Above: Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has approved amendments to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. Photo: UNI

The big hypocrisy that faced consumers in malls and at airports will soon be over: a bottle of water with MRP Rs 10 in shops outside would be tagged with an MRP of Rs 20 or more inside the mall, creating confusion and heated arguments. However, from January 1, 2018, there will be homogeneity.

Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has approved amendments to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, that will come into effect from January 1, 2018. This amendments prohibit dual MRPs on products, saying that “no person shall declare different MRPs (dual MRP) on an identical pre-packaged commodity, unless allowed under any law.”

However, the rule applies only to pre-packaged commodities, such as a bottle of water. It will also not apply to restaurants.

According to media reports, there is more to this amendment. Mentioning retail prices on e-commerce platforms becomes mandatory. MRPs should also be stamped on medical equipment and accessories such as stents.

The official statement says: “Products on e-commerce platforms to display declarations required under the amended rules. Medical devices declared as drugs brought under the rules.”

While formulating this amendment, the government has taken into consideration several complaints from consumers who were flummoxed and angry with the dual MRP practice.

The government, however, is giving time to the manufacturers for the changeover. So expect things to continue as usual till January 1, GST willing.

—India Legal Bureau