Manufacturers, packers and importers may voluntarily affix additional revised price stickers on unsold packages manufactured before 22 September 2025
In a bid to ease regulatory burden on industry following GST rate cuts, the Government has made re-stickering of product packaging optional from 22 September, rather than mandatory. The Department of Consumer Affairs issued a revised advisory after revised GST rates came into effect on that date.
As per the advisory, manufacturers, packers and importers may voluntarily affix additional revised price stickers on unsold packages manufactured before 22 September 2025, provided that the original MRP printed on the package is not obscured. The move ensures companies are not forced into immediate re-labelling, alleviating logistical and cost pressures. Industry observers have welcomed the change, saying it offers relief to manufacturers coping with multiple supply chain and compliance costs.
The government emphasised that while compliance is still necessary in other respects, the relaxed rule aims to help businesses transition smoothly to the new GST structure. The revision comes under the larger framework of reforms announced by the GST Council, aimed at rationalising rates across a wide range of goods and services.
“The requirement under Rule 18(3) to publish revised MRPs in two newspapers has been waived. Instead, manufacturers and importers will now only be required to circulate revised price lists to wholesale dealers and retailers, with copies endorsed to the Director, Legal Metrology in Central Government and Controllers of Legal Metrology in states/UTs,” the ministry of consumer affairs said in a statement.
Businesses in sectors heavily affected by packaging requirements,such as FMCG, food items, cosmetics and medicines—are particularly relieved. Manufacturers now have leeway to use existing stock without immediate re-labelling to reflect new GST slabs, saving both time and resources.
The advisory also permits use of old packaging material or wrappers printed before the GST revision, up to 31 March 2026 or until such stock is exhausted, whichever is earlier. Consumers are expected to benefit also, as the government hopes that cost savings from an eased compliance burden will be passed on in pricing rather than added costs being passed back to buyers.
