Sri Vijaya Puram, November 7: Consumers buying firecrackers during the festive season could face overcharging and misleading product information if retailers fail to comply with mandatory pricing and packaging rules, prompting the Legal Metrology Wing of the Department of Consumer Affairs and Civil Supplies (CS&CA) to book several establishments during surprise inspections at ITF Ground in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The enforcement drive, conducted on November 5, followed directions from the Lieutenant Governor to strengthen consumer protection and prevent unfair trade practices during the festive season. The inspections covered major retail and wholesale firecracker outlets, with officials examining compliance with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
A key focus of the inspections was whether traders charged customers more than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on firecracker packages. The enforcement team also checked whether sellers used additional stickers or re-stickered packages to increase the declared selling price, potentially misleading consumers about the actual cost of products.
Officials examined mandatory declarations on packaged firecrackers, including the manufacturer’s name and address, net quantity, month and year of manufacture or packing, and consumer care information. These details are required under packaged commodity regulations and enable buyers to access essential product information before making a purchase.
The team also checked for dual MRP practices and alterations to printed package declarations. Such practices can leave consumers with misleading information about product pricing and packaging, undermining the transparency required under the Legal Metrology framework.
Several establishments faced enforcement action during the inspection drive for violating provisions of the 2011 rules. The department also issued improvement notices to traders found non-compliant, directing them to rectify the identified violations under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
The department has directed manufacturers, importers, packagers and retailers dealing in firecrackers to ensure that all packages carry the prescribed declarations and that products are sold at fair prices. It warned that violations would invite stringent penalties under the law.
The inspections place responsibility on sellers across the supply chain to ensure that consumers receive accurate information about the products they purchase, particularly during a period of increased firecracker sales. Compliance with declared retail prices and packaging requirements remains central to preventing buyers from being charged beyond the printed MRP or purchasing products without essential information.
Consumers have been advised to examine firecracker packages before purchasing them and verify that all mandatory declarations appear on the packaging. Buyers who encounter overcharging or missing product information can submit written complaints to the Department of Consumer Affairs and Civil Supplies.
Complaints can also be registered through the department’s toll-free Consumer Helpline at 18003453197 or by calling 03192-230337.
