What is the EAC Mark, Who Should Obtain It?
The EAC mark is an official conformity mark indicating that products exported to the Eurasian Customs Union (EAEU) countries comply with technical regulations. This mark certifies that the product is manufactured in accordance with criteria such as health, safety, and environmental protection and can be placed on the market. EAC stands for "Eurasian Conformity" and functions similarly to the CE mark. However, there are many differences between CE and EAC in terms of technical regulations and application procedures.
Companies required to obtain the EAC mark are primarily manufacturers planning to export to Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Armenia as target markets. However, not only companies established in these countries but also exporters from third countries like Turkey aiming to access these markets must obtain this mark. Therefore, the EAC certificate is a strategic step in export planning, and the obligations may vary depending on the product portfolio.
For which products is the EAC mark mandatory?
- Electrical and electronic devices
- Machinery and equipment
- Toys and children's products
- Packaging in contact with food
- Cosmetics and detergent products
Requirements for Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan
To enter the market in Eurasian Customs Union countries, products must comply with EAEU Technical Regulations, which is a legal requirement. Especially for large markets like Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, this compliance is critical for customs clearance during import. If products are shipped without the EAC mark on their packaging, shipments may be held at customs, face penalties, or be returned.
Although these countries are part of the same customs union, differences exist in certificate types, testing requirements, and application procedures across sectors. For example, in Kazakhstan, a declaration of conformity might suffice for some product groups, whereas in Russia, mandatory laboratory testing and inspections may be required for the same product. Exporters must develop a compliance roadmap based on product type and target country.
Compliance with TR CU Technical Regulations
TR CU (Technical Regulations of the Customs Union) are common technical regulations valid in Eurasian Customs Union countries. These regulations ensure the inspection of products regarding safety, human health, environmental protection, and energy efficiency. Separate TR CU standards exist for each product group, and these standards classify risks similarly to the CE marking system.
A critical point for exporters is to identify which TR CU regulation their product falls under. For example, TR CU 004/2011 covers electrical products, TR CU 010/2011 covers machinery safety, and TR CU 020/2011 addresses electromagnetic compatibility. Each regulation has different requirements such as declarations of conformity, technical file contents, and testing needs. Therefore, manufacturers must prepare their technical documentation according to product categories as a legal obligation.
Examples of TR CU Regulations:
- TR CU 004/2011 – Low Voltage Equipment
- TR CU 010/2011 – Machinery Safety
- TR CU 020/2011 – Electromagnetic Compatibility
- TR CU 007/2011 – Children's Products
Declaration of Conformity and Product Testing
There are various methods to prove product compliance with technical regulations during the EAC certification process. One of them is the "Declaration of Conformity." The manufacturer or importer issues this document declaring the product meets technical requirements. However, this declaration alone is not always sufficient. For some product groups, product test reports or independent inspection reports supporting the declaration are also mandatory.
Product testing must be performed by laboratories accredited by the EAEU. Test results demonstrate electrical safety, mechanical strength, electromagnetic compatibility, chemical content, or hygienic compliance of the product. These results form part of the technical documentation supporting the declaration of conformity. Especially in markets like Russia and Kazakhstan, original copies or notarized translations of test reports may be requested.
Technical File Preparation and Factory Inspections
One of the most important steps in the EAC certification process is the complete and properly formatted submission of the technical file for the product. The technical file is a comprehensive document including the product’s technical specifications, materials used, production processes, test results, and usage instructions. It should clearly state which TR CU regulation the product falls under, which standards were used for testing, and which risk analysis methods were applied.
Depending on the product type, sometimes the technical file alone is insufficient. For high-risk products like machinery, medical devices, or industrial chemicals, physical inspection of the production facility may be required. These factory inspections assess whether production processes are conducted as declared and measure the effectiveness of quality control systems. Criteria such as production lines, quality procedures, worker training, labeling, and packaging processes are reviewed in detail during inspections.
Documents Required in the Technical File:
- General product description and technical specifications
- Risk analysis reports
- Test reports performed
- TR CU regulation compliance matrix
- User manuals and labeling samples
Compliance Approach with KIOSCERT for the EAC Process
The EAC certification process is not limited to product testing and file preparation; it also requires proper management and step-by-step documentation of regulatory compliance. This process can be complex, especially for manufacturers new to Eurasian Customs Union countries. At this point, accredited organizations such as KIOSCERT provide auditing and certification infrastructure.
KIOSCERT’s approach is comprehensive, covering everything from product analyses and factory inspection planning to risk assessments and preparation of conformity declarations. The firm has the technical capacity to support both local and international manufacturers in entering the EAEU market. Compliance checks and transparent record management are prioritized in all documentation procedures.