The economist predicted a rise in prices for school pens due to the new GOST

In the near future, the Russian stationery industry will face major changes: the new GOST for ballpoint pens is already beginning to affect production and import. Ekaterina Kosareva, Managing Partner of the VMT Consult agency, told Izvestia on March 27 that the new rules would affect all stages of the market.

"Firstly, enterprises will have to adapt their production processes to the new standards. Secondly, the assortment of many manufacturers and importers will be reviewed: the materials of the handle elements must meet health safety requirements, which is especially important for schoolchildren, who make up the majority of consumers, as well as for students. These changes will lead to an increase in production costs and, as a result, an increase in final prices for buyers," the expert noted.

Thirdly, Kosareva added, compliance with GOST standards will require official confirmation of compliance. Each certification entails additional costs for both manufacturers and importers. Failure to comply with the standard may result in denial of certification, fines, and damages.

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The document will strengthen quality control from raw materials to bottles.

According to the economist, not all companies will be able to adapt to the new requirements, and some market players risk leaving it. Checks on the continuity of the writing line and the strength of the products are particularly dangerous.

At the same time, the demand for ballpoint pens remains stable: it is a basic necessity for schoolchildren and students, and it is difficult to drastically reduce or increase it, Kosarev noted. Compliance with GOST can be a marketing advantage — packaging with a certification mark will attract the attention of parents who care about product safety and quality. As a result, profits will be redistributed between the remaining producers and importers.

On the same day, Rosstandart adopted a new GOST for ballpoint pens, which will enter into force in September 2026. According to the new standard, the components of writing accessories must be made of corrosion-resistant metals, as well as have a protective and decorative coating. All materials used in the construction must be safe for human health and must not collapse when falling on a wooden surface from a height of 1 m.

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