Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2022

## Report on the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Third Amendment Rules, 2022 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Third Amendment Rules, 2022, which amends the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. The core purpose of this amendment is to introduce specific labeling requirements for garments and hosiery sold loose or open at the point of sale, allowing consumers to inspect the products before purchase. Key findings include the mandatory inclusion of manufacturer/marketer/brand owner/importer information, consumer care details, size information (with metric notation), and maximum retail price on such products. This also extends to ecommerce platforms. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Third Amendment Rules, 2022, based solely on the provided policy text. The purpose is to inform stakeholders, particularly those in the garment and hosiery industry, about the implications of this amendment. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is an amendment to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. * The core objective of this amendment is to mandate specific labeling requirements for garments and hosiery sold loose or open, ensuring consumers have access to key product information even before purchase. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment likely addresses a perceived gap in consumer information for garments and hosiery sold in a loose or open format. Previously, such items may not have been subject to the same labeling requirements as packaged goods. The amendment aims to provide consumers with essential information such as manufacturer details, size, and price, promoting transparency and informed purchasing decisions. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment introduces a new clause (f) to rule 26 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. * **Specific Change:** The amendment adds an exemption to allow garments or hosiery to be sold loose or open, provided that specific information is displayed. * **New Rule/Provision:** If garments or hosiery are sold loose or open at the point of sale, they must bear the following details: * Name and address of the manufacturer, marketer, brand owner, or importer (with country of origin for imported products). * Consumer care email ID and phone number. * Sizes with internationally recognizable size indicators (S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL) along with metric notation (cm or m). * Maximum retail price (MRP) inclusive of all taxes in Indian currency. * **Difference/Effect:** This change mandates that even when garments and hosiery are sold loose (allowing consumer inspection before purchase), key information must still be prominently displayed. This removes a potential loophole where loose goods were not subject to the same labeling requirements as packaged goods. This provision also applies to ecommerce websites. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Manufacturers, marketers, brand owners, and importers of garments and hosiery. * Retailers selling garments and hosiery in loose or open formats. * Ecommerce platforms selling garments and hosiery. * Consumers purchasing garments and hosiery. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Department of Consumer Affairs, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, is the responsible agency. * **Timelines:** The amendment comes into force on January 1st, 2023. However, the provided text does mention that a manufacturer or packer or importer may declare the above information with immediate effect. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is to enhance consumer protection and transparency in the garment and hosiery market. By requiring clear labeling on loose or open goods, consumers will be better informed about the product's origin, size, and price before making a purchase. This should lead to more informed purchasing decisions and potentially reduce instances of unfair trade practices. The impact on the garment and hosiery industry will be increased compliance costs associated with labeling, but also increased consumer confidence. **9. Conclusion:** The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Third Amendment Rules, 2022, represents a significant step towards greater transparency and consumer protection in the garment and hosiery sector. By extending labeling requirements to loose or open goods, the amendment ensures that consumers have access to essential product information, regardless of the packaging format. The amendment's significance lies in closing a potential loophole and promoting fair trade practices within the industry.

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