The Department of Consumer Affairs has updated its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Legal Metrology framework, bringing in standard pack sizes for edible oils and fats. The point is to make prices easier to compare, cut down on confusing packaging, and get the industry onto more uniform practices.
This amendment updates the SoP from December 29, 2023, and came after talks with major edible oil industry bodies covering close to 90% of India’s edible oil sector. The trigger was the growing spread of odd package sizes, which made it hard for shoppers to actually compare prices between brands.
The standard sizes
The revised framework sets standard pack sizes for these oils, including blended versions:
- Palm oil
- Soybean oil
- Sunflower oil
- Mustard/Rapeseed oil
- Groundnut oil
- Sesame oil
- Rice bran oil
- Cottonseed oil
- Corn oil
Approved 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
- 20 litre/kg
With packaging standardized this way, the Department expects it to be simpler for people to weigh up brands and figure out what’s actually a good deal.
New labelling rules
Manufacturers now have to state the equivalent weight whenever a pack’s quantity is shown in litres or millilitres. This comes under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, and is meant to help buyers compare products even when they’re listed in different units. It applies equally to oils made in India and imported ones.
Small packs stay exempt
Packs under 200 ml or 200 grams are left out of the standardization rules, so affordability and choice at the small end aren’t affected. Minor edible oils are exempt too.
Three months to switch over
Manufacturers, packers, and importers get three months to fall in line, though anyone ready to switch sooner can do so right away. Sampling, testing, checking net quantity, and permissible errors will still run under the existing Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, alongside this updated SoP.
Key Takeaway: The Department expects the changes to make price comparisons more straightforward and give consumers a clearer sense of value across brands. For the industry, it should mean more consistency in packaging, easier compliance, and fairer competition between manufacturers and importers.
This sits within the Department of Consumer Affairs’ wider push to protect consumers through steps that keep the market transparent and purchases well-informed.
MCQ’s:
1. Which department issued the updated Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for standard pack sizes of edible oils?
A. Department of Food and Public Distribution
B. Department of Consumer Affairs
C. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
D. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
2. The revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued under which framework?
A. Food Safety and Standards Act
B. Essential Commodities Act
C. Legal Metrology framework
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