What is ZNAK (Честный ЗНАК)?
ZNAK (Честный ЗНАК — "Honest Mark") is the mandatory product tracking and labeling system established by the Russian Federation. Implemented in phases since 2019, it ensures every product is tracked with a unique code from production to the end consumer.
How Does the ZNAK System Work?
Four fundamental steps from manufacturer to end consumer:
Code Acquisition
Unique DataMatrix codes are requested from the CRPT system. Each code contains a product identifier, a unique serial number, and a cryptographic security signature.
Label Printing
Codes are printed onto labels in DataMatrix format using thermal transfer printers. Print quality is critical for scannability.
Product Marking
Labels are applied to products. Each label is scanned with a handheld terminal for verification; defective labels are reprinted.
Customs Verification
At Russian customs, every product's ZNAK code is scanned and matched against the CRPT database. Non-compliant products are rejected.
Which Product Categories Are Mandatory?
Mandatory labeling under the ZNAK system is expanding in phases.
Note: The scope is continually expanding. Check the current status of your product category if you plan to export to Russia.
Code Components
Each ZNAK DataMatrix code contains three essential components. Codes are unique and counterfeit-proof; generated by CRPT and verified against the database at customs.
Product Identifier
A 14-digit international product number — defines what the product is.
Unique Serial Number
A one-of-a-kind identifier for each individual unit. Generated by CRPT.
Cryptographic Signature
A digital security layer that guarantees the code is not counterfeit.
SSCC and Packaging (Aggregation)
The ZNAK system requires not only product-level marking, but also reporting of the packaging hierarchy to the system.
Product Level — DataMatrix
Each individual product unit is marked with its own DataMatrix code.
Box Level — SSCC (GS1-128)
Each box is identified by a unique 18-digit SSCC encoded in a GS1-128 barcode.
Pallet Level — SSCC (GS1-128)
Boxes are placed on pallets and each pallet is labeled with its own SSCC code.
This three-level hierarchy (product → box → pallet) enables verification of all contents by scanning a single pallet SSCC at customs.
ZNAK-Compliant Labeling with AbeZnak
From uploading CRPT codes to label printing, barcode verification to box and pallet packaging — handle every step through a single platform.