Paswan approves changes in legal metrology rules

Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Thursday approved amendments in the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules in order to protect consumers from malpractices of under-weight and under-measurement.

The changes include mandatory display of details on products for e-commerce sellers, ban on dual MRPs on pre-packaged products, inclusion of medical devices under the rules and introduction of e-coding for net quantity checking.

As per the rules, which would be effective from January next year, the pre-packaged commodities will have to comply with certain mandatory labelling requirements, said a release.

In addition, goods displayed by the sellers on e-commerce platforms are supposed to have the name and address of the manufacturer, packer and importer, name of the commodity, net content, retail sale price, consumer care complaint and dimension.

Also, different MRPs (dual MRP) on an identical pre-packaged commodity cannot be charged, unless allowed under any law.

"This will benefit consumers at large as they are having complaint regarding dual MRP for item depending upon different type of public places like cinema hall, airport and mall," said a release.

The changes also seek "increase in size of letters and numerals" of the displayed information on products so that the consumer can see it easily.

"The net quantity checking is made more scientific, with introduction of e-coding, and Bar Code/QR Coding is allowed on voluntarily basis," the release said.

--IANS

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