Govt Allows Stickering New MRPs After Revision of GST Rates
In an effort to reduce the compliance burden on industry, the Central Government has made some key decisions to ensure that the GST benefits actually reach the consumers.
The government had introduced a new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, also known as GST 2.0, effective from September 22, 2025. The main objective of bringing this reform is to simplify the current GST system by reducing GST rates for the common man and easing the process of doing business. The GST 2.0 is a two-slab structure having 5% and 18% GST slabs.
To ensure that the benefits of reduced GST rates reach consumers without overburdening businesses, the Department of Consumer Affairs issued a revised advisory for manufacturers, packers, and importers. Here are the key highlights of the decisions made by the central government as per the advisory.
Price Stickers on Old Stock
The manufacturers, importers, and packagers are allowed to add new price stickers on unsold products that were manufactured before September 22, 2025. But the old printed MRP must not be hidden. This rule is not compulsory; the companies can declare the revised prices if they wish to.
No Need to Publish Revised MRPs in Newspaper
The advisory also mentioned that the earlier need to publish updated MRPs in two newspapers under Rule 18(3) has been removed. Now the manufacturers and importers can simply give the revised price lists to wholesalers, dealers, and retailers and copies to the Director of Legal Metrology in the Central Government and Controllers of Legal Metrology in States/UTs.
Old Packaging Can Still Be Used
Companies can use old packaging or wrappers that were printed before the GST revision until 31st March 2026 or until stock runs out, whichever comes first. They can update the new prices on packaging by stamping, stickering, or online printing on the package.
Inform Dealers, Retailers and Consumers About New Rates
The government has advised the manufacturers, packers and importers to notify the dealers, retailers and consumers regarding the updated GST rates. For this, they can use the communication channels like electronic, print and social media, to make the consumer aware of the new rates.
