Display of revised prices on pre-GST packages, goods voluntary till March 2026: Govt

The Department of Consumer Affairs clarified on Thursday that companies are not required to revise price labels on unsold packages manufactured or imported before September 22, 2025, to reflect the GST reduction. It also said that old packaging material or wrappers, not exhausted before GST revision, may be used until March 31, 2026, or until stocks are exhausted, whichever is earlier.

This brings major relief to companies which already have manufactured goods lying in their warehouses or in the distribution chain. In other words, the declaration of the revised unit sale price on unsold pre-packaged commodities or unused packaging material or wrapper bearing a pre-printed MRP is not mandatory for goods already lying with the companies.

This clarification comes days after the DPIIT had asked companies to display and advertise GST reduction impact on prices on their product labels.

However, the manufacturers, packers, importers or their representatives may still voluntarily declare the revised unit sale price. Such companies can affix additional revised price stickers, provided the original price declaration on the package is not obstructed.

The government has also waived off the requirement mandated under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, for manufactures and importers to advertise about revised prices in two newspapers. They now only need to send circulars to wholesale dealers, retailers, etc., with copies to the legal metrology department of the Central and state governments and Union Territories. They are also required to ensure price compliance at the retailer level.

The companies should however make corrections required in retail sale price (MRP) on account of implementation of GST, by way of stamping or putting sticker or online printing as the case may be, at any place on the package.

Industry has welcomed the move, calling it essential to protect manufacturers and prevent disruption.

“Without this clarity and permission, the dispatches ex-Factory/warehouses would have come to a standstill, and all manufacturers were worried. We had requested both Department of Consumer Affairs and National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority for their permission and sought seek this transition support without which next week supplies would have been disrupted”, Rajiv Nath.  Forum Coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Devices Industry said.