Govt eases packaged goods compliance after GST revision, waives newspaper ad rule

Ministry says revised MRP stickers optional, old packaging can be used till March 2026

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on September 18, issued a notification simplifying compliance for manufacturers, packers and importers of pre-packaged commodities after the latest GST rate revision.

Exercising powers under Rule 33 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, the Centre has relaxed provisions that previously required companies to publish revised prices in newspapers.

No more mandatory newspaper ads

Until now, Rule 18(3) of the Legal Metrology Rules mandated that manufacturers and importers publish advertisements in two newspapers announcing any change in MRP following a tax revision.

This requirement has now been waived off, the ministry said. Instead, businesses only need to issue circulars to wholesalers and retailers, with copies endorsed to the Director, Legal Metrology (Centre) and Controllers of Legal Metrology in all States and UTs.

Revised price stickers optional

The notification clarified that for packages manufactured before September 22, 2025, companies may — but are not obliged to — affix stickers showing the revised price. The original printed MRP must remain visible.

“Extant rules do not mandate affixing revised price stickers on unsold packages manufactured before September 22, 2025,” the ministry noted.

Old packaging allowed till March 2026

To prevent wastage, manufacturers and importers may continue using old packaging material or wrappers until March 31, 2026, or until stocks are exhausted. Corrections in MRP can be made through stamping, stickers, or online printing.

The ministry also clarified that declaring revised unit sale price on such unsold stock or unused packaging is not mandatory, though it may be done voluntarily.