Government tells electronics industry to declare info about product through QR code on package — industry lauds decision

Except information that is needed during the purchase of a specific electronic item — MRP, name of manufacturer/importer, customer support details, unit sales price, month/year of manufacture and country of origin, which will remain on the label — all other mandatory declarations can be stored and read digitally through the QR code.

"This development is consistent with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to use digital technology for not just ease of doing business, but also ease of living," the ICEA said in a statement and added, "This step will benefit Indian consumers in several ways. It declutters the label while retaining only relevant information needed at the time of purchase, and makes the label neater and more legible."

This step by the Department of Consumer Affairs is a strong and decisive step aligning with India’s march into the digital age keeping in mind consumer interest and the aspirations of a young generation, the statement read.

“This is a historic, pro-consumer step to reform a 30-year old law. Consumers will be the biggest beneficiaries of this change. It is both environment-friendly and reduces compliance burden for the industry," said Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA.

“The industry will start working alongside the government to start transforming labelling on electronic commodities over the next year. We expect this move to gain traction with consumers, along the same lines as several other digitalisation initiatives launched by the government since 2014. This is a win-win for consumers, government and industry”, he added.