The economist spoke about the impact of the new GOST on toilet bowls on the market of goods

The approval of the new GOST for toilet bowls may affect the cost of production and the market structure, as well as increase competition among manufacturers. Ekaterina Kosareva, an economist and managing partner of the VMT Consult agency, told Izvestia about this on May 21.

According to her, manufacturers will need to review design and technological documentation, conduct additional tests and, if necessary, change raw materials and components to meet uniform requirements.

"Companies will actually have to re-check their production processes with the requirements of the standards, which will take time and additional costs," explained Kosareva.

At the same time, she pointed out that the tightening and expansion of standardization could lead to structural changes in the market. Kosareva said that competition between manufacturers will increase, and a clearer niche division may form when individual companies specialize in producing products for narrow categories of consumers, including people with disabilities.

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

In addition, the appearance of GOST, as the economist noted, may simplify the participation of such manufacturers in public procurement for social institutions such as schools, hospitals and kindergartens, since it will be easier to confirm product compliance through uniform standards.

"This can stabilize the market for certain categories of goods and create conditions for the development of niche manufacturers who previously could not compete on equal terms," she added.

Kosareva also did not rule out that local shortages of certain goods may occur during the transition period. This is due to the fact that not all enterprises will be able to quickly adapt production lines and pass the necessary certification. At the same time, the expert does not predict a massive shortage of products, noting that the most flexible and adaptable companies will benefit.

RIA Novosti reported on May 21, citing data from Rosstandart, that the federal body had approved a new GOST for toilet bowls and other sanitary products, which would enter into force in June. The document applies to ceramic sanitary products, including toilets, sinks, bidets and pedestals, and introduces a more detailed classification. If earlier in the 2018 standard toilets were divided into only three types (floor, wall and children's), now 16 categories are provided.