The Aluminium Association held a topic-based meeting of the Consumer Goods sector at its online platform to discuss results of work for the past year and develop an action plan for 2021. The key topics for discussion were tariff and non-tariff methods of market protection, certification and technical regulation, as well as a comprehensive programme for promoting the sector's products.

The speakers noted that one of the main tasks in the past year was to defend the positions of the Aluminium Association's members when forming the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). According to the approved EPR Concept, the responsibility for paying the environmental charge is still imposed on producers of packaged goods.

Significant progress was made in fighting against counterfeit products in the flexible packaging segment. The Aluminium Association actively promotes interests of bona fide domestic manufacturers of foil for household use. In particular, a large-scale study of aluminium foil in rolls was carried out last year, which revealed a number of violations. Based on the results of that study, relevant measures were taken to prevent consumer misleading and unfair competition.

Standards related to aluminium products are regularly monitored on quarterly basis. Intensive work is underway to revise and develop new GOST standards for both consumer goods and packaging.

At the end of the meeting, the participants recognised the sector's successful performance in 2020.