 90 600 0).

According to the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 818 dated May 31, 2025, the implementation of the tracking system in the confectionery industry is divided into three stages. The first stage was launched on March 1, 2026, covering sugary products, including biscuits, marmalade, zephyr, pastila, wafers, and fruit-and-nut snacks, excluding cocoa-containing products (HS codes 1704, 1905 31, 1905 32, 2006 00, 2007, 2008). During the current second stage, manufacturers and importers of flour confectionery products are obliged to apply Data Matrix identification codes to each unit of product and register the introduction of goods into circulation within the national information system.

A transition period is provided for importers: products purchased before May 1, 2026, can be imported into the Russian Federation without labeling up to and including June 1, 2026. After this date, the import of unlabeled batches will be prohibited. The sale of remaining unlabeled products manufactured before the start date of the respective stage is permitted until their expiration date. The third and final stage is scheduled for July 1, 2026, and will affect chocolate, chocolate candies, caramel, dragees, chewing gum (including sugar-free), and other products (primary HS codes 1806, as well as 1704 10, 1704 90, 2106 90 980 1, and 2106 90 980 2).

The phased implementation of the Chestny ZNAK system in the confectionery category requires a significant restructuring of operational processes from manufacturers and importers. Detailing the classification by HS codes (TN VED 1704, 1806, 1905, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2106) allows market participants to clearly identify the products subject to labeling at each stage. The availability of transition periods for importing products allows foreign trade participants to adapt their supply chains. However, the full completion of the integration by July 1, 2026, means that all foreign suppliers of sweets must be technically ready to apply Data Matrix codes directly on production lines or at customs warehouses.