Unsold goods manufactured before the rollout of the Good and Services Tax will now have stickers mentioning the revised rates, alongside the printed maximum retail price, PTI reported on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution issued a circular to state governments on Tuesday, saying companies will have time till September 30 to clear unsold pre-GST goods. The printed MRP on pre-packaged commodities will have to include the GST rate after the September deadline.
“The original MRP shall continue to be displayed, and the revised price shall not overwrite on it,” the circular said. “Declaration of the changed MRP shall be made by way of stamping or putting sticker or online printing.”
Manufacturers, packers and importers have been asked to publish at least two newspapers advertisements on unsold products that now cost more. The ministry will also notify dealers and send a copy to the respective central and state government departments.
The ministry was forced to issue the clarification because manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers have a large stock of unsold goods lying with them. The MRP mentioned on these goods include taxes prior to the GST regime.
“There is either a decrease or an increase in the price of these items because of the GST,” Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said, accoring to The Times of India. “Consumers must know how much less or more they are paying for each of these items. It’s mandatory for all packaged items to mention the MRP.”
He also warned of action against outlets that fail to mention the revised MRP on products.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!