The government has announced major relief for manufacturers and importers of pre-packaged goods.
On September 18, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs issued a notification simplifying the rules for informing people about new prices after the GST reduction.
The new GST rates will be applicable from September 22, 2025.
Earlier, companies were required to publish price changes in two newspapers under Legal Metrology Rules (Rule 18(3)). Now, this rule has been relaxed.
No Need for Newspaper Advertisements
According to the notification, companies are no longer required to advertise price changes in newspapers. Instead, they must:
Issue circulars to wholesalers and retailers.
Send copies to the Director of Legal Metrology (Centre) and Controllers of Legal Metrology in all states and UTs.
Rules for Price Stickers and Packaging
The notification also clarified:
Companies can affix stickers with revised prices on products manufactured before September 22, 2025.
However, this is not mandatory, as long as the original printed MRP is clearly visible.
To avoid wastage, companies may reuse old packaging material until March 31, 2026, or until existing stocks are finished.
Major GST Reform – Two Slabs Instead of Four
The GST Council recently approved a big reform by reducing the number of GST slabs from four to two.
Earlier slabs: 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%.
New slabs: only 5% and 18%.
A separate 40% slab will remain for tobacco, cigarettes, and luxury goods.
This change is expected to simplify the GST system and directly impact product prices.
New Rates Effective September 22
From September 22, 2025, the new GST rates will come into force. With the removal of 12% and 28% slabs, many items will now shift to either the 5% or 18% category.
Companies must inform their dealers and retailers about revised prices before this date. The government’s goal is to ensure that consumers get the full benefit of GST reduction.
