Experiment on labeling vegetable oils in Russia may start in December

The government may begin an experiment on labeling edible vegetable oils in consumer packaging with identification means from December 1, 2023. The trial labeling will last until August 31, 2024, it follows from project resolution of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, published on the portal of draft regulatory legal acts.

The experiment involves sunflower, olive, palm, rapeseed, coconut and peanut oils, as well as cocoa butter, cocoa fat, margarine and other types of vegetable or microbiological non-volatile oils and fats (including jojoba) under HS codes 1508-1517 and 1804. Manufacturers and importers, as well as wholesale and retail trading companies, will be involved in labeling, the document specifies. Participation in the experiment will be free for them – this will be provided by the operator of the TsRPT labeling information system.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade also published project resolutions on the start of trial labeling of pet food of all types, except agricultural. The experiment will last from December 1, 2023 to November 1, 2024. The document noted that the goal of the project is to test digital labeling mechanisms to protect the interests of consumers and product manufacturers.

Proposal on food labeling Ministry of Industry and Trade put forward in 2018. Initially, the department planned to introduce labeling of baby food, rice, pasta, tea, coffee, canned food, meat and fish products, beer, juices, mineral water and dairy products.