KATHMANDU, April 14: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP) has given businesses a 15-day deadline to comply with a new rule requiring all imported goods to carry a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) label and mandating the issuance of bills for every sale.
The decision was taken following discussions between the DoCSCP and the Nepal Trans-Himalayan Border Commerce Association, making it compulsory for all imported products to clearly display MRP. Sellers will also be required to provide bills or receipts to consumers for each transaction.
The department has warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will invite legal action. It said goods found in the market without MRP after the deadline will be penalised in accordance with prevailing laws. Authorities have also cautioned against unfair trade practices, stating that strict action will be taken against those violating the directive.
Govt issues notice to implement MRP rules it failed to enforce...
In a notice issued on Monday, the department said the move aims to curb market irregularities and ensure stronger enforcement of provisions related to pricing, billing, and product quality. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2018, all goods must display the maximum retail price inclusive of taxes.
The department further noted 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 have been urged to collect bills after purchases.
New standards 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 will instead be required to 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.
