In a move welcomed by manufacturers and retailers, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has clarified that revised GST price stickers are not mandatory on unsold goods manufactured before September 22, 2025.
The decision, issued via notification on September 18, is aimed at reducing compliance burdens and easing inventory clearance following the latest round of GST rate changes. Manufacturers can now sell unsold pre-packaged goods with their original MRP labels, avoiding the need for immediate re-labelling.
Industry relief after multiple representations on GST
The clarification comes after strong feedback from industry bodies and trade associations, who expressed concern over logistical disruptions and packaging waste caused by mandatory re-stickering.
According to the new rules:
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Stickering with revised prices on older goods is now voluntary, not compulsory
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The original MRP must not be obscured if any additional sticker is added
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No newspaper advertisements are required — manufacturers can inform wholesalers and retailers directly
Companies must, however, keep the consumer informed about the revised price using any other communication channels.
Packaging relief: Old wrappers can be used till March 2026
The government has also relaxed Rule 18(3) of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, which previously required advertising the new price in two newspapers.
Now, businesses can:
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Continue using old packaging material till March 31, 2026, or till stocks are exhausted
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Use stickers, online inkjet printing, or stamping to revise MRP on old wrappers
This is expected to prevent supply chain disruptions, especially in sectors like FMCG, medical devices, and logistics.
Also read: MSMEs Get Relief on QCOs, Certification Reforms
Industry reaction: Timely and practical reform in GST
Welcoming the move, Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator at the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD), said:
“This was a much-needed and empathetic step. Without this relief, dispatches from factories would have halted, and stock movement would’ve been severely affected.”
He added that manufacturers now have greater flexibility to clear existing stock while maintaining compliance with consumer protection standards.
What this means for MSMEs and traders
For MSMEs involved in manufacturing, importing, or retailing pre-packaged goods, this rule change offers:
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Lower costs due to reduced packaging wastage
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Faster inventory turnover
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Easier compliance with Legal Metrology rules
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Less disruption from the September GST rate revisions
The update reaffirms the government’s approach to balancing regulatory enforcement with operational feasibility — a win for both businesses and consumers.