In an attempt to save face, the government has once again reiterated the enforcement of a rule requiring manufacturers and importers to display the maximum retail price (MRP) on essential goods. Despite being introduced in laws over a decade ago, the provision has not been effectively implemented.
On Thursday, the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP) issued a public notice directing manufacturing firms and importers to ensure proper labeling on their products. The labels must include MRP, manufacturer details, batch number, expiry date, and, where applicable, standardization marks and informative symbols.
The directive aligns with consumer rights provisions outlined in the Constitution and the Consumer Protection Act 2018. The DoCSCP has set a deadline of April 2 for compliance.
A similar rule was first announced in the Nepal Gazette on September 17, 2012, mandating price tags for 32-33 essential items, including food products, milk, education fees, cement, and iron rods. However, the government failed to enforce it effectively.
The recent push for enforcement follows a controversial price hike in cement and iron rods. In the past month, cement prices have risen by around Rs 150 per sack, while iron rod prices have surged from Rs 76 to Rs 90 per kg.
Kumar Prasad Dahal, Director General of the DoCSCP, stated that the department will conduct rigorous market monitoring to ensure compliance. “Our goal is to maintain transparency and promote healthy competition in the local market,” he said.
Despite the directive, entrepreneurs remain hesitant to comply. Keshab Upreti, former General Secretary of the Nepal Cement Manufacturers’ Association, argued that fixing an MRP for construction materials is impractical due to transportation cost variations across different locations.
