The key facts
- Since October 1, 2026, a permit-based regime has been in effect at cash registers for motor oils, lubricants and special automotive fluids
- In October, the sale of about 2 million packages of illegal motor oils was blocked
- Monitoring covers 80.4 thousand retail outlets; 77.2% of stores committed not a single violation
Cash registers begin blocking illegal oils
In October 2026, thanks to cash register controls in Russia, the sale of about two million packages of illegal motor oils was blocked, the press service of Rospotrebnadzor reported. The new mechanism came into force on October 1, 2026 and covers the retail sale of motor oils, lubricants and special automotive fluids subject to mandatory labeling: cash register systems check whether permission to sell the product has been granted, which makes it possible to stop the sale of non-compliant products before they reach the buyer.
Scale of oversight and share of violations
Monitoring of compliance with the new requirements is carried out at 80.4 thousand retail outlets selling automotive fluids. According to the agency, in October 77.2% of stores did not commit a single violation of the permit-based regime at the cash register. Territorial offices of Rospotrebnadzor are working with repeat offenders: preventive measures and inspections are being carried out aimed at reducing the number of counterfeits.
How to check motor oil yourself
Motorists are advised to pay attention to the presence of mandatory labeling, request a cash register receipt, and make sure that the Data Matrix code on the package can actually be scanned at the cash register. Additionally, the oil can be verified through the Chestny Znak mobile app: if the labeling is missing, the code cannot be read, or the information in the app does not match the data on the label, it is better to refrain from the purchase. Suspicious products can be reported directly through the app.
Context: preparing your car for winter
Earlier, an automotive expert listed car malfunctions that should not be put off before winter: first of all, he advised checking the brakes, ABS, ESP and steering, making sure the headlights and heater work properly, and replacing summer tires with winter ones in good time. Against the backdrop of growing turnover of illegal oils, checking the labeling when buying technical fluids becomes another item in winter car preparation.
