Veterinary Medicine Labeling Participant Count Increases 70% Over One Year

Over the past year, the number of market participants handling veterinary medicines in the Chestny Znak labeling system increased by 70%, reaching 19,000. The system includes manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, veterinary clinics, and agricultural enterprises.

In January to June 2026, manufacturers and importers introduced 91 million packages of veterinary medicines into circulation. Products manufactured in Russia accounted for 72.7% of this volume. According to CRPT data cited by Kommersant, digital traceability covers a significant share of the market. However, the growing number of registered participants has not yet resolved operational questions regarding system functionality and monitoring across individual sales channels.

E-Commerce as a Risk Area

E-commerce represents the most problematic segment. Marketplaces feature product listings with incorrect item categories alongside offers from unlicensed sellers. Product origin for a portion of items, storage conditions, and full supply chain traceability remain questionable. Regulators previously confirmed that selling veterinary medicines requires a pharmaceutical license, making prescription drug dispensing through standard order pickup points impermissible.

Zooinform reported on this in Online Pharmacies Target Veterinary Medicine Market and NPIA Receives Agency Clarifications on Online Marketplace Veterinary Medicine Sales.

Technical Glitches and Adaptation Costs

Industry players have generally adapted to new regulatory requirements, yet technical challenges persist. According to a professional survey conducted by Zooinform, primary disruptions involve data transmission, software compatibility, code aggregation, and IT system integration. Manufacturers and suppliers invested substantial funds in equipment, system integration, and staff training. Nevertheless, many players still see no compelling evidence that illegal turnover has significantly decreased.

Upcoming Changes: Timelines and Mechanisms

Beginning September 1, 2026, an automated mechanism will log violations during the sale of labeled goods. Starting March 1, 2027, the system will acquire the capability to block veterinary medicine sales at checkout upon receiving notification that an accompanying veterinary document has been revoked.

Three factors will determine labeling efficiency: infrastructure stability, data quality, and regulator willingness to target received information at high-risk market areas, primarily unlicensed trade and marketplace sales.