Maximum Retail Price is typically printed on the product label or packaging and includes all taxes. The MRP is determined by the manufacturer or seller, considering production costs, marketing expenses, and profit margin.
The Maximum Retail Price (MRP) denotes the highest amount a retailer can legally charge the end consumer for any product or service.
Why MRP Is Important?
MRP ensures you, the customer, are protected from retailers charging excessively high prices. It establishes a benchmark price to avoid confusion and exploitation, especially for essential commodities.
Is It Legal To Charge More Than MRP?
In India, the Legal Metrology Act of 2009 governs the sale of packaged goods, mandating clear display of MRP on product labels or packaging. Selling products above the stated MRP is prohibited by law, with offenders subject to fines and other penalties.
The Act prescribes specific labeling requirements for packaged goods, including mandatory declarations such as net quantity, MRP, manufacturing date, and expiry date.
The MRP serves as the highest permissible price for consumers in India, determined by regulatory bodies. As per the Consumer Goods (Mandatory Printing of Cost of Production and Maximum Retail Price) Act of 2006, consumers cannot be levied a price exceeding the MRP indicated on product packaging.
What Is the MRP Of A Product?
The MRP encompasses all taxes and covers production, transportation, and any additional expenses borne by the manufacturer or seller.
To prevent retailers from overcharging customers, the Indian government regulates MRP, with violations of these regulations subject to penalties or legal action.
Typically, the MRP is printed on the product packaging to promote transparency and assist consumers in making informed purchasing choices.
What To Do If a Shopkeeper Charges More Than MRP?
Should a shopkeeper exceed the MRP, consumers have the option to complain to the Legal Metrology Department of the respective state where the shop operates.
Where To Complain If Shopkeeper Selling More Than MRP?
Consumers can contact the National Consumer Helpline at 1800-11-4000/ 1915 or file a complaint with the Consumer Forum in their respective districts.
One can SMS on 8800001915. Complaints can also be raised through NCH APP and Umang App.
Consumers can even file a complaint online through registration at https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/user/signup.php. A one-time registration is required for lodging a grievance. For registration go to the web portal http://consumerhelpline.gov.in and click on the login link and then sign up giving details required, verify through your email. The user ID and password are created.
National Consumer Helpline is a Pre-Litigation stage step.
Every attempt is made to address grievances by engaging with the relevant authorities. Yet, if resolution isn’t achieved to the consumer’s contentment, they retain the option to seek recourse through the appropriate consumer commission;
- NCDRC website
- State Commission
- District Commission
In case of a violation, the shopkeeper may be fined and penalised, and the consumer may be entitled to receive compensation for the overcharged amount. Therefore, consumers are advised to check the MRP of a product before making a purchase and to report any instances of overcharging.
It’s important to remember that MRP is a maximum, not a fixed price. Retailers are free to offer discounts or promotions and sell below MRP to attract customers.
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