MRP – an essential information for packaged goods

In today’s scenario it’s quite essential that we should be always aware of our rights and duties. But sometimes we take things for granted and forget that this casual or so called sophisticated behaviour may affect us in long term. Have you ever noticed that some package consumer goods never have an MRP (Max Retail Price) on them? One such item is the most commonly used cosmetics.

Lately while buying some cosmetics I noticed in almost all the popular brands kept in the malls do not have MRP printed on them. I have noticed it quite often that people forget to check the MRP and few basics about a product. Under the Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, manufacturers must specify on all pre-packed goods meant for retail sale, the MRP inclusive of all taxes. This is a requirement meant to ensure that consumers are not misled by the agent/dealer and shopkeeper about the price of packed goods. Overcharging is an offence for which the trader can be prosecuted and prosecution can be launched against the manufacturer in case the packaged commodities bear the price which is altered.

It’s been found that the manufacturers increase the price of products and the retailers or the shopkeepers sell old stock/product on new price rates. The simple explanation that the retailer or the shopkeeper gives is that the Price has increased because of the changes in duties or increase in the cost of production and the new packages carry the revised MRP. It’s to be noted that the new price is always for the fresh/new stock and not applicable for the stock that’s already there with the retailer or the old stock. This is where retailers try to make a quick buck by trying to sell the old stock at the new revised rate, even though doing so is an unfair trade practice and we because of our hypocrisy get so easily cheated.

Since each one of us is a consumer we should be aware of a few basic things when we buy something.

Under the Weights and Measures (packaged commodities) Rules, all packed goods should carry certain essential information on the contents of the package, such as;

1. its weight or volume,
2. the name,
3. address of the manufacturer,
4. the date of manufacture, and and in case of food packages, the best before date, and
5. the maximum retail price (MRP)

A coin always has two sides and since we know our rights we will have to be conscious of our duties and responsibilities as well. Some of the responsibilities that we owe as consumers are:

1. Obtain full information regarding quality and price before making any purchases.
2. Be careful, about false and /or misleading advertisement.
3. Purchase goods having quality marks like ISI/Agmark etc. as and where available, for safety and quality.
4. Obtain proper receipt/cash memo for purchases made and guarantee/warranty card duly stamped and signed by the seller, wherever applicable.
5. Approach Consumer Forum for redressal of consumer grievances against sale of defective goods or deficient services or adoption of unfair restrictive trade practices.

As consumers we should always be careful and aware of the changes happening with relation to the products and their prices. Prevention is always better than cure. So before we head to market to buy things we need to take certain precautions, like;

1. Purchase only when you need and do not purchase in a hurry.
2. Do not buy blindly. Demand full information before you buy.
3. Beware of false/misleading advertisements.
4. Do not compromise on the quality of goods and services and its quality. Purchase only quality products.
5. Do not forget to obtain proper receipt/cash memo. Always obtain the guarantee/warranty card duly stamped and signed by the shopkeeper, wherever necessary. These can be helpful in consumer courts.

It’s only when we are aware of our own rights others will perform their duties towards us.

Cadbury Dairy Milk Eclairs pack without MRP

Tagged as: Agmark, Consumer, ISI, max retail price, MRP, Packaged goods, Retail