What Are The Mandatory Product Disclosures Under Law?

Mandatory product disclosures are crucial for safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring fair trade practices. In India, various laws mandate that certain details must be disclosed on product packaging or labels. These disclosures help consumers make informed choices, detect substandard or counterfeit goods, and seek redressal in case of disputes. Failure to provide accurate disclosures can result in penalties, product recalls, or legal action against manufacturers and sellers.

Mandatory Product Disclosures Required By Law

Name and Address of Manufacturer or Importer

Helps trace the source in case of complaints or legal issues.

Country of Origin (especially for imported goods)

As per Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, and in accordance with Made in India push.

Maximum Retail Price (MRP)

No seller can charge above this price; ensures price transparency.

Net Quantity/Volume/Weight

Discloses the amount the consumer is receiving.

Date of Manufacture, Expiry Date or Best Before

Especially critical for perishable or consumable products.

Batch Number or Lot Number

Enables identification during recalls or complaints.

Standard Mark or Certification (e.g., ISI, FSSAI, AGMARK)

Indicates compliance with Indian safety and quality standards.

Instructions for Use, Storage Conditions, and Warnings

Important for consumer safety, particularly with food, electronics, and chemicals.

Ingredients and Nutritional Information (for food items)

Mandatory under FSSAI regulations for packaged food products.

Barcodes or QR Codes

For tracking, inventory management, and digital verification.

Legal Framework Supporting These Disclosures

Legal Metrology Act, 2009 & Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011

Main legislation governing labeling, weights, and measurements on pre-packaged goods.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019

Empowers consumers to seek compensation for misleading or missing information.

Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006

Ensures safety and accurate information on food products.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016

Mandates standard certification marks like ISI for certain products.

Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

Specific to pharmaceutical labeling, dosage, batch info, expiry, and warnings.

E-Commerce Guidelines

Online sellers must display the same product details as physical stores.

Legal Actions and Protections Available to Consumers

• Consumers can file complaints in Consumer Courts for missing or misleading disclosures.
• Penalties can be imposed under Legal Metrology Act for false or omitted declarations.
• Food and drug products without proper labeling can be seized by regulators.
• Misrepresentation in e-commerce can lead to removal of listings or company blacklisting.

Example:

A customer buys a packaged juice bottle that doesn’t display the expiry date or FSSAI number. Later, the consumer experiences food poisoning.

Steps the consumer can take:

• Keep the bottle and bill as proof.
• File a complaint with the local Food Safety Officer or on the FSSAI portal.
• Lodge a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act for damages.
• Report the issue to the Legal Metrology Department for labeling violations.
• Demand compensation or replacement from the seller or manufacturer.