National products can be highlighted on the shelves of Russian stores

The label "National goods" may appear on price tags and store shelves. The author of the bill on the so-called Russian regiment was Tatyana Butskaya, a United Russia deputy, Izvestia learned.

The document was developed with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Economic Development. If the bill is approved, the new rules may enter into force on March 1, 2026.

It is assumed that the project will affect only non—food products - food products will not fall under these requirements. The new label is planned to be placed on products manufactured in the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union. At the same time, the producers themselves must be citizens of the EAEU countries and not be related to unfriendly states.

According to the author of the bill, the new rules will allow customers to more accurately navigate the goods in stores, as well as support local manufacturers who find it difficult to compete with international giants.

Chairman of the Presidium of the Association of Retail Trade Companies (ACORT) Stanislav Bogdanov noted that large retailers actively participate in the promotion of Russian goods without any quotas or legal requirements. According to him, additional labeling of the national product on the shelf can provide a one-time incentive to purchase, but then the buyer will look for a convenient price-performance ratio and focus on their expectations.

Import substitution syndrome: why we need to strengthen control over public procurement

After stricter import substitution standards, prices for components may decrease.

"The requirements for assortment regulation and additional labeling will create difficulties with their administration both on the side of retailers and manufacturers, as well as on the side of the state," the expert said.

In his opinion, such innovations may be followed by higher prices, a reduction in the range, monopolization of shelves in some categories, as well as reduced competition and retail turnover.

The Center for the Development of Advanced Technologies (CRPT) previously reported that in Russia, from September 1, new categories of goods will be connected to the national product labeling and tracking system Honest Mark.