‘Entrepreneurs should follow packaging rules’

Nagpur: The principal panel of labelling should occupy not less than 40% of the surface area of the package and should compulsorily indicate seven heads of information, said Ramdas Nalamwar, a legal expert of the metrological department on Wednesday.
Speaking at a symposium on ‘Importance of packaging and marketing for women entrepreneurs’, organized by the Lady Entrepreneur’s Wing of Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) at its auditorium, nalamwar said such information is mandatory under the Package Commodity Act of 2011.

“The label must carry generic name of commodity, manufacturer’s name and full address with pin code, net quantity excluding weight of packaging and retail price including taxes, customer care number along with designation of executive and e-mail address for communication. While mentioning net quantity, one should make it sure that it is prominently visible,” said Nalamwar.

Failing to adhere to these norms might attract heavy fine to the manufacturers. For the first offence, the fine can be up to Rs 25,000 per partner of the manufacturing unit. If repeated, then it can exceed up to Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh, he added.

Nalamwar explained the calibration of various scales and said, “All weighing machines must be re-calibrated from metrology department every once in five years as it helps in keeping measurements perfect.”

Marketing consultant Sandeep Deshmukh spoke on the basics of packaging and labelling of commodities for women entrepreneurs.

“A good packaging is the door to having better sales of your product. But before deciding on the looks, keep in mind your product and test its compatibility with the packaging. Today, there are quite a few ingenious packaging material available in the market after plastic ban, like spices which can be packed with the skin of banana tree trunk,” said Deshmukh.

Also present at the programme were chairperson of LEW VIA Reeta Lanjewar, former chairperson Anita Rao, executive members Poonam Lala, Indu Kshirsagar, Shikha Khare, Manisha Bawankar and Mitali Rafique among others.