It's eight days to implementation of new weights and measures rules for packaged commodities, and the industry is pleading for another four months' extension. In a representation to Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs by Ficci, the industry chamber has appealed for four months' grace period. This is after exhausting the 180-day period for implementation of new rules in Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules 1977, last amended on July 17, 2006.

The grace period of 180 days would end on January 13, 2007 and the new rules will be applicable from the next day. Ficci had sent the representation, a copy of which is with The Indian Express, to the ministry on January 2. But the ministry has not given any hint whether the representation is being considered or not.

Ficci's extra time appeal is based on “practical problems” that manufacturers are not in a position to comply with immediately. Apart from other manufacturers, food-processing units would be the major beneficiaries of another four months extension. They are waiting for setting up of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSA), under whose purview they would fall immediately.

Manufacturers have also suggested in the representation that there is need to review some rules, which do not favour them. According to them, amending these rules (Nos 1, 3, 5 and 9 in table) will not affect the interest of consumers in any way.

ALL NEW PACKAGING

1. For commodities imported to write month and year of manufacture as well as import

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