Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has issued a revised advisory in view of the revised GST rates, which will be effective from Monday. As per the advisory, manufacturers, packers, and importers may voluntarily affix additional revised price stickers on unsold packages manufactured before 22nd September, provided that the original MRP printed on the package is not obscured.
The Ministry has clarified that the Rules do not mandate such re-stickering, and it is purely optional for companies that wish to declare revised prices. The advisory also permits the use of old packaging material or wrappers printed before the GST revision, up to March 2026 or until such stock is exhausted. It added that Companies can correct the MRP on such packaging by stamping, stickering, or online printing at any suitable place on the package.
In addition, the Government has advised the manufacturers, packers and importers to take proactive steps to inform dealers, retailers and consumers about the revised GST rates. They have been encouraged to use all possible communication channels, including electronic, print and social media, to ensure consumer awareness.
According to the ministry, this step strikes a balance between ease of doing business and consumer protection, ensuring that industries are not overburdened with compliance while consumers receive the intended benefit of GST reduction.
