In a move aimed at improving transparency and helping consumers make better purchasing decisions, the Department of Consumer Affairs has amended the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for determining net quantity and standard pack sizes of edible oils and fats under the Legal Metrology framework.
The revised norms introduce standard pack sizes for major edible oils and blended edible oils, making it easier for consumers to compare prices across brands and assess value for money.
Consumer-friendly reform targets pricing transparency
The decision comes after consultations with leading edible oil industry associations representing nearly 90% of India’s edible oil sector.
According to the Department, the growing availability of multiple non-standard package sizes has often made it difficult for consumers to compare product prices and determine the actual value offered by different brands.
By standardising pack sizes, the government aims to create greater transparency in the edible oil market and simplify buying decisions for households.
Standard pack sizes introduced
Under the revised guidelines, major edible oils including palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, sesame oil, rice bran oil, cottonseed oil and corn oil will be sold in prescribed standard pack sizes.
The permitted pack sizes are: 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.
The move is expected to reduce consumer confusion caused by unconventional pack sizes and enable easier price comparisons between competing brands.
What it means for consumers
One of the key changes requires manufacturers to declare both the volume and equivalent weight on edible oil packages wherever the quantity is expressed in litres or millilitres.
This additional disclosure is expected to help consumers better understand the actual quantity being purchased and compare products more accurately.
For example, consumers will now be able to evaluate the true cost per kilogram or litre across brands without having to calculate weight conversions themselves.
Small packs remain unaffected
To protect affordability and accessibility, packages below 200 ml or 200 grams have been kept outside the scope of standardisation.
This means low-cost sachets and small packs commonly purchased by price-sensitive consumers will continue to be available in the market.
The government has also exempted minor edible oils from the standard pack size requirement.
Industry gets transition period
The new provisions will apply to both domestically manufactured and imported edible oils.
Manufacturers, packers and importers have been given a three-month transition period to align their packaging and labelling practices with the revised norms. However, companies willing to adopt the standards earlier can implement them immediately.
Boost for fair competition
Apart from benefiting consumers, the Department said the reforms are expected to bring greater uniformity in packaging practices across the edible oil industry.
Standardised pack sizes can simplify regulatory compliance, promote fair competition among brands and create a more transparent marketplace.
The Department of Consumer Affairs said the initiative is part of its broader efforts to strengthen consumer protection, improve market transparency and enhance consumer confidence through fair trade practices.