The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has issued a major relaxation for manufacturers, packers, and importers of pre-packaged commodities in light of the recent GST revision.
According to the latest circular from the Department of Consumer Affairs' Weights & Measures Unit, the Central Government has simplified compliance requirements under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
Key Announcements
- Revised Price Stickers Optional: Manufacturers, packers, and importers may voluntarily affix revised price stickers on unsold goods manufactured before 22nd September 2025, provided the original MRP remains visible. However, this is not mandatory under current rules.
- Newspaper Advertisement Requirement Waived: Earlier, Rule 18(3) mandated publishing revised price advertisements in two newspapers. The government has now waived this requirement, reducing compliance burdens for businesses.
- Circulars to Dealers & Retailers Sufficient: Instead of newspaper ads, companies must now send circulars to wholesale dealers, retailers, and stakeholders, with copies endorsed to the Director of Legal Metrology (Central) and Controllers in all States/UTs.
- Old Packaging Material Allowed Till March 2026: Unused packaging material or wrappers printed with old MRPs can be used until 31st March 2026 (or until stock is exhausted). Corrections in MRP can be made through stickers, stamping, or online printing.
- Consumer Awareness Required: Businesses must take steps to sensitise dealers, retailers, and consumers about revised GST-linked prices using electronic, print, and social media channels.
Official copy of the notification is as follows
"Pursuant to advisory dated 9.9.2025 on the above subject, the Central Govt., has received representation from industry & trade associations about the need for simplifying the procedure for legal compliance by manufacturers and importers of pre-packaged commodity in the wake of GST revision.
After considering the concerns of the industry and in supersession of earlier advisory dated 09.09.2025, the Central Government has decided to allow such manufacturers/packers/importers/their representatives who may like to voluntarily affix additional revised price sticker, on unsold packages manufactured before 22nd September, 2025 and are lying with them, provided the original price declaration on the package is not obstructed. In this context, it is underlined that extant Rules do not mandate affixing revised price sticker by manufacturer/packer/importer/their representatives on unsold packages manufactured before 22nd September, 2025 and are lying with them.
Apart from above, by virtue of powers vested under Rule 33 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, the Central Government, has decided to waive off the requirement in Rule 18(3) to issue Advertisement, about revised prices in two newspapers by manufacturers and importers.
Consequently, the manufacturers/packers/importers are now required to send only circulars to wholesale dealers/retailers, etc. about revised prices with copy thereof endorsed to Director, Legal Metrology of the Central Government and Controller, Legal Metrology of All States/UTs and to ensure price compliance at the retailer level.
However, the manufacturers/packers/importers shall take immediate measures to sensitise dealers/retailers/consumers about revision in GST rates through all possible channels of communication including electronic, print and social media.
It is also clarified that any packaging material or wrapper which could not be exhausted by the manufacturer or packer or importer prior to revision of GST, may be used for packing of material up to 31st March, 2026 or till such date the packing material or wrapper is exhausted, whichever is earlier, after making corrections required in retail sale price (MRP) on account of implementation of GST by way of stamping or putting sticker or online printing as the case may be, at any place on the package.
Further to Para-6 above, it is informed that the declaration of the revised unit sale price on unsold pre-packaged commodities/unused packaging material or wrapper bearing a pre-printed MRP is not mandatory. However, manufacturers/packers/importers/their representatives may declare the revised unit sale price voluntarily, if they so desire."
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