Labels such as “eco,” “bio,” “natural,” and “organic” are appearing more and more frequently on packaging—and it’s easy for shoppers to get confused about how they differ from one another. In fact, only one of these terms is protected by law in Russia; manufacturers can use the others practically at their own discretion.
Which Term Is Protected by Law
The word “organic” (and its derivatives—“organic” and “organic”) in Russia is regulated by Federal Law No. 280-FZ “On Organic Products” and GOST 33980-2016. To use this label, a manufacturer must undergo certification by an accredited body and obtain the right to display the unified state organic product mark on the packaging. Any consumer can check whether a manufacturer is listed in the registry—for example, through the OrganicHub catalog, which lists certified companies.
What About “Eco” and “Bio”?
However, the terms “eco,” “bio,” “environmentally friendly,” and “natural” are not regulated by law. Virtually any manufacturer can use them—no mandatory verification is required. Sometimes such labeling truly reflects a conscientious approach to ingredients and production, and other times it’s simply a marketing ploy to make the product seem more appealing and expensive.
How to Make the Right Choice
The most reliable way to distinguish genuine organic products from those with just a pretty label is to look for the government organic certification mark and the registration number in the unified registry on the packaging, rather than relying solely on the words “eco” or “bio.” It’s also helpful to check the certifying body and the certificate’s expiration date, as well as whether the packaging lists a specific manufacturer rather than just a generic brand.
What Does the OrganicHub Catalog Have to Do With This?
This is exactly why we’ve compiled this catalog—so that shoppers don’t have to decipher the fine print on the packaging themselves. The OrganicHub catalog features manufacturers that have undergone official certification under Federal Law No. 280-FZ, along with details about their certificates and product ranges. If you want to buy truly organic products—not just those with attractive packaging—check out the “Producers” section—it features only verified companies.
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