Feeling Overcharged at the Store? Be Prepared If The Shopkeeper Requests More Than MRP
The product label or packaging usually displays the maximum Retail Price, which includes all applicable taxes. The manufacturer or seller calculates the MRP by taking profit margin, marketing charges, and manufacturing costs into account.
The maximum amount that a merchant is permitted by law to charge the final customer for any product or service is known as the maximum retail Price, or MRP.
Why Does MRP matter?
MRP guarantees that unnecessarily high costs are not charged by merchants to you, the consumer. It sets a standard price, particularly for necessities, to prevent misunderstandings and abuse.
Is Charging More Than MRP Lawful?
The sale of packaged products in India is regulated by the Legal Metrology Act of 2009, which requires the MRP to be shown prominently on product labels or packaging. It is illegal to sell things for more than the MRP specified, and those who do so risk fines and other consequences.
The Act specifies necessary disclosures, including net quantity, MRP, production date, and expiration date that must be included on labels for packaged products.
The MRP is the greatest price that Indian customers are allowed to pay, as set by regulatory authorities. Customers are not allowed to pay more than the MRP shown on product packaging, according to the Consumer Goods (Mandatory Printing of Cost of Production and Maximum Retail Price) Act of 2006.
What Does a Product’s MRP Mean?
The MRP includes manufacturing, shipping, and any other costs that are incurred by the seller or manufacturer in addition to any taxes.
The Indian government controls MRP in order to stop businesses from overcharging clients. Violating these standards might result in fines or legal action.
The MRP is often stated on product packaging to encourage openness and help customers make wise decisions when making purchases.
What Should You Do If a Retailer Exceeds MRP?
Customers may file a complaint with the Legal Metrology Department of the state in which the business is located if the shopkeeper goes beyond the MRP.
When A Shopkeeper Sells More Than MRP, Where Do I File A Complaint?
Customers may register a complaint with the Consumer Forum in their local districts or call the National Consumer Helpline at 1800-11-4000/1915.
You may text 8800001915. NCH APP and Umang App are other channels for filing complaints.
Customers may even register at https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/user/signup.php to make a complaint online. To file a grievance, you must first register once. To register, visit the website http://consumerhelpline.gov.in, click the login link, fill out the necessary information, and get your email verified. Password and user ID are generated.
A phase in the pre-litigation process is the National Consumer Helpline.
Every effort is made to communicate with the appropriate authorities in order to resolve complaints. However, the customer still has the option to take legal action via the relevant consumer commission if they are not satisfied with the outcome;
Website of the NCDRC
District Commission State Commission
If there is a violation, the customer may be entitled to reimbursement for the amount they were overcharged, and the shopkeeper may face fines and penalties. As a result, customers are encouraged to report any instances of overcharging and to verify a product’s MRP before making a purchase.
It is crucial to keep in mind that MRP is a maximum and not a set price. Retailers are allowed to sell below MRP and run specials or discounts to draw in consumers.
