By Rupin Chopra and Vidhi Oberoi
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution vide its notification dated July 15, 2022, had notified the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2022 as per which the following amendments were introduced –
1)As required under the second schedule of the Legal metrology (Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011), net quantity is declared in the units of weight, mentioned in the fourth schedule, rule 12(2).
2)It states the declaration of net quantity of Edible oil in terms of volume at different temperatures with weight, so that the consumer can avoid unfair practices.
3)With respect to the Fourth Schedule of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 the net quantity for ‘non-edible vegetable oil, Edible oil and Vanaspati ghee & butter oil’ may be dispatched in volume or weight. However, if net quantity is declared in volume then it must be dispatched in mass also. But there is no requirement of mentioning a specific temperature on packaging of edible oil.
4)The manufacturers/ packers/ importers of edible oils are requested to create awareness amongst themselves to pack the commodity without mentioning the temperature and ensure that the quantity declared on the package in volume or mass should be correct.
5)The manufacturers/ packers/ importers may be advised to correct their labeling of declaring net quantity in the units of volume, within six months from the date of this direction, which should be without mentioning temperature.
CURRENT SCENARIO
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, now, vide its notification dated January 20, 2023 has notified the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment (Amendment) Rules, 2022 that –
1)The duration for declaring the net quantity of edible oils etc. without mentioning temperature is extended for six months, considering the request of the industries to finish the un-utilized packaging material.
2)During net content checking the legal metrology officers can ensure the net quantity in weight for these products for the uniformity. However, SoP in this regard for measurement of net quantity of edible oil etc. may be issued shortly.
The aforementioned thus implies the amendments as prescribed in the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2022 shall not be effective till next six months.
Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2022 w.e.f. April 01, 2023