The government has made it compulsory for all pan masala packs, regardless of their size or weight, to print the Retail Sale Price (RSP) and other statutory declarations under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. The change will take effect from February 1, 2026. From that date, all manufacturers, packers and importers will be required to comply with the updated norms, the department said.
“The Department of Consumer Affairs has notified the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Second (Amendment) Rules, 2025 through G.S.R. 881(E), making it mandatory for all pan masala packs of every size and weight to display the Retail Sale Price (RSP) and all other declarations required under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011," according to an official notification.
The amendment eliminates an earlier exemption that allowed packs of 10 grams or less to avoid printing certain details. Under the revised rules, even the smallest packs must display the RSP and all declarations prescribed under the 2011 framework.
To implement this, the previous proviso under Rule 26(a) has been withdrawn and replaced with a new clause specifically for pan masala.
According to the department, the move is aimed at improving consumer protection by ensuring transparent pricing and preventing misleading or opaque price practices on smaller packs. The government says the change will help buyers make more informed choices.
The mandate is also expected to streamline the application of RSP-based GST on pan masala, enabling seamless enforcement of GST Council decisions and strengthening tax assessment and revenue collection across all product sizes, including single-use packs.
Key Changes Introduced
Mandatory RSP on all pan masala packs: Small packs of 10 grams or less, which were previously exempted, must now print the Retail Sale Price on their labels.
Full compliance with mandatory declarations: All pan masala packages must display every declaration required under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
Removal of earlier exemption: The previous proviso under Rule 26(a), which allowed small pan masala packs to avoid certain declarations, has now been withdrawn with the insertion of a new proviso specific to pan masala.
