Starting March 1, 2026, a new law aimed at protecting the Russian language will come into force. And yes — it applies not only to schools and government institutions, but also to your business: your website, store, landing pages, price lists, advertising, and even… social media posts.
If you run a commercial account, communicate with clients through direct messages, launch advertising campaigns, manage a website, publish price lists, or create online offers — this article is for you.
What Has Changed?
From March 1, all information visible to users must be in Russian.
This is not a recommendation or a guideline — it is a legal requirement monitored by Rospotrebnadzor, Russia’s consumer protection authority.
The rule applies to everything, including:
website text;product descriptions;buttons and headlines;service descriptions;opening hours;stories and advertising creatives.
Who Does the Law Affect?
In short — anyone who works with customers online:
SMM agencies and digital studiossmall businesses (individual entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals)freelancers (designers, marketers, photographers, consultants)beauty professionalsonline stores and marketplacesany commercial project that communicates with an audience
If you sell, promote, or showcase your services online — the law applies to you.
What Is Allowed and What Is Not?
Not allowed
English words used without a Russian equivalent nearby.
For example: “Black Friday”, “Sale”, “Discount” — these are not allowed without translation.
Allowed Russian equivalents: Black Friday → Чёрная пятница Sale → распродажа Discount → скидка Foreign words with a clear Russian translation placed next to them. The translation must be visible and readable — not hidden in small print.
What About Transliteration?
Yes, transliteration is allowed — but only if the word is officially recognized in Russian dictionaries published by the Institute for Linguistic Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Correct: «компьютер» (computer) «смартфон» (smartphone)
Incorrect: “Showroom” — it should be written as «шоурум».
When Can Foreign Words Be Used?
There are two main exceptions: Registered trademarks and brand names These do not need to be translated (for example: ZARA, L’Oréal, Ozon). Technical terms that cannot reasonably be translated Examples: NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.
What Are the Penalties?
Compliance is monitored by Rospotrebnadzor, which can issue fines.
- up to 1,000 ₽ for individual entrepreneurs
- up to 100,000 ₽ for companies
Importantly, each violation may be fined separately.
Example: 15 English phrases used without translation could lead to fines of up to 150,000 ₽ for a company.
How to Prepare and Avoid Fines
Start with a simple audit
Open your website and social media pages not as a business owner, but as a new customer. Scroll through everything and ask yourself honestly: are there any English words without translation?
Check not only posts but also small details — buttons, captions, pop-ups, and application forms.
Review price lists and service descriptions
This is where violations most often appear.
“Sale”, “Special offer”, “Best price”, “Upgrade” — all of these should either be translated or presented in compliance with the law.
Price lists, presentations, PDFs, and highlighted stories are treated the same way as website content.
Pay special attention to advertising and visuals
Banners, ad creatives, stories with offers, and cover images — if there is text, it must be in Russian.
Even if it is just one word. Even if “everyone else does it”. They do — until the first inspection.
The translation must be visible
A small footnote at the bottom of the page will not help.
If you use a foreign word, the translation must be placed next to it and be equally readable — the same size, the same color, and visually balanced in the composition.
Check your brand name in advance
If your brand name is foreign and you do not want to translate it, make sure it is a registered trademark.
If it is not, consider starting the registration process early. This is one of the safest legal ways to keep a foreign brand name unchanged.
Don’t postpone it
Once the law takes effect, making urgent changes will be more expensive and stressful.
Preparing calmly in advance will save you time, money, and unnecessary headaches.
A Few Words About Marketing
Yes, this is a change. Yes, it may add a bit of extra work.
But if handled properly, the law will not harm your budget — and your business will look more professional and transparent to customers.
If you need help creating a brand name, designing a logo, adapting your website to legal requirements, or managing compliant content for websites and marketplaces, our team at madseven can help.
Submit a request: https://www.mad7.ru/blog/ne-narushaet-li-vash-sajt-zakon?modal=feedback