The Consumer Affairs Ministry of India has proposed an amendment to the Legal Metrology Rules, 2011, to create domestic uniformity in packaged commodities. 

This initiative comes in response to the growing presence of bulk prepackaged items in the retail sector, Business Standard reported. 

The proposed amendment is aimed at enhancing transparency for consumers by mandating the declaration of essential information on these items.

The amendment seeks to ensure that key details are displayed on packages weighing over 25kg or measuring more than 25 litres, which are sold in the retail markets. 

According to the ministry, the revised rules will apply to all commodities sold in retail bags, excluding those intended for industrial or institutional consumers.  

This change is designed to promote consistency and fairness across brands and their products, enabling consumers to make informed decisions based on comprehensive product information. 

The existing legislation requires the declaration of the manufacturer's name and address, country of origin, generic name of the commodity, net quantity, month and year of manufacture, unit sale price, best-before date, and consumer care details on all prepackaged commodities. 

The ministry has opened the proposal for public comments until 29 July this year.  

Last July, the country’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the domestic plastic recycling rate had crossed the global average of 9% and that of some developed economies.