The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP) has given businesses a 15-day deadline to comply with a new regulation requiring all imported goods to display a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) label and mandating the issuance of bills for every sale.
The decision follows discussions between the DoCSCP and the Nepal Trans-Himalayan Border Commerce Association, making it compulsory for all imported products to clearly show MRP. Sellers are also required to provide receipts to consumers for each transaction.
The department has warned that failure to comply within the deadline will lead to legal action. Goods found in the market without MRP labels after the stipulated period will be penalised as per existing laws. Authorities have also cautioned against unfair trade practices, stating that strict measures will be taken against violators.
In a notice issued on Monday, the department said the move aims to curb market irregularities and strengthen enforcement of pricing, billing and product quality standards. As per the Consumer Protection Act, 2018, all goods must display the maximum retail price inclusive of taxes.
The department further stated that misleading consumers regarding the quality, price, weight or composition of goods and services, as well as engaging in deceptive advertising or selling substandard or counterfeit products, is strictly prohibited.
According to the directive, sellers and service providers must issue bills or receipts for every transaction. Importers, transporters, distributors and retailers are required to maintain purchase invoices at their business premises, while consumers are encouraged to collect bills after purchases.
New Standards Introduced for Bottled Drinking Water
The department has also introduced new standards for bottled drinking water in coordination with the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control and the Department of Environment, aiming to improve product quality and reduce environmental pollution.
Under the revised rules, the use of additional plastic ‘neck seals’ or outer layers on bottle caps will be completely prohibited. Manufacturers must instead adopt identification methods such as embossing, screen printing or laser printing. Industries have been given 35 days to comply.
Similarly, water jars must clearly display the producer’s name, address, logo and licence number through proper labelling. The new rule will take immediate effect for newly produced jars, while a 60-day grace period has been provided for full implementation. Authorities said compliance will be jointly monitored by the concerned agencies.
