E-commerce platform Ozon has implemented stringent brand certification protocols to maintain marketplace integrity and protect intellectual property rights in Russia. These measures align with Russian federal laws and trademark owner requirements, establishing clear authorization rules for selling branded goods.
The Rationale Behind Brand Certification
The certification system serves as a safeguard against counterfeit products, preserving consumer trust and brand reputation. By verifying seller authorization, Ozon aims to create a transparent retail environment where buyers can confidently purchase authentic merchandise.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Sellers offering products from restricted brands without proper documentation may face:
- Product delisting: Existing listings will be removed from public view
- Listing restrictions: Inability to create new product entries for uncertified brands
Valid Authorization Documentation
Ozon accepts multiple forms of proof demonstrating legitimate sales rights:
- Trademark authorization certificates issued directly by rights holders
- Licensing agreements between trademark owners and sellers
- Distribution contracts with brand representatives
- Official permission letters from trademark owners
- Purchase receipts from authorized distributors
- Other legally binding documents proving sales rights
Document Specifications
To ensure smooth processing, submitted materials must meet these criteria:
- Language: Russian or English (with certified translations for other languages)
- Content requirements: Must include issuance date, finite validity period, trademark owner's signature/seal, and explicit sales rights for Russian territory
Authorization Pathways and Documentation
1. Direct Brand Ownership
Brand → Ozon
Required: Trademark registration certificate
2. Direct Brand Authorization
Trademark owner → Seller → Ozon
Required: Licensing/distribution agreement or official authorization document from rights holder
3. Representative-Mediated Authorization
Trademark owner → Authorized representative → Seller → Ozon
Required documentation package:
- Contract between seller and representative
- Representative's trademark authorization document
- Proof of representative's rights to sublicense from trademark owner
4. Supplier-Mediated Authorization
Trademark owner → Authorized representative → Supplier → Seller → Ozon
Required documentation package:
- Seller-supplier contract or commercial cooperation proof
- Supplier's authorization documents from representative
- Representative's authorization documents from trademark owner
Note: Longer supply chains require complete documentation for each intermediary link.
Document Submission Process
Sellers can upload authorization files through Ozon's Seller Center:
- Navigate to "Products" → "Certificates" → "Trademark Documents"
- Select "Add File"
- Enter document details including expiration date (perpetual documents not accepted)
- Upload file (maximum 10MB)
- Save changes
Approval typically occurs within one business day, after which sellers may list products under the certified brand.
Quality Certification Protocols
While unrestricted products may be listed without quality documentation, Ozon reserves the right to request proof of compliance. Sellers must provide requested materials within three business days or face product suspension.
To view products requiring certification:
- Access "Products" → "Certificates" → "Quality Certificates"
- Select "Products Missing Certificates"
- Download list as XLS file if needed
Quality Certificate Upload Guidelines
Required steps for compliance documentation:
- Complete form with accurate document details
- Upload clear scans of all pages with legible seals/signatures
- Associate certificate with relevant products via manual entry or XLS upload
Ozon's quality control team verifies:
- Document authenticity and completeness
- Legibility and validity period
- Russian Federation recognition
- Official registration status
Rejected applications include specific reasons for denial. Sellers may be required to submit notarized copies within three business days upon request.
Monitoring Unauthorized Listings
The platform encourages reporting suspected unauthorized brand sales through designated channels in the Seller Center interface.