The legal metrology packaged commodities rules 2024, are a significant update to India’s packaging and labeling laws. These rules ensure that every pre-packaged product sold in the Indian market, whether offline or online, carries clear, truthful, and standardised information, including quantity, price, date of manufacture/import, and manufacturer details. The primary objective is to protect consumers from misleading packaging and unfair trade practices, while also assisting businesses in maintaining compliance.Â
What are the Legal Metrolgoy (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2024?
The Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules 2024 are updated rules under Indian law that control how pre-packaged goods are labelled, measured, and sold. These rules ensure that every product sold in packaging has clear, correct, and honest information printed on it for consumers.
- Mandatory Declaration – Products should include details such as MRP, net quantity, date of manufacture/Import, name & address of manufacturer/Importer, customer care details, etc.
- Standard Unit – Quantity should be mentioned in standard metric units (like grams, kg, ml, etc)
- Online Sales – E-commerce platforms should display all mandatory information online.
- Barcodes/QR Code – The rules promote the use of barcodes/QR codes to improve transparency, but they may not be mandatory for all products
- Penalties – If businesses fail to follow the rules, they may face fines, product seizure, or cancellation of their registration.
What is the Purpose of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules 2024?
| S.No. | Purpose | Explaination |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Consumer Protection | Helps buyers get the correct quantity and information about a product |
| 2. | Prevention of Fraud | Stop sellers from cheating by using false weights or wrong labels |
| 3. | Standardization of Labels | Make sure all packaged products have the same basic details on labels |
| 4. | Transparency in Trade | Builds trust between businesses and customers through clear labeling |
| 5. | Compliance with Law | Ensures manufacturers, importers, and sellers follow government rules |
| 6. | Ease of Online Selling | Requires proper declaration even for goods sold on e-commerce platforms |
| 7. | Support Fair Competition | Prevents unfair pricing or labeling among businesses |
| 8. | Improved Product Traceability | Makes it easier to trace products using labeling and optional QR/barcodes |
Who Should Comply With the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules 2024?
| S.No. | Category | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Manufacturers | Should ensure all packaged goods are correctly labeled and measured |
| 2. | Packers/Re-Packers | Required to declare product details as per the new labeling norms |
| 3. | Importers | Should register under LMPC and follow labeling norms for imported goods |
| 4. | Wholesalers/Distributors | Should not sell any pre-packaged goods without proper declarations |
| 5. | Retailers | Responsible for selling only complaint products to consumers. |
| 6. | E-Commerce Platforms | Should ensure all product listings carry correct label details |
What are the Changes Under the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules 2024?
There are many changes under the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules, 2024. Some of the changes are mentioned in points below:
New Packaging Definition Introduced:
- Combination Package
- Group Package
- Multi-Pience Package
Exemption from Unit Sale Price:
- Combination, group, and multi-piece packages are now exempt from showing unit sale price.
Relaxation in Manufacturing Date Declaration:
- Spare parts and accessories for servicing are exempt from displaying the month and year of manufacture.
- But for electronic items, this exemption does not apply. These should still declare the manufacturing date.
New E-Commerce Exemption (Rule 26):
- Loose commodities sold through online orders are exempt from full packaging declaration.
- Manufacturer/Importer/Marketer name and address
- Country of origin
- Retail price
- Net quantity
- Customer care email and contact number
Update to Edible Oil and Ghee Labelling:
- If volume is declared, the label should also show weight.
- Assures clarity for buyers about what they’re paying for.
How Do The Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules 2024 Affect Manufacturers and Importers?
The Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules 2024 bring changes that directly impact how manufacturers and importers must label, pack, and sell products in India.
- Need to understand new package types
- Exemption from unit sale price in some cases
- Labelling spare parts for servicing
- Changes in E-Commerce Sales
- Revised Labelling for Edible Oil and Ghee
- Greater Accountability for Imported Goods
- Risk of Penalties for Non-Compliance
What Declarations are Mandatory Under the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules 2024?
Used the legal metrology packaged commodities rules, 2024, every manufacturer, packer, or importer should print the following mandatory declaration on all pre-packaged products meant for sale in India:
- Name and address of manufacturer or importer
- Common or generic name of the product
- Net quantity
- Month and Year of manufacture or import
- Retail sale price
- Customers’ care contact details
- Unit sale priceÂ
- Best Before/Expiry date
Are E-Commerce Platforms Required To Follow The Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules 2024?
Yes, e-commerce platforms should display all mandatory declarations like MRP, net quantity, and manufacturer details for each product listed online.
Is It Mandatory to Declare both Weight and Volume for Edible Oil under the 2024 Rules?
Yes, if edible oils are sold by volume, the weight should also be declared to assure clarity and transparency for consumers.Â
