The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) has adopted a decision introducing unified labeling rules for certain confectionery products sold in consumer packaging across the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The decision was approved during a meeting of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission on March 13 and aims to enhance product traceability, protect consumers from counterfeit goods, and reduce illegal trade within the regional market.
Under the new framework, EAEU member states will implement labeling of specified confectionery products using identification codes, enabling authorities and consumers to verify product authenticity throughout the supply chain. While the labeling standards will be harmonized across the Union, each member country will retain the authority to determine the specific implementation date and the procedure for introducing the labeling system within its territory. Member states must notify the EEC at least six months prior to the commencement of labeling activities.
According to Andrey Slepnev, Minister of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission, the expansion of product categories covered by mandatory labeling reflects the ongoing development of the Union’s common labeling system. He noted that the initiative will allow consumers to confirm the authenticity of products and will support legitimate market operators by limiting the circulation of counterfeit and illegally traded goods.
The labeling system will operate under unified technical and organizational standards, in accordance with the foundational technological model for goods labeling adopted through a 2019 decision of the EEC Council. This model establishes the structure for assigning and managing product identification codes across the Union. As a result, the codes applied in one member state will be mutually recognized across all EAEU countries, eliminating the need to relabel products when they move between markets within the Union.
By extending mandatory identification marking to additional product categories such as confectionery, the EAEU aims to strengthen market surveillance, improve supply chain transparency, and promote fair competition among businesses operating in the region.