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In a move to strengthen consumer rights, the Centre has proposed a provision in the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 that a commodity which contains more than one constituent shall have a declaration of composition of two or more prime constituents of the commodity with the Brand Name/ Logo at the front side of the package.

As per the proposal, this declaration will also contain the percentage/quantity of unique selling point/unique selling proposition (USP) of the product and in the same font size in which the declaration of the USP is made. The provision shall not be applicable for a mechanical or electrical commodity.

The initiative came after it was observed that manufacturers/packers/importers were not making important declarations such as the composition of main ingredients prominently on the front side of the package. Further, the Centre has stated, the declaration of the USP of the product on the front side of the package without its percentage of composition is against the consumers’ right to be informed.

Under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 it is mandatory to declare aspects such as the name and address of the manufacturer/ packer/ importer, country of origin, common or generic name of the commodity, net quantity, month and year of manufacture, MRP, consumer care details etc. on all pre-packaged commodities in the interest of consumers.

The Centre has invited public comments/views from all stakeholders, including industries, associations, consumers, Voluntary Consumer Organisation and others, in the matter of declaring two or more prime constituents of the commodity on the front side of the package with the brand name/ logo of the company.