Quick start: 5 steps for manufacturers and importers to approach to labeling

Labeling of products is a process of applying special means of identification that help trace a product from manufacturing or importing to the ultimate sale. Uzbekistan uses Data Matrix code as a means of identification.

Labeling helps reduce counterfeit, increases profits of fair businesses, improves confidence in manufacturers and gives customers a tool to verify products themselves.

Mandatory digital labeling of products is required by executive orders and resolutions of Uzbekistan’s Cabinet. At the moment, the following commodity groups are subject to mandatory labeling:

• Tobacco products
• Alcoholic beverages
• Beer
• Home appliances
• Medicines

A pilot project is completed for the following commodity group:

• Water and beverages

Applying label codes is the responsibility of manufacturers and importers. To start labeling their products, they should take the below five steps:

• Step 1. Sign up with the labelling system
• Step 2. Register a product with the National Catalog
• Step 3. Use the User Account to order and pay for Data Matrix codes
• Step 4. Apply Data Matrix codes
• Step 5. Introduce the products into circulation

Step 1. Sign up with the labelling system

All labeling operations are performed in Asl Belgisi, which is a national information system for digital labeling, product tracking and tracing. To start doing labeling, it is necessary to apply for signing up with the labeling system.

The process is as follows:

• Undergo a check for compliance with the software requirements;
• Fill out and submit the application form.

For more details about the process, read Asl Belgisi — How to sign up or watch the video:

If everything is done properly, you will receive a confirmation letter with application number at the email address you have indicated.

After you have signed up successfully, the system will automatically generate the below agreements, depending on the type of your organization:

• agreement on connecting to the labeling system (one agreement for all the commodity groups you have indicated, regardless of their number);
• Data Matrix agreement (separate agreements for each commodity group you have indicated).

Once the agreements are signed, you will get access to the full functionality of the User Account. Read more about the capabilities of the User Account in Getting started with ASL Belgisi. User Account structure and what to do after signing up.

Step 2. Register a product with the National Catalog

To obtain Data Matrix codes, it is necessary to describe the products you want to label. Product descriptions are added to the National Catalog.

To create a product profile, the user is required to have a product GTIN provided by GS1 Uzbekistan. Registration with GS1 Uzbekistan is required for each manufacturer, while importers may use a foreign GTIN of imported goods.

To go to the National Catalog:

• Log in the labelling system;
• Click on the National Catalog button in the upper left corner;
• Create a product profile, fill it out and submit for moderation.

The product profile will be moderated to check the product name, bar code, availability of a certificate of conformity, product image, etc. If the moderation is successfully completed, you will be able to sign the product profile using the digital signature. After that, it will have the published status.

Read more about how to use the National Catalog in The National Catalog (NC). Why to describe products, how to create a product profile and what to do with it. Before registering products with the National Catalog, watch the video:

Step 3. Use the User Account to order and pay for Data Matrix codes

To apply Data Matrix codes on the products, you need to order the same via the Asl Belgisi User Account. Data Matrix codes for those commodity groups that are subject to mandatory labeling can be ordered for a fee. One Data Matrix code costs UZS 68 (excluding VAT). Data Matrix codes for piloted commodities are provided free of charge.

To obtain Data Matrix codes:

• Log in the labelling system;
• Click on the Order Management Dashboard button in the upper left corner;
• Create a Data Matrix order, fill it out and confirm the submission.

The Data Matrix order will be automatically verified and, if verification is successfully completed, the system will generate as many Data Matrix codes as you have ordered. All the codes will be saved in the Data Matrix registry with the Issued status.

The detailed process of placing a Data Matrix order is described in the Ordering Data Matrix Codes: Payment and Methods. You may also watch the video:

Step 4. Apply Data Matrix codes

Label codes are applied to products in Data Matrix code format. A Data Matrix code should be applied in such a way that nothing prevents it from reading.

In accordance with the digital labeling regulations, manufacturers/importers should:

• convert label codes to Data Matrix codes;
• apply Data Matrix codes to the products (i.e., packaging, label or sticker);
• create a list of Data Matrix codes applied to the products;
• Submit a Data Matrix report to Asl Belgisi system.

Data Matrix reports are automatically verified and, if verification is successfully completed, the applied Data Matrix codes will be activated. All the codes will be saved in the Data Matrix registry with the Applied status.

Step 5. Introduce the products into circulation

When the Data Matrix codes are applied, it is necessary to introduce the labeled products into circulation and ship them for the next participant in the commodities turnover. This involves electronic invoicing. An electronic invoice is an e-document that allows you to transfer title to the labeled products to other registered participants in the commodities turnover.

Read more about electronic invoicing in the Issuance and acceptance of an electronic invoice for shipment of goods. Before issuance, watch this video:

In the User Account, you can see only those invoices that contain information about Data Matrix codes.