The government announced amendments to the standard operating procedure for determining the net quantity and standard pack sizes of edible oils and fats under the Legal Metrology framework. This move aims to enhance consumer transparency and promote fair trade practices. The Department of Consumer Affairs made this decision after consulting with major edible oil industry associations, which represent about 90% of the country’s edible oil sector.
The new provisions will be applicable to both domestically produced edible oils and imported ones. The initiative is designed to tackle the issue of varying package sizes in the market, making it challenging for consumers to compare prices and make well-informed purchasing decisions. Consumers will now find it easier to compare prices across different brands and accurately assess value for money.
The revised standard operating procedure specifies standard pack sizes for major edible oils and blended varieties, such as palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, mustard/rapeseed oil, groundnut oil, sesame oil, rice bran oil, cottonseed oil, and corn oil. The permitted standard pack sizes include 200 ml/gram, 500 ml/gram, 1 litre/kg, 2 litre/kg, 3 litre/kg, 4 litre/kg, 5 litre/kg, 15 litre/kg, and 20 litre/kg. These standardized sizes will facilitate price comparison across brands and enable consumers to make informed purchasing choices.
Packages below 200 ml or 200 grams will remain outside the standardization scope to ensure the availability of affordable small packs for consumers. Additionally, minor edible oils are exempt from the standard pack size requirement. If the quantity of edible oil is indicated in litres or millilitres, the package must also clearly display the equivalent weight. This requirement aligns with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, enabling consumers to easily compare products from different brands and make better purchasing decisions.
