The Russian government has expanded its vape labeling trial to include vapes in the list of products to be labeled. The trial runs between July 14, 2025 and February 28, 2026 and allows market participants to voluntarily apply a free QR code for products that meet a specific code.
Core Points to Watch:
- Scope of the trial: addition of vapes and similar reusable vapor devices (including tobacco heating devices) corresponding to the Eurasian Economic Union TN VED (commodity code) code 8543 4000 00.
- When and how: Voluntary trial from July 14, 2025 to February 28, 2026, with QR codes provided free of charge as a means of identification.
- Core objectives: to test the application of labeling technology, to study the interaction between the market and the system, to prevent counterfeiting of goods and to facilitate the verification of authenticity by consumers.
- Subsequent arrangements: Clearly define by August 31, 2025 the operational rules for participation application, registration and information entry. Integration into the “Honest Labeling” system.
Russia includes vapes in mandatory labeling pilot as of July 14th
According to a July 7 report by TASS. The Russian government has further strengthened regulation of the vape market and, as an important step in the experiment, has included vapes in the category of products subject to labeling. Under the rules, the list of specific types of electronic products has been expanded, and “Vapes and similar personal reusable vapor devices (tobacco heating devices)” have been added to the list. The trial will begin on July 14, 2025, and will run until February 28, 2026.
Market participants may choose to apply the means of identification to reusable vapes and similar products that comply with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) TN VED (Commodity Code) code 8543 4000 00. In this trial, QR codes will be provided free of charge for the products concerned as a key identifier. As of August 31, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia will spell out in the methodological proposal the details of how to submit applications for participation, the process of registration in the Honest Label system, and the specific information to be entered in the system.
Managed through the “Honest Labeling” system
The voluntary experiment is being carried out on the national “Honesty Label” system. Consumers will be able to use the system to check the authenticity of goods easily. According to TASS, the trial has several important goals. On the one hand, it aims to conduct a comprehensive test of the labeling application technology and assess its feasibility and effectiveness in practical application; on the other hand, it will study in-depth the mode of interaction between market participants and the system to optimize and improve the system; and at the same time, through the implementation of the labeling system, the system will effectively prevent the inflow of counterfeit goods onto store shelves and effectively protect the order of the market and the rights and interests of consumers. In addition, the experiment also provides an opportunity to test the technology of applying QR codes, which helps to select the best application method.
