Russia is transitioning to the "Honest Sign" labeling system for mobile phones, smartphones, and laptops from the state Center for the Development of Advanced Technologies (CRPT). Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed the corresponding decree at the end of May 2024.
Not only manufacturers and importers, but also retailers and marketplaces will be able to obtain labeling. Prior to participating in the government experiment, which will last until August 31, 2025, market participants will be able to test methods of applying it, equipment for applying and reading the labeling, and processes for working with the "Honest Sign" system.
The introduction of labeling will significantly reduce illegal trafficking and ensure transparency and product quality. In addition, the labeling of radio electronics will help bona fide market participants increase consumer confidence in domestic manufacturers and contribute to the further development of the electronics industry.
The "Honest Sign" labeling system appeared in the country in 2019 to counter illegal trafficking of goods. Currently, the list of participating goods includes more than twenty items: from dairy products and medicines to light industry products and tires.
Similar labeling is already being tested on building materials, perfumes, cosmetics, household chemicals, children's products, and other categories of goods — those where counterfeit products may endanger the life and health of Russians.
Radio electronics began to be labeled with the "Honest Sign" at the end of 2023. According to CRPT, more than 80 companies have already voluntarily agreed to this. However, laptops, smartphones, and mobile phones were not immediately included in the list for experimental labeling of radio electronics, but after it became known about a significant increase in counterfeits in this segment.
In the summer of 2023, the legaltech company IQ Technology published a study in which it stated that after a number of international manufacturers of equipment and gadgets left Russia, it was flooded with counterfeit products of such goods.
Technical corporations have become less strict in controlling the flow of counterfeit products. As a result, the share of counterfeit products of international manufacturers on Russian marketplaces has doubled in a year. Thus, according to experts, 31% of smartphone offers on them are counterfeit, among laptops on Russian marketplaces its share is 30%, and among smart watches it is as high as 63%. Fake Apple and Samsung products were most often encountered by online shoppers.
However, the trading platforms did not agree with these figures. They assured that counterfeits, of course, are encountered. But the share of counterfeit products does not exceed 0.1% of the total mass of goods.
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