The Consumer Affairs Ministry has put forth a proposal to amend the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, requiring essential information to be displayed on pre-packaged items weighing over 25 kg or measuring more than 25 litres when sold in retail markets. This amendment aims to enhance transparency and empower consumers with the necessary details for informed decision-making.
Currently, large bulk packages are exempt from displaying critical information such as maximum retail price (MRP), best-before date, manufacturer details, and country of origin. The ministry has noted discrepancies in the availability of these products in retail markets, contrary to the original intent of labelling regulations for pre-packaged commodities.
Under the proposed changes, manufacturers, packers, and importers will be mandated to provide comprehensive labels on all pre-packaged goods intended for retail, irrespective of their size. This initiative seeks to standardize labelling practices across the sector and ensure consumers receive accurate and essential information before making purchases.
Public feedback on the proposed amendments is solicited until July 29. However, the new rules will not apply to packaged goods intended for industrial or institutional consumers.
This move by the government responds to the increasing presence of bulk pre-packaged items in retail markets and aims to promote transparency in consumer transactions by enforcing clear and informative labelling practices.
For further details and to participate in the public consultation, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the official channels of the Consumer Affairs Ministry.