Big Relief! Govt Allows Old Stock Sale at Revised Prices Till Dec 2025

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution under the Department of Consumer Affairs has recently issued an official circular (I-10/14/2020-W&M), dated September 09, 2025, regarding the impact of the upcoming GST rate reduction on goods that are already manufactured, packed, or imported and lying in stock. The circular is aimed at providing big relief to manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

The Consumer Affairs Department has allowed Companies (manufacturers, packers, or importers) to continue selling their old stock (packed before the GST change) using the old MRP and labels till 31st December 2025 or till the stock is finished (whichever happens first). Meaning, companies no longer need to worry about their old stock, as they do not have to destroy old packaging material or goods just because the GST rate changed. The government has taken this action in exercise of its powers granted under Rule 33 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.

These amendments are essential because whenever GST rates are fluctuated (either decreased or increased), it directly affects the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on packaged goods. Normally, companies would face big losses or confusion if they had to throw away old packaging material or reprint everything. The circular provides temporary relaxation and clear rules so that both companies and consumers are protected.

The declaration of the new MRP should be done by stamping or putting a sticker or online printing; however, it will only be allowed under the following conditions:

1. Two cases: first, if GST goes up, companies can increase the price by exactly that much tax difference, and second, if GST goes down, companies must reduce the price by the same difference. In both cases, the original printed MRP must remain visible and cannot be overwritten. Instead, the revised price must be shown using stickers, stamping, or online printing.

2. The difference between the initial MRP printed on the package and the amended price should not, in any case, be higher than the actual increase in tax (or a new tax, if applied) because of GST. Similarly, if the tax has been reduced, the new price must also be reduced; it cannot remain higher than what it should be after the tax cut.

3. Companies cannot silently change prices. They must publish the new price in at least two advertisements in one or more newspapers. Send official notices to all dealers, distributors, and Legal Metrology departments (both Central and State).

4. Any old wrappers, labels, or packaging material that was printed before the GST change can also be used till 31st December 2025. But the company must correct the MRP by stamping/stickering/printing to reflect the GST change.

🚨ATTN CONSUMERS@jagograhakjago issues circular:
Big relief for manufacturers, distributors & retailers

Allows smooth passage of GST cuts from 22nd Sept on existing stocks

Consumer Affairs dept under Legal Metrology Act permits Cos to continue with old MRP, labelling and… pic.twitter.com/LR8jLxXexA

— Timsy Jaipuria (@TimsyJaipuria) September 9, 2025