The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Sept 19: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Kashmir Chapter has welcomed the fresh advisory issued by the Department of Legal Metrology, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, describing it as a “major relief” for manufacturers, importers, packers, and traders.
The advisory, dated September 19, 2025, follows the historic GST rationalisation announced by the Prime Minister earlier this month. It supersedes the earlier circular of September 9 and simplifies compliance procedures in direct response to CAIT’s repeated representations.
Among the key relaxations are:
- Optional revised price stickers: Manufacturers, packers, and importers may affix revised price stickers on unsold stock produced before September 22, 2025. This is voluntary, provided the original declaration remains visible.
- Waiver of newspaper notices: The requirement to publish revised prices in two newspapers has been scrapped. Instead, circulars to wholesalers and retailers, with copies to Legal Metrology authorities, will suffice.
- Awareness over burden: Instead of mandatory advertisements, businesses are encouraged to sensitise dealers, retailers, and consumers about revised GST rates through electronic, print, and social media.
- Extended use of old packaging material: Packaging printed before GST revision may be used until March 31, 2026, or until stocks run out, after updating the MRP by stamping, stickering, or online printing.
- Voluntary MRP declaration: Printing revised unit sale price on old stock/packaging is not mandatory but may be done voluntarily.
CAIT Kashmir Chapter President Farhan Kitab said the step would “reduce unnecessary compliance costs, offer flexibility, and ensure smooth transition for both traders and consumers in the wake of GST revision.”
He further urged the Legal Metrology Department to launch awareness campaigns for consumers and businesses “to strengthen clarity and transparency.”
