Eased GST Rules for Packaged Goods

Central Government Eases GST Price Revision Rules for Packaged Goods

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The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has simplified the rules for manufacturers, packers, and importers to comply with GST price changes on packaged commodities. This move comes in response to industry concerns and provides a more flexible approach to updating prices.

Here are the key changes:

• Voluntary Price Stickers: Companies can now voluntarily place a sticker with the revised price on unsold packages made before September 22, 2025. This is optional, not required, and the sticker must not hide the original price.
• No Newspaper Ads: The old rule requiring companies to publish price changes in two newspapers has been waived. Instead, they only need to send circulars to their wholesale dealers and retailers, with a copy sent to the Director of Legal Metrology and state controllers.
• Use of Old Packaging: Unused packaging materials printed before the GST change can still be used until March 31, 2026, or until the stock runs out. The MRP on these packages must be corrected with a stamp, sticker, or online printing.
• Public Awareness: Companies must take immediate steps to inform dealers, retailers, and consumers about the price changes through electronic, print, and social media.

This new guidance, issued on September 18, 2025, supersedes an earlier advisory and aims to make the transition to revised GST rates much smoother for the industry.