Sept.17: NEWS FLASH
- Posted by CERC India
- Posted in September
Products sold online must carry MRP, other details
Products sold on e-commerce platforms and medical devices declared as drugs, like stents, will now have to mandatorily carry retail prices and other essential information from next year as per the Government’s new labelling rules. Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has approved amendments to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, that will come into effect from 1 January 2018.
Goods sold by e-commerce companies and online marketplaces will have to carry declarations like name and address of manufacturer, packer and importer, net content, manufacturing date, expiry date, MRP and consumer care details. The Government has also increased the font size of letters and numerals for making declaration so that consumers can easily read the text.
No dual MRPs from 2018: Cinemas, malls cannot charge extra
The amended Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, prohibit dual MRPs on products, saying that “no person shall declare different MRPs (dual MRP) on an identical pre-packaged commodity, unless allowed under any lawâ€.
This means, companies cannot separately package products like water, aerated drinks or snacks with higher MRPs for premium locations like airport outlets, hotels, restaurants, malls or multiplexes. The quality, quantity and weight of these branded products are no different from identical packages sold cheaper at regular grocery stores. Consumers have been asked to report instances of dual MRP after January 1, 2017 so that punitive action can be taken. They can call on the WhatsApp number 9869691666.
Unauthorised online transactions: No loss if reported in three days
Customers will not suffer any loss if unauthorised electronic banking transactions are reported within three days. The amount involved will be credited in the accounts concerned within 10 days, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has said.
In case the third party fraud is reported with a delay of four to seven working days, a customer will face liability of up to Rs. 25,000. However, in cases where the loss is due to negligence by the account-holder (such as sharing of payment credentials), the customer will bear the entire loss until the unauthorised transaction is reported to the bank.
