Have you ever noticed how some items in a store have labels on the shelf, while others have all the details printed right on the pack? That’s because there are two types of labelling: retail shelf labeling and pre-packaged labeling, and each follows different rules. In India, labelling isn’t just for show; it’s a legal requirement under the Legal Metrology Act. But loose items like grain or fruits don’t follow the same rules as sealed goods like snacks and cosmetics. Check this blog to know the difference between retail shelf and pre-packaged labelling.
What is Retail Shelf Labeling?
Retail shelf labelling refers to the labels or tags placed on store shelves to provide important product information for items that are sold loose or in bulk. These labels are primarily used in supermarkets, grocery stores, department stores, and pharmacies, where certain items are not pre-packed but are sold based on the weight or quantity requested by the customer.
Details Found on a Retail Shelf Label:
- Product Name
- Price Per Unit
- Weight or Measure
- Batch or Barcode
- Brand Name
What Are The Key Differences Between Retail Shelf Labeling and Pre-Packaged Labeling?
Both Retail shelf labeling vs pre-packaged labeling are important for informing consumers about a product, but they serve different purposes and follow different rules under India’s Legal Metrology Act.
| S.No. | Feature | Retail Shelf Labeling | Pre-Packaged Labeling |
| 1. | Defination | Label placed on the shelf or displayed where loose/bulk | Label printed on the actual package of a product sold in sealed form |
| 2. | Applicability | Used for loose or unpacked goods (Sold by weight, volume, or count) | Mandatory for goods sold in pre-packaged condition, ready for sale |
| 3. | Regulation Type | Lightly regulated (mostly by state-level or store policies) | Strictly regulated under Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 |
| 4. | Where It Appears | On racks, bins, display, shelves, or counters | On the actual product packaging (like a biscuit packet, shampoo bottles, etc.) |
| 5. | Purpose | To inform the customer about loose items and the basic identity | To provide complete product and compliance information to the buyer |
| 6. | What It Must Show | Retail Shelf Labelling | Product name, MRPNet quantity, Date of Packaging, Manufacturer Details, Customer Care InfoExpiry date (if applicable) |
| 7. | Product NamePrice per unit Unit of measurement | Retailers may format labels as per convenience, with no fixed label format | No, should follow the government-mandated format and include compulsory declarations |
| 8. | Consumer Protection | Offers basic transparency, not legally sufficient for traceability | Customisation Allowed? |
| 9. | Example | Label on shelf for “Loose Basmati Rice- Rs. 80/Kg” | Label on a 1 Kg rice pack with MRP Rs. 90, manufacturer, packed date, etc. |
Are Both Types Of Labelling Regulated Under The Same Law?
No, both types of labelling are regulated under the same law:
- Pre-Packaged Labelling is strictly governed by the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011, which fall under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. These rules mandate specific declarations like MRP, net quantity, manufacturing details, date of packaging, and more.
- Retail Shelf Life, on the other hand, is not directly covered under the Legal Metrology Act. It is usually governed by internal store policies or state-level trade regulations. While it serves an important role in consumer information, it doesn’t carry the same legal weight as pre-packaged labelling.
Can The Same Product Need Both Shelf And Pre-Packaged Labelling?
Yes, the same product can require both retail shelf labelling vs pre-packaged labelling, especially in a modern retail environment like supermarkets and online platforms
- Pre-Packaged Labelling – When a product is packed in advance in a container or wrapping, it is considered a pre-packaged commodity under the Legal Metrology Commodities Rules, 2011.
- MRP
- Net Quantity
- Name and Address of Manufacturer/Importer
- Date of Packaging or Import
- Customer Care Contact Details
- Batch Number or Lot Code
- Retail Shelf Labelling – Even if a product has a pre-packaged label, retailers often add a shelf label below or beside the item on the display rack. This helps consumers quickly:
- Price
- Product Name
- Key Feature
- Barcode
- Offer or Deals
Why Is Accurate Labeling Important for Both Shelf And Packaged Goods?
Accurate labelling is necessary for both shelf and packaged goods because it builds trust, ensures transparency, and helps consumers make informed choices. It’s a legal requirement under the Legal Metrology laws to avoid misleading the customer.
| S.No. | Purpose | Pre-Packaged Labeling | Retail Shelf Labelling |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Legal Compliance | Required by the legal metrology packaged commodities rules | Often regulated by local retail guidelines |
| 2. | Customer Trust | Shows genuine product details like Ingredients, MRP, etc. | Displays actual price and product identity |
| 3. | Price Transparency | Prevents overcharging: MRP must be shown | Helps compare products on the shelf easily |
| 4. | Avoid Consumer Confusion | Shows pack size, batch, and expiry date clearly | Differentiate between similar-looking products |
| 5. | Marketing & Promotions | Cannot display discounts on the pack directly | Shelf tags can highlight offers Rs. 20 off, combo deals) |
| 6. | Helps in Inventory Management | Barcodes on the pack aid backend processes | Shelf barcodes speed up billing and scanning |
What Are the Common Mistakes Businesses Make in Retail Shelf And Pre-Packaged Labelling?
Here we have mentioned the common mistakes businesses make in retail shelf and pre-packaged labelling:
- Wrong or Missing Price
- Incomplete Pre-Packaged Labels
- Using Old Labels
- Unclear or Tiny Fonts
- Ignoring Legal Requirements
- No consistency between Shelf and Pack Labels
- Wrong Unit of Measurement
- Not updating labels After Price Change
- Barcode or QR Code Error
How Can Sellers Ensure Compliance With Labelling Requirements?
To stay compliant with labelling rules for both retail shelf labels and pre-packaged goods, sellers should follow these easy steps:
- Understanding the Legal Requirements
- Use Standard Label Format
- Keep Labels Updated
- Ensure Accuracy of Information
- Use Technology for Tracking
- Train You Staff
- Conduct Regular Audits
- Consult Compliance Expert
Why Choose ELT Corporate for Labeling And Legal Metrology Compliance?
At ELT Corporate, we help businesses to stay fully compliant with labelling rules and legal metrology laws in India. Whether you’re dealing with retail shelf labelling or pre-packaged commodity labelling, our expert team makes sure everything is done right from start to finish.
- Expert Guidance
- Help with label design as per government norms
- Assistance in product classification and declaration details
- Support in getting the LMPC certificate
- Review and correction of existing labels
- Fast, error-free services with timely updates
Is Retail Shelf Labeling Mandatory In India?
If you want to offer clarity and transparency, then yes, it is mandatory to get retail shelf labeling done in India.
Do Pre-Packaged Products Require a Specific Label Format?
Yes, pre-packaged products require a certain label format according to the legal metrology Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011.
