Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution releases clarifications/FAQs on the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has released clarifications/ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, which consists of 50 questions and attempts to respond to general queries on the Rules in a simple and easily understandable manner for a common user

Key Highlights:

1. As per the Rules, a “Pre-packaged commodity” means a commodity which, without the purchaser being present is placed in a package of whatever nature, whether sealed or not, so that the product contained therein has a pre-determined quantity;
2.  The Rules are applicable to both imported and indigenous packages; but the commodities have to be pre-packed and not loose;
3. Declarations must be made on a package and in case it is inadvertently missed, an application for relaxation under the Rules must be made by the applicant;
4. Giving individual information likes date of manufacture or retail sale price etc. by affixing individual sticker is prohibited under the Rules;
5. The price declared on a pre-packaged commodity cannot be changed or altered, once printed and no retail dealer or other person including manufacturer, packer, importer and wholesale dealer shall sell the same at a price which is higher than the MRP;
6. The timeline for registration as manufacturer/ packer/ importer must be within ninety days from the date on which he or it commences such pre-packing;
7. An E-Commerce entity shall ensure that the mandatory declarations as specified in the Rules, except the month and year in which the commodity is manufactured or packed which must be displayed on the digital and electronic network used for e-commerce transactions.

For a detailed read, please refer to the document attached herewith.

Source: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution