In April 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued revised guidance on packaged-commodity labelling under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. The update introduces mandatory machine-readable QR-code embedding for all packaged goods (except certain exempted categories) and clarifies minimum font-size and contrast requirements for principal display panels.
The rules take effect 1 June 2026. For traders, packagers and distributors, this means redesigning labels, updating printing vendors, and conducting inventory audits before the deadline. Failure to comply invites enforcement action from state Legal Metrology departments.
Market signals
From 1 June 2026, packaged commodities must carry a scannable QR code linking to product specifications, batch information and manufacturer details. This aligns with BIS's digital traceability mandate and enables real-time authenticity checks. Exemptions apply only to goods under 50 grams and certain heritage/traditional products.
BIS has raised minimum font heights for net quantity and allergen declarations and now mandates a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 between text and background. Small-format labels (under 100 cm²) face stricter rules. Non-compliance can result in rejection at distribution and retail checkpoints.
State Legal Metrology authorities have begun spot audits of trader and packager premises. Non-compliant stock is being detained. Traders are advised to engage approved label designers and conduct pre-compliance audits before June to avoid supply disruption.
Under the Legal Metrology Act, 1976, and the Packaged Commodities Rules, traders and packagers are jointly liable for label accuracy and compliance. The BIS April 2026 circular places the onus on packagers to embed QR codes and ensure font/contrast standards; distributors and retailers must verify compliance before stocking. Non-compliance may trigger show-cause notices, stock seizure, and penalties up to ₹25,000 per batch under Section 28 of the Act. Vinayakam Consultants assists businesses by conducting labelling audits, advising on QR-code integration with batch-management systems, and preparing label-redesign roadmaps to meet the June 2026 deadline without supply disruption.
Your action checklist
- Audit all existing packaged-commodity labels against the April 2026 BIS guidance; identify non-compliant SKUs by product category and packaging format.
- Engage an approved label designer or BIS-recognised printing vendor to embed QR codes and verify font sizes, contrast ratios and allergen declarations meet new thresholds.
- Segregate non-compliant stock and plan label-reprinting schedules to complete redesign by 31 May 2026; communicate revised timelines to distributors and retail partners.
- Document compliance evidence (updated labels, QR-code test scans, batch records) and prepare internal audit trails for state Legal Metrology inspections post-June 2026.
Frequently asked questions
From June 1, 2026, BIS requires mandatory QR-code embedding on packaged commodities, stricter font-size and contrast ratios (3:1 minimum) on principal display panels, and enhanced traceability for batch and manufacturer details.
Goods under 50 grams and certain heritage or traditional products are exempt from mandatory QR-code embedding under the new BIS rules.
Non-compliant stock faces detention at distribution and retail checkpoints, and enforcement action from state Legal Metrology departments; traders and packagers are jointly liable under the Legal Metrology Act, 1976.