The government has rolled out important relaxations linked to GST rate revisions effective from September 22, 2025. These changes aim to simplify compliance for businesses, reduce costs, and make it easier to communicate revised prices to consumers. Here’s a quick breakdown of the updated guidelines:
1. Flexibility in Price Stickers
Manufacturers, packers, and importers are now allowed to voluntarily affix additional stickers with revised prices on unsold stock before the effective date. Importantly, the original price declaration must remain visible to ensure transparency for consumers.
2. Newspaper Advertisements No Longer Mandatory
Earlier, companies had to publish revised prices in at least two newspapers. This requirement has now been waived, removing the extra compliance burden and cutting down costs.
3. Circular-Based Price Communication
Instead of newspaper ads, businesses must now send circulars to wholesalers and retailers, with copies endorsed to the Director (Legal Metrology) and Controllers of all States/UTs. Retailers are required to ensure compliance at the consumer level.
4. Awareness & Consumer Outreach
To avoid confusion, companies should take immediate steps to spread awareness about revised GST prices through various channels, including electronic media, print, and social media platforms. This ensures consumers remain well-informed and retailers follow updated pricing.
Key Takeaway
With these relaxations, businesses now have a simpler and cost-effective way to manage GST price revisions. By shifting from newspaper advertisements to circulars and digital outreach, the government has aligned compliance requirements with modern communication practices while safeguarding consumer transparency.