Government may amend legal metrology rules for packaged commodities

The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, is considering a significant amendment to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. 

This amendment seeks to establish uniform standards for packaged commodities sold in both offline and online markets. The proposed changes aim to ensure that these rules apply to all retail packaged commodities, excluding those meant for industrial or institutional consumers.

This revision will promote consistency and fairness across different brands and products, enabling consumers to make informed choices based on complete and accurate information. The Department of Consumer Affairs has invited stakeholders to submit their comments on the proposed amendment by July 29, 2024.

Under the current Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, mandatory information such as the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or importer, country of origin, generic name of the commodity, net quantity, manufacturing date, MRP, unit sale price, best before/use by date, and consumer care details must be declared on all pre-packaged commodities to protect consumer interests.

The rules apply to all pre-packaged commodities, except for:

• Packages containing quantities over 25 kilograms or 25 liters.
• Cement, fertilizer, and agricultural farm produce sold in bags above 50 kilograms.
• Packaged commodities meant for industrial or institutional consumers.

The current exemption for packages over 25 kilograms or 25 liters was based on the assumption that retail packaged commodities would not exceed this weight. However, it has been observed that such large packages are also available for retail sale, contradicting the original intent of the rules to mandate declarations on all retail pre-packaged commodities.

This proposed amendment aims to rectify this issue and ensure comprehensive consumer protection through standardized packaging information across the market.