Kazakhstan’s mandatory digital product labeling system is entering a new stage. The Ministry of Trade and Integration has approved a list of 148 product categories that will gradually become subject to mandatory labeling with identification codes. For retailers, this means further digitalization of product turnover, while manufacturers and importers will need to prepare for the new requirements in advance.

Several years ago, labeling primarily applied to specific categories such as tobacco products, footwear, and pharmaceuticals. Today, its scope is expanding significantly. The new list includes dietary supplements, motor oils, antifreeze, brake and hydraulic fluids, light industry products, jewelry, and other product categories.

According to the Ministry of Trade and Integration, the introduction of labeling is aimed at increasing market transparency, combating counterfeit products, and creating a traceability system that allows goods to be tracked throughout the entire supply chain — from manufacturers or importers to end consumers.

The expansion of the list will take place in stages. Starting from September 2026, labeling will become mandatory for dietary supplements, antifreeze, brake, and hydraulic fluids. In December, certain categories of clothing, textiles, and jewelry will be added to the system. Throughout 2027, the list of light industry products will continue to expand.

For market participants, this is not only about complying with regulatory requirements. Product labeling is gradually becoming part of the broader digital transformation of retail. Companies will need to adapt their accounting systems, integrate with the national labeling platform, and establish new processes for tracking product movement.

At the same time, the scale of the project continues to grow. While labeling previously covered only selected product categories, it is now becoming a comprehensive traceability system for consumer goods. Experts believe that this will help reduce the shadow economy, improve supply chain transparency, and strengthen consumer protection against counterfeit products.

However, businesses also point to additional costs associated with implementing the system, including purchasing equipment for applying and scanning codes, upgrading software, and training employees. As the system expands, product labeling is becoming a new industry standard that will shape market operations in the coming years.