Manufacturers No Longer Required to Change Price Stickers on Unsold Goods Made Before September 22?
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Synopsis
The Centre's recent decision to waive the requirement for manufacturers to update price stickers on unsold goods produced before September 22, following GST rate adjustments, has sparked relief in the industry. This move aims to ease compliance burdens and facilitate smoother operations for manufacturers.
Key Takeaways
- Manufacturers no longer need to change price stickers on unsold goods produced before September 22.
- The government has eased compliance burdens for manufacturers.
- Voluntary price sticker changes are allowed if the original price is visible.
- Manufacturers can inform wholesalers and retailers directly about pricing updates.
- Old packaging can be used until March 31, 2026.
New Delhi, Sep 18 (NationPress) In a significant relief for manufacturers, the Centre has removed the obligation to update price stickers on unsold items produced before September 22, due to the recent modifications in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates.
A notification issued on September 18 by the Weights and Measures Unit, part of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, specified that manufacturers, packers, and importers are exempt from attaching revised price stickers on pre-packaged items made prior to September 22 in light of the GST rate changes.
This decision comes after industry representatives and trade associations raised concerns about compliance difficulties stemming from previous directives.
“After reviewing industry concerns and superseding the earlier advisory dated 09.09.2025, the Central Government has permitted manufacturers, packers, importers, and their representatives to voluntarily apply revised price stickers on unsold items made before September 22, 2025, as long as the original price declaration remains visible,” the notification stated.
“It is important to note that current regulations do not require manufacturers, packers, importers, or their representatives to apply revised price stickers on unsold products produced prior to September 22, 2025,” it continued.
Rather than resorting to newspaper advertisements, manufacturers can now inform wholesalers and retailers directly. Companies must communicate revised pricing to consumers through various means.
Previously, the ministry indicated that companies could voluntarily place additional revised price stickers on unsold items made before September 22, as long as the original price declaration is not obscured.
Additionally, the government has relaxed Rule 18(3) of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, which previously mandated companies to publish advertisements in two newspapers announcing revised prices.
Now, manufacturers and importers only need to send price change notifications to wholesalers and retailers, while also forwarding copies to the Director of Legal Metrology at the Centre and Controllers of Legal Metrology in all states and union territories.
The government also clarified that any leftover packaging materials or wrappers printed with old Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) can be utilized until March 31, 2026, or until stock depletion, whichever occurs first, provided that corrections to the retail sale price are made using stamping, stickers, or online printing methods.
Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator of the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD), welcomed the decision, calling it a timely and empathetic response.
“We are grateful for the prompt action taken by the Department of Consumer Affairs, allowing manufacturers to sell existing stocks of finished goods and utilize unused packaging materials with old MRPs, where stickering or online inkjet printing is not feasible,” Nath remarked.
“Without this clarity and permission, dispatches from factories and warehouses would have halted, causing significant concern among manufacturers,” he added.
Point of View
The government's decision to relax the requirement for modifying price stickers on unsold goods is a pragmatic approach that addresses compliance challenges faced by manufacturers. This move reflects an understanding of industry needs while maintaining regulatory integrity, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new regulation regarding price stickers?
The Centre has removed the obligation for manufacturers to change price stickers on unsold goods produced before September 22, following GST rate changes.
Are manufacturers still allowed to change price stickers voluntarily?
Yes, manufacturers, packers, and importers can voluntarily affix revised price stickers on unsold goods, provided the original price declaration is not obscured.
What about advertising revised prices?
Manufacturers no longer need to advertise in newspapers; they can notify wholesalers and retailers directly about price changes.
How long can old packaging materials be used?
Old packaging materials with previous MRPs can be used until March 31, 2026, or until stocks are exhausted, with necessary corrections made.
Who must be notified about price changes?
Manufacturers and importers must circulate price change notifications to wholesalers and retailers, and send copies to the Director of Legal Metrology and Controllers in all states and territories.
