As of 1 March 2020, it becomes forbidden to sell footwear and shoes without the required identification marking. Manufacturers and importers that all footwear and shoes produced or imported after this date have been labelled with the unique code that looks similar to a QR code. In order to sell any remaining stock to retailers or end users, it is required to label it with the identification codes. It is important to note that companies that have bought shoes or other footwear for their own needs are not required to mark it.
Most types of footwear the shoes are subject to identification marking. The list of such types of footwear includes wellington boots, sports shoes, water proof shoes, ski shoes, leather shoes, wooden shoes, and the category called “other footwear”.
Storage and transportation of unmarked footwear and shoes
Manufacturers will be able to keep any remaining unmarked stock but only until it has been offered for sale to retailers, distributors or end users.
It is also possible to store unmarked footwear that its intended for own use (by companies or organisations).
All organisations that transfer or obtain the right of ownership to footwear are required to report on the fact of transfer to the centralised system “Chestny Znak”. Important to note that transport companies or organisations providing warehouse services do not have to report as they do not obtain the right of ownership to footwear.
Importing footwear and shoes into Russia
As of 1 Mach 2020, all importers must ensure that the footwear they are importing into Russia bears the required ID marking.
The marking must be placed:
- before the footwear or shoes cross the Russian border (for products coming from other EAEU member states); or
- before footwear or shoes can be released for free circulation (for products coming from third countries).