On 6-10-2023, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution notified the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2023 to amend the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. The provisions will come into effect on 1-1-2024.
Key Points:
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The definition of “combination package” has been inserted which means that any package which is intended for retail sale and contains 2 or more individual packages/ pieces of dissimilar commodities.
For example- a package containing dissimilar commodities such as spoons, forks, cups, knives, etc.
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The definition of “group package” has also been inserted which says that any package which is intended for retail sale and has 2 or more individual packages/ pieces of similar commodities, but not identical, in size or in shape.
For example- a package of assorted biscuits.
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Rule 6 relating to “Declaration to be made in every package” has been revised and a proviso has been inserted which says that the provisions of this Rule, every package bearing a definite, plain and conspicuous declaration either on the package itself or on a label affixed, will not be applicable on spare parts and accessories used for the purpose of servicing with a warranty and not sold to end customers.
Although, the spare parts and accessories of electronic products will have to bear the declaration of month and year of manufacture in a visible and legible manner.
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Rule 26 which relates to “Exemption in respect of certain packages” has also been revised and clause (g) has been inserted which says the package will be exempted if it contains loose commodities ordered through e-commerce channels, where consumers are aware of the ordered commodity, its type and quantity.
To avail such exemption, the commodity should bear the following information:
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Name and address of manufacturer/ marketer/ brand owner/ importer/ seller with the country of origin or manufacture in the case of imported products;
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Consumer care email id and phone number;
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Retail sale price of the package inclusive of all taxes in the Indian currency; and
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Net quantity, in terms of the standard unit of weight or measure, or where the commodity is sold by number, the number of the commodity.
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