Starting in 2026, businesses may face an additional financial burden: the authorities have proposed introducing a new state fee for entering data into the Honest Mark digital labeling system. The initiative is contained in a fresh package of amendments to the Tax Code, which will be reviewed by the State Duma in the near future.
The Honest Sign system is already mandatory for a number of product categories, such as shoes, clothing, tobacco, medicines, and more. The registry is constantly expanding, covering more and more products. The sale of unmarked products can result in fines and confiscation for entrepreneurs.
At the moment, registration in the system is free. However, entrepreneurs pay for each marking code at a price of 50 kopecks (excluding VAT), and also bear the costs of purchasing 2D scanners, electronic signatures, and connecting to EDI systems. The introduction of a fee for the process of entering information can significantly increase the cost of participating in the system.
The amount of the possible fee has not yet been announced. According to sources, there are disagreements between the agencies in charge of this issue regarding the validity and mechanism of charging fees. Therefore, the final version of the initiative may still undergo changes.
This innovation can be a serious challenge for small and medium-sized businesses, especially for those who sell a large volume of goods through marketplaces. Experts warn that the additional fiscal burden can lead to higher prices and the departure of some entrepreneurs into the shadows.
The business community is already expressing concern, as any additional fee or fee makes it more difficult to do business, especially in the context of a general increase in the tax burden and the digitalization of document management.
