### Second Phase of Mandatory Labeling for Confectionery in RussiaRussia's mandatory labeling of confectionery products under the Chestny Znak system enters its second phase on May 1, 2026. This stage covers cakes, pastries, rolls, croissants, and bread products with sweetening additives that have a shelf life exceeding 30 days and are packaged for consumers. Producers and importers must apply unique Data Matrix codes to each unit and register the introduction into circulation via the platform, as stated by the Center for Development of Advanced Technologies (CRPT), the system's operator.The initiative builds on the first phase, launched March 1, 2026, which targeted cookies, marshmallows, pastila, marmalade, waffles, halva, oriental sweets, and nut or chocolate pastes. Within two months, 1,527 participants—1,337 domestic producers and 190 importers—registered, introducing nearly 247,000 tons of goods. The third phase follows on July 1, 2026, encompassing chocolate, candies, caramels, dragees, and chewing gum, achieving full digital traceability across Russia's confectionery shelf by mid-year.### Tackling Illicit Trade and Expiration FraudIllicit turnover accounts for 12% of the confectionery market, with a key issue being the sale of expired goods where dates are erased or relabeled. The system's unique codes enable end-to-end traceability: each unit's journey—from production to retail—is logged immutably, preventing forgery or shelf-life manipulation since actual expiration data is embedded and verifiable in real time.This phased rollout addresses longstanding supply chain vulnerabilities, creating a tamper-proof digital thread that exposes counterfeits and ensures compliance. Early data from phase one demonstrates rapid adoption, signaling readiness for broader implementation amid tightening regulatory oversight.### Implications for E-Commerce Product FeedsFor e-commerce platforms, the Chestny Znak codes integrate directly into product feeds, mandating that listings include scannable markers for verification at checkout or delivery. This elevates feed standards, as platforms must sync with the system API to validate stock in real time, reducing discrepancies between catalog data and physical goods. Non-compliant feeds risk delisting, pressuring operators to automate code capture during upload—streamlining processes that previously relied on manual entry.### Elevating Catalog Standards and Card QualityCataloging norms shift toward precision, with mandatory fields for code, batch details, and expiration now standard. Product cards gain depth: dynamic elements like verified shelf life and origin data enhance completeness, enabling filters for authenticity or freshness. This curbs returns from mislabeled items, while fuller cards—populated via system pulls—boost conversion by building shopper trust through transparent specs.### Accelerating Assortment TurnoverSpeed of assortment updates accelerates as labeling enforces agile inventory management. Producers refresh feeds faster, pulling withdrawn batches instantly via Chestny Znak queries, minimizing dead stock on shelves or digital listings. E-commerce benefits from shorter cycles: new SKUs launch with pre-verified codes, cutting onboarding from weeks to days and enabling rapid response to demand spikes without compliance delays.### No-Code and AI in Compliance AutomationNo-code tools emerge as vital for smaller operators, offering drag-and-drop integrations that link ERP systems to Chestny Znak without custom dev. AI steps in for anomaly detection—flagging feed errors, predicting expiration clusters, or auto-generating compliant descriptions from code data. This duo automates 80-90% of routine tasks in pilot scenarios, per CRPT insights, freeing resources for core operations while scaling to the full confectionery volume. If you're struggling with feed errors, it might be useful to explore how you can avoid **common mistakes in product feed uploads** in order to get everything right.Retailer.ru CRPT Press Release***The increasing focus on product data accuracy, driven by initiatives like Chestny Znak, highlights a critical trend for e-commerce: the need for reliable and automated data management. This regulatory shift creates opportunities, pushing platforms to adopt more robust cataloging practices. At NotPIM, we recognize the growing complexity of compliant product information and are dedicated to providing solutions that facilitate seamless integration of data from sources like Chestny Znak into existing product catalogs, streamlining the onboarding process and ensuring accurate data for both retailers and consumers. To avoid delays caused by compliance issues, a **product feed** is crucial. For e-commerce businesses, understanding how to manage this is often a crucial first step in a successful launch. This also means better understanding of your **product matrix in e-commerce**. By doing this, your product cards can contain a greater depth of information, leading to a more robust cataloging process with mandatory fields for code, batch details, and expiration now standard. Moreover, you can create **sales-driving product descriptions without spending a fortune**, which is an advantage to make use of.