The Department of Consumer Affairs has decided to amend the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 to ensure mandatory declaration of all information on pre-packaged commodities used for retail sale. The decision comes in the wake of information that the packaged commodities above 25 kg are available in the market for retail sale without mandatory declarations on the packages.
The Centre said in a statement here on Sunday that the amendment will bring clarity among manufacturers/ packers/ importers of packaged commodities of any quantity to make declarations if packed for retail sale. The rules, however, are not applicable to the packaged commodities meant for industrial consumers or institutional consumers.
“This revised provision will help in establishing uniform standards/ requirements for packaged commodities, promoting consistency and fairness across different brands and products and will help consumers in making informed choices based on complete information,” the Centre said in the release. The Department has also invited comments from stakeholders on the amendments, which they can send within 15 days, up to July 29.
The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 mandate declaration of information such as name and address of the manufacturer/ packer/ importer, country of origin, common or generic name of the commodity, net quantity, month and year of manufacture, maximum retail price, unit sale price, best before/ use by date, consumer care details etc. on all pre-packaged commodities in the interest of consumers.
Packages of commodities containing quantity of more than 25 kg or 25 litres, cement, fertiliser and agricultural farm produce sold in bags above 50 kg and packaged commodities meant for industrial consumers or institutional consumers are exempted from this Rule.
“However, it is observed that the packaged commodities above 25 kg are also available in the market for retail sale, which is not as per the intention to make all declarations on pre-packaged commodities meant for retail sale,” the Centre said.
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