Kazakhstan to Introduce Mandatory Digital Labeling of Footwear

Mandatory digital labeling of footwear is to be introduced in Kazakhstan on November 1, 2021. The production and import of unlabeled shoes will be prohibited on that date, but retailers will be able to sell unlabeled shoes until November 1, 2022.

All manufacturers and importers will have to use the labeling system and enter information about their goods in order to generate Data Matrix codes. These codes will then be applied to the product using a sticker or a label. Imported products will have to be labeled before passing the customs procedure – either at the production site in another country or at a customs warehouse in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan held negotiations with 45 foreign factories that produce and export footwear to Kazakhstan. Because most of them have been marking shoes for the Russian market for a year and a half, they are prepared for similar innovations in Kazakhstan. Kazakh Customs are also actively preparing for the application of labels in their warehouses. On average, labeling costs for manufacturers and importers will be 0.1-2.5% of the cost of one pair of shoes.

By scanning the Data Matrix code using a special mobile application, consumers will be able to obtain complete information about the product and its origin. The new digital labeling system is intended to minimize the presence of counterfeit footwear in Kazakhstan, which currently makes up 48.5% of the local footwear market.

Digital labeling is also being implemented for other types of products in Kazakhstan, including alcoholic beverages, dairy products and other consumer goods. The mandatory labeling of medicines will start on January 1, 2022, while the labeling of tobacco products was introduced on October 1, 2020.

Prepared by: Aliya Madiyarova

For more information, please contact kazakhstan@petosevic.com.

Source: Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development website