Govt mulls amendment in Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011

Keeping in view the growing ambit of the market including both offline and online platforms, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, is considering an amendment in the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 to establish uniformity for packaged commodities and thereby help consumers in making informed choices based on complete information.

The revised provision will provide that these Rules shall apply to all packaged commodities sold in bags in retail, except to the packaged commodities meant for the industrial consumers or institutional consumers, according to an official release.

The 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 Department has invited comments from stakeholders up to July 29, the release said.

The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 requires for declaration of mandatory information like 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, MRP, Unit Sale Price, best before/use by date in case of commodity become unfit for human consumption, consumer care details etc. on all pre-packaged commodities in the interest of consumers.

The Rules are applicable on all pre-packaged commodities except: (a) packages of commodities containing quantity of more than 25 kilogram or 25 litre; (b) cement, fertiliser and agricultural farm produce sold in bags above 50 kg; and, (c) packaged commodities meant for industrial consumers or institutional consumers.

The Rules are, however, not applicable for packaged commodities weighing more than 25 kilogram or 25 litre except cement, fertiliser and agricultural farm produce sold in bags above 50 kg, because it is presumed that the packaged commodities meant for retail sale are not more than 25 kg.