Govt Eases Packaging Compliance Rules Amid GST Rate Revision

In a major relief to manufacturers, packers, and importers, the Central Government has relaxed certain provisions under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 following the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate revision.

The Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution issued a circular dated 18 September 2025, simplifying procedures for legal compliance concerning pre-packaged commodities manufactured before 22 September 2025.

Key Relaxations Announced

1. Voluntary Revised Price Stickers
   • Manufacturers, packers, or importers may voluntarily affix revised price stickers on unsold packages manufactured before 22 September 2025.
   • However, it is not mandatory, provided the original printed price on the package remains unobstructed.
2. Waiver of Advertisement Requirement
   • Earlier, under Rule 18(3), manufacturers/importers were required to publish price revisions in two newspapers.
   • The government has now waived this requirement, reducing compliance costs.
3. Circulars to Retailers Instead of Advertisements
   • Instead of newspaper notices, companies must now send circulars to wholesale dealers, retailers, and distributors with details of revised prices.
   • A copy of these circulars must be endorsed to the Director of Legal Metrology, Government of India, and Controllers of Legal Metrology of all States/UTs.
4. Consumer Awareness Measures
   • Companies have been instructed to take immediate steps to inform dealers, retailers, and consumersabout GST-related price revisions.
   • Communication may be done through electronic, print, and social media channels.
5. Use of Old Packaging Material Allowed Till March 2026
   • Packaging material or wrappers printed with the old MRP may be used up to 31 March 2026 or until stock is exhausted.
   • Corrections in Maximum Retail Price (MRP) can be made via stickers, stamping, or online printing.
6. Declaration of Revised Prices Not Mandatory
   • For unsold pre-packaged goods or unused wrappers with pre-printed MRPs, it is not mandatory to declare revised unit sale prices.
   • However, companies may do so voluntarily if they wish.

Notification Details

Date: 18/09/2025

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