Legal Metrology Dept Issues Advisory for Traders. Major Relief for Trade and Industry: CAIT Kashmir

Ziraat Times News Desk

SRINAGAR: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Kashmir Chapter, has welcomed the new advisory issued by the Department of Legal Metrology, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, which provides significant relief and compliance simplification for manufacturers, importers, packers, and traders following the recent GST rationalisation.

The fresh advisory, dated September 19, 2025, supersedes the earlier one issued on September 9, 2025. According to CAIT, the move comes in direct response to its representations and will ease compliance burdens while ensuring smoother transition for businesses after GST rate revisions.

Among the key measures introduced are:

• Optional Revised Price Stickers: Revised price stickers on unsold stock manufactured before September 22, 2025, are now voluntary, provided the original price declaration remains visible.

• Waiver of Newspaper Advertisements: The earlier requirement to publish revised prices in two newspapers has been scrapped. Circulars to wholesalers and retailers, with copies endorsed to Legal Metrology authorities, will now suffice.

• Awareness Instead of Mandatory Notices: Manufacturers and importers are encouraged, but not obliged, to spread awareness among dealers, retailers, and consumers about revised GST rates through electronic, print, or social media.

• Extended Use of Old Packaging: Packaging material printed before GST revision may be used until March 31, 2026, or until stocks are exhausted, with necessary MRP corrections through stamping, stickering, or online printing.

• Voluntary MRP Declaration: Printing revised unit sale price on old stock/packaging is not mandatory, though it may be done voluntarily.

CAIT Kashmir Chapter President, Farhan Kitab, hailed the advisory as a “significant relief for the trade and industry.”

“This advisory reduces unnecessary compliance costs, offers flexibility, and ensures that both traders and consumers transition smoothly in the wake of GST revision,” Kitab said.

He further urged the Department of Legal Metrology to conduct awareness campaigns for consumers and the trade sector to enhance clarity and transparency in implementation.