In the modern economy, a stable internet connection is often taken for granted, a basic utility as essential as electricity or water. Yet, for businesses operating in remote areas of Russia, particularly those reliant on mobile internet where cable infrastructure is absent, connectivity remains a persistent challenge. This is now compounded by mandatory digital product marking systems, turning intermittent signal loss into an absolute barrier to trade.
The system at the heart of this issue is known as “Chestny Znak” (Honest Mark). It requires distributors and retailers to scan unique QR codes on certain goods, including pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, mineral water, and children`s drinks. This process verifies the product`s legitimacy and tracks its movement. For the system to function seamlessly, this verification typically happens online, in real-time, at the point of sale.
Recognizing that perfect connectivity is not always achievable, the “Chestny Znak” system offers an offline verification module. This software can be integrated into point-of-sale systems, allowing sales to proceed even without an immediate internet link. However, this offline functionality is not infinite; it must synchronize with the central system periodically to update its data. Crucially, the offline module is designed to work for a maximum of three days without an internet connection before requiring an update. If connectivity is not restored within this timeframe, the system effectively blocks the sale of any marked goods.
This technical limitation has created a difficult situation for businesses in regions experiencing prolonged internet outages. Recent reports highlight mobile internet disruptions lasting for two to three weeks in areas like Nizhny Novgorod and Tula. While perhaps implemented for reasons like security, these disruptions far exceed the system`s three-day offline grace period.
The impact on local commerce is direct and significant. Pharmacies, which sell marked medicines and supplements, report being unable to complete transactions. Country clubs and shops face similar issues with marked beverages. One manager recounted the frustration of being unable to sell even bottled water during a heatwave because the point-of-sale system, deprived of internet for too long, could no longer verify the QR codes. Customers wanting to make legitimate purchases are turned away, leading to lost revenue for the business and inconvenience, or even hardship, for the public seeking essential items like medicine or simply hydration.
Businesses find themselves in a bind, with inventory they cannot legally sell until internet service is restored and their systems can resynchronize – a wait that could span weeks. This digital bottleneck effectively paralyzes sales of marked products when the underlying infrastructure fails.
The official stance from the system operator suggests that some issues might stem from incorrect system configurations. A representative noted that, for pharmacies specifically, immediate online verification isn`t strictly mandated until September 1st, and data can be uploaded later when connection is available, *if configured correctly*. They claimed to have assisted affected businesses with settings. However, the widespread reports and the technical limitation of the offline module suggest that for many, the practical reality is that sales are indeed blocked after three days offline, regardless of future reporting possibilities or category-specific rules, if systems aren`t perfectly adapted or if the hard offline limit applies to all marked goods sales in practice.
Ultimately, the situation underscores a broader challenge: the successful implementation of sophisticated digital regulations hinges entirely on the reliability of basic infrastructure. While digital marking aims for transparency and control, its current execution in areas with unstable internet is ironically causing a lack of basic economic functionality. Extending robust cable internet to every remote corner is a long-term goal. In the meantime, businesses remain vulnerable, highlighting the gap between digital policy and analog reality, where sometimes, all you want is a bottle of water, but the internet says “no.”
