Timeline for the Compliance of Amendments in Labelling Provisions
Dear Members,
The Packaging and Labelling regulations are undergoing frequent changes, requiring any new declarations to be printed on the packaging within one month from the date of notification.
Due to these changes, the earlier inventory of packaging often goes to waste. RAI had raised concerns about the significant national wastage caused by the destruction of unused packaging inventory.
In line with this, FSSAI had earlier notified that any changes will take effect from July each year, subject to a minimum implementation period of 180 days. As a corresponding action, Legal Metrology department has now also issued the similar direction to this regard. Please click on the link below to view the order:
https://bit.ly/3Ebl5El
Regards,
TEAM RAI
RAI delegation had a meeting with Dr. S. Selva Kumar, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Govt. of Karnataka and Shri Uma Shankar, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Urban Development Department to discuss trade license issue in the State of Karnataka.
The delegation requested officials to explore exemption of non-food retail from the applicability of trade license. It was conveyed to the delegation that the proposal will be discussed internally within the department.
Shri Uma Shankar has assured delegation that they will simplify the licenses process in the next 3 months and make it completely faceless.
The Government will also enable instant download of the license upon payment of requisite fee.
We shall keep you posted on any development in this regard.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued guidelines for Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in e-commerce to enhance food safety practices:
1. FBOs must train last-mile delivery personnel to ensure food safety.
2. Food and non-food items should be delivered separately to prevent cross-contamination risks.
3. All product claims on e-commerce platforms must be consistent with the information on the product's physical label.
4. FBOs must implement mechanisms to ensure their products comply with the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
5. Food products must have a minimum shelf life of 30% or at least 45 days remaining before expiry at the time of delivery.
6. E-commerce platforms are encouraged to display the FSSAI License/Registration numbers and Hygiene Ratings of the sellers.
Department of Consumer Affairs had invited RAI and its members for the NATIONAL CONSUMER DAY 2024 on 24 December 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Few members had attended this event on behalf of RAI.
RAI delegation was invited by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to discuss about the finalization of National Retail Trade Policy.
We discussed on some aspects of retail trade, mainly pertaining to licenses and other compliances, inspections and other relevant issues.
The Department appreciated viewpoints. We shall keep you posted on further development in this regard.
RAI has appealed to Smt Nirmala Sitharaman - Hon. Finance Minister - Govt of India to discard the proposed GST rate revisions on premium products based on their price ranges. RAI requested govt to consider the broader economic implications and explore more balanced approaches to achieve higher collections without harming the formal retail ecosystem and consumer sentiment.
RAI's submission to FM:
RAI has also submitted similar representation to commerce Minister, Textiles Minister, MSME Minister, DPIIT and few state govts to seek their support and requested them to pursue this matter with the GST Council. Please find the link to RAI Submissions:
RAI and CMAI delegation also had a very fruitful meeting on 16 December 2024 with Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles and Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and requested their support to discard the proposed GST rate revisions on Apparels based on their price ranges.
Hon’ble Minister appreciated our submission and assured the delegation that he will pursue this matter with the FM.
We shall keep you posted on any development in this regard.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had requested Retailers Association of India to spread awareness about voting among our members and esteemed customers.
RAI requested members to promote the voting and also encouraged members to extend special offer to customers who exercise their Franchise on 20th Nov 2024.
RAI and its members joined hands to spread maximize awareness and encourage participation in the democratic process!
A Certificate Program on Laws Relating to Retail in India was conducted at Park Inn by Radisson, Delhi on 18th October 2024. The program saw participation of around 30 participants. The presenters Adv. Gopal Naik from Vision Law & Mr. Dhruv from Sun Consultants shared their expertise with the team.
RAI appealed to the Honorable Finance Minister to reconsider the amendment under RCM mechanism by considering levying lower rate of tax i.e. 5% in case of renting of commercial immovable property by an unregistered person to registered person or to refund such accumulation of ITC on account of amendment.
Certificate Program on Laws Relating to Retail in India organised in Goa.
A Certificate Program on Laws Relating to Retail in India was conducted at Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Goa on 16th October 2024. The program saw participation of around 40 delegates. The presenter Adv. Gopal Naik from Vision Law did an outstanding job of sharing his expertise with the team. Participants had a fruitful discussion with the speaker and RAI received excellent feedback for the program.
RAI requested permission for retailers in Jammu and Kashmir to operate 365 days a year, seeking exemption from Section 13 of the Jammu and Kashmir Shops & Establishment Act, on grounds of growing demand in the state and the successful implementation of similar policies in other states. Retailers proposed compensating employees for extra workdays and implementing rotational off-days to ensure compliance with labour laws and employee welfare. RAI highlighted that continuous operation will enhance public service, boost economic growth, increase tax revenue, and provide job stability.