The amended rules will come into force on 1 February 2026, from which date all manufacturers, packers and importers of pan masala must ensure full compliance
The Department of Consumer Affairs has notified the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Second (Amendment) Rules, 2025, making it mandatory for all pan masala packs of every size and weight to display the Retail Sale Price (RSP) and all other declarations required by the rules.
The amended rules will come into force on 1 February 2026, from which date all manufacturers, packers and importers of pan masala must ensure full compliance. The notification has been issued by Anupam Mishra, Joint Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution highlighted that small packs of 10 grams or less, which were previously exempted, must now print the RSP on their labels. The previous proviso under Rule 26(a), which allowed small pan masala packs to avoid certain declarations, has now been withdrawn with the insertion of a new proviso specific to pan masala.
“The amendment significantly strengthens consumer protection by ensuring that buyers have transparent and clear pricing information for every pack size, prevents misleading or deceptive pricing on smaller packs and enables consumers to make better informed purchasing decisions,” the official statement noted.
The ministry added that by mandating RSP on all packages, the amendment facilitates the effective implementation of RSP-based GST levy on pan masala. This enables seamless enforcement of goods and services tax (GST) council decisions and proper tax assessment and revenue collection across all pack sizes, including the smallest units.
