Packaged items to display price per unit

NEW DELHI: From Monday, all

manufacturers

and

importers

of

packaged items

will have to mention the price of products per unit in addition to the

overall MRP

on packets, a decision that is being implemented after being pushed back several times. The government has also made it mandatory for producers and importers to mention the month and year of manufacturing.
So far, importers had the option to mention the month and year in which the commodity was manufactured or pre-packed or imported on the package. So far, importers preferred mentioning the date of import. The new rule, which does away with the provision of mentioning the month and year of 'pre-packed or imported', will ensure consumers know the exact age of the products.
According to the new rule, manufacturers and importers now need to mention the unit price per kg or per litre for items weighing more than a kg or litre. Similarly, for items weighing less than a kg or litre, the unit price has to be mentioned in per gram or millilitre (ml). For pre-packed items with a length of more than one metre, the unit price will be in per metre and for items less than one metre, it will be per cm.
Packed items which have more than one unit of the product, such as pencils or pens, will also mention the price per piece in addition to the MRP. "This will help buyers to have a better idea for making the right choice. Several players have started compliance and from January 1, this becomes mandatory. Violation of the norm will attract penal action as per rules," said an official.

The consumer affairs ministry had first notified the changes in November 2021 and had set April 2022 as deadline for enforcement of these rules. But it was extended in consultation with the industry to give them time to make changes.
The ministry also removed the 'specified quantities' norms for packaging for 19 types of items including milk, tea, biscuits, edible oil, atta, soft drink and drinking water, baby food, pulses and cereals, cement bag, bread and detergents. So, now there is no government mandated specifications on quantities. As a result, manufacturers have full freedom to decide the quantities of all packaged items they sell in the market.

Officials said once packed items are made available in all quantities, consumers can choose what they require and they won't be compelled to buy bigger quantities. Similarly, manufacturers can also bring more options.