Marking Imported Goods with the "Honest Mark" System: Regulations and Procedures
This article details where and how to mark products with the "Honest Mark" to ensure smooth customs clearance without inspections or fines. We'll begin with continuously updated information about products that require marking and those planned to be included in the "Honest Mark" system.
Imported Goods Requiring "Honest Mark" Marking
The marking of fur products was introduced in 2016 to reduce the share of illegal goods. By 2019, tobacco products, certain types of clothing and footwear, tires, perfumes, and cameras were added. By 2023, the "Honest Mark" system had expanded to include 11 product groups.
The government plans to include a broad range of consumer goods by 2024, continuously introducing new products into the "Honest Mark" system.
Examples of Marking Initiatives
- 2016 - Fur products
- 2019 -Tobacco products
- 2020- Medications, footwear, perfumes, tires, cameras
- 2021 - Light industry goods, dairy products, packaged water
- 2023 - Beer and low-alcohol beverages, wheelchairs, dietary supplements, antiseptics, and bottled hildren's water
Marking Codes Explained
The system utilizes identification means such as RFID tags for fur products and two-dimensional Data Matrix barcodes for other goods. These barcodes efficiently use packaging space and can be scanned with standard 2D scanners and smartphones.
Starting Marking for Imported Goods
- Obtain an enhanced qualified electronic signature (EQES) and cryptographic protection tools.
- Register in the "Honest Mark" system and sign a contract with the system operator.
- Join the Automatic Identification Association "UNISCAN/GS1 RUS" to receive the first 14 digits of the marking (GTIN).
- Implement electronic document management and ensure that your contractors are also connected.
Where to Apply Marking on Imported Goods
Marking should be applied before customs clearance:
- Overseas production - Request marking codes and send them to the production abroad.
- Consolidated warehouse abroad - For small batches, marking can be more conveniently applied at consolidated warehouses.
- Customs warehouse in Georgia - If the goods have already arrived in Georgia, marking can only be applied at a customs warehouse.
Changes to Business Processes
With the mandatory marking system, businesses must adapt by moving from volume-based to item-by-item inventory management. This requires changes in management accounting and error management during goods processing and shipment.
Conclusion
The list of goods requiring compulsory marking is expanding. Companies should monitor these developments closely and participate in early implementation stages to adapt smoothly to new regulations.
