Industry seeks extension on new packaging rules

It's eight days to implementation of new weights and measures rules for packaged commodities, and the industry is pleading for another four months' extension.

It8217;s eight days to implementation of new weights and measures rules for packaged commodities, and the industry is pleading for another four months8217; extension. In a representation to Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs by Ficci, the industry chamber has appealed for four months8217; grace period. This is after exhausting the 180-day period for implementation of new rules in Standards of Weights and Measures Packaged Commodities Rules 1977, last amended on July 17, 2006.

The grace period of 180 days would end on January 13, 2007 and the new rules will be applicable from the next day. Ficci had sent the representation, a copy of which is with The Indian Express, to the ministry on January 2. But the ministry has not given any hint whether the representation is being considered or not.

Ficci8217;s extra time appeal is based on 8220;practical problems8221; that manufacturers are not in a position to comply with immediately. Apart from other manufacturers, food-processing units would be the major beneficiaries of another four months extension. They are waiting for setting up of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India FSSA, under whose purview they would fall immediately.

Manufacturers have also suggested in the representation that there is need to review some rules, which do not favour them. According to them, amending these rules Nos 1, 3, 5 and 9 in table will not affect the interest of consumers in any way.

ALL NEW PACKAGING

1. For commodities imported to write month and year of manufacture as well as import

2. Multi piece, 8216;value8217; packaging to be done away with

3. Non-standard pack size commodities packed in a size other than prescribed to be declared so

4. No stickers to be used for increase in MRP; instead a rubber stamp from the company to be used

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5. The packages will have to declare the name and address of the contact person to facilitate consumer complaints

6. For exports, no need for compliance on packaging

7. The net contents of a packaged commodity will not contain the words 8216;when packed8217;; instead, the words 8216;when purchased8217; may be used

8. Additional declaration like 8216;volume8217; can be given in the packet

9. Retailers to have electronic weighing machines with printing facilities

8226; Changes in packaging rules from January 14