The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation, in collaboration with the Center for Research in Perspective Technologies (CRPT), successfully organized a webinar on the "Honest Mark" Certification/Labeling System for Imports to the Russian Federation on 2nd December 2025. The session aimed to equip Sri Lankan exporters with essential knowledge on Russia's mandatory digital labeling requirements, thereby enhancing their readiness and compliance for the Russian market.

The Honest Mark system is Russia's compulsory digital labelling and traceability platform designed to reduce counterfeit products, protect consumers, and improve market transparency. Under this system, every product must carry a unique Data Matrix code that consumers can scan to verify authenticity. Introduced in 2019 to the tobacco products, Honest Mark has now expanded to multiple product categories such as footwear, dairy, and pharmaceuticals, with deadlines announced for both domestically produced and imported goods.

Operated by the Center for Research in Perspective Technologies (CRPT), the system is supported by registered technical integrators who provide the technology required to connect companies to the platform and print the digital codes. For Russian importers, compliance begins with registration in the national traceability system, followed by generating a unique code for each product unit or batch and ensuring it is printed correctly on the package.

The session emphasized that, although the final compliance responsibility rests with Russian importers at border control, early coordination between exporters and importers especially for value-added products is crucial to ensure smooth implementation.

More than 75 Sri Lankan exporters representing a wide range of product sectors participated in the webinar. The participants demonstrated strong interest during the Q&A session, raising practical and technical questions related to registration procedures, product categories, and compliance timelines. CRPT specialists provided detailed explanations, helping exporters gain a clearer understanding of operational requirements.

Delivering the welcome remarks, Mr. Sanjeewa Bandara, First Secretary (Commercial) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Russia, emphasized the importance of staying updated on regulatory developments to maintain smooth access to the Russian market.

Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman/CEO of EDB, highlighted the significance of the Russian market for Sri Lanka and noted that the Honest Mark system plays an essential role in strengthening traceability, consumer protection, and market confidence.

CRPT experts conducted a comprehensive presentation covering key elements of the digital labeling system, including mandatory categories, registration, data submission, and practical steps for exporters.
EDB expressed appreciation to CRPT and the Embassy for their collaboration and acknowledged the value of the session in strengthening the understanding of Sri Lankan exporters on this important compliance requirement.