New Regulations Introduced for Standard Pack Sizes of Edible Oils

Government Implements Standard Pack Sizes for Edible Oils

The government has established new regulations regarding standard pack sizes for edible oils, aimed at assisting consumers in comparing prices among different brands. The Department of Consumer Affairs has revised its Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) concerning the determination of net quantity and standard pack sizes for edible oils and fats. Manufacturers, packers, and importers are granted a three-month period to adapt to these new standards.

Under the updated SoP, nine standard pack sizes have been designated, which include 200 ml/g, 500 ml/g, 1 litre/kg, 2 litre/kg, 3 litre/kg, 4 litre/kg, 5 litre/kg, 15 litre/kg, and 20 litre/kg. These sizes will apply to major edible oils such as palm, soybean, sunflower, mustard, groundnut, sesame, rice bran, cottonseed, and corn oil, along with blended edible oils.

However, packages smaller than 200 ml or 200 grams, as well as minor edible oils, are exempt from these standard pack size requirements to maintain the availability of affordable small packs. These regulations will be applicable to both domestically produced and imported edible oils.

During a previous meeting with the Department of Consumer Affairs, industry representatives raised concerns about the irregular packaging of edible oils in sizes like 650 g, 700 g, 810 g, 850 g, and 870 g, which complicates price comparisons for consumers. It is important to note that the mandatory standard pack size regulations for edible oils were relaxed starting January 1, 2023. Earlier this month, the Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA) addressed the Secretary of the Union Consumer Affairs Department regarding this issue, highlighting that non-standard pack sizes hinder consumers' ability to effectively compare prices, as packages may look similar despite differing quantities.