The Centre has introduced mandatory standard pack sizes for edible oils under the Legal Metrology framework, aiming to improve price transparency, simplify product comparisons, and enhance consumer awareness. The move is expected to bring greater uniformity to the edible oil market and make it easier for buyers to compare prices across different brands.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has amended its Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) governing the determination of net quantity and standard pack sizes for edible oils and fats. Manufacturers, importers, and packers have been given a three-month transition period to align their products with the revised regulations.
Under the new guidelines, major edible oils—including palm, soybean, sunflower, mustard, groundnut, sesame, rice bran, cottonseed, and corn oils, as well as blended varieties—can only be sold in nine approved pack sizes ranging from 200 millilitres or grams to 20 litres or kilograms.
The decision follows extensive consultations with industry associations representing nearly 90 percent of India’s edible oil sector. The government believes standardization will reduce confusion created by the proliferation of irregular pack sizes and help consumers better assess product value.
Another key provision requires manufacturers to clearly mention the equivalent weight whenever the quantity of edible oil is displayed in volume. This requirement aligns with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, and is intended to improve transparency in product labeling.
The revised norms will apply to both domestically produced and imported edible oils. However, products below 200 ml or 200 grams, along with certain minor edible oils, have been exempted to ensure the continued availability of affordable small packs for consumers.
Industry leaders have welcomed the move. Sudhakar Desai, President of the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association, said the decision would restore order to retail shelves and create a level playing field. He noted that the widespread use of non-standard pack sizes over recent years had led to confusion and market distortions.
