CBIC FAQs-4 Removes Mandatory Newspaper Publication for Revised Prices

19 Sep 2025, GST News

1. Introduction

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued FAQs-4 providing clarity on a fresh advisory released by the Department of Consumer Affairs on 18th September 2025. This new advisory replaces the earlier guidance issued on 9th September 2025 and introduces an updated compliance framework for manufacturers, packers, and importers with respect to price revisions.

2. Voluntary Price Sticker Updates

Under the revised framework, businesses such as manufacturers, packers, and importers are permitted to voluntarily affix updated price stickers on unsold stock that was produced or packed before 22nd September 2025. This measure ensures that products already in circulation can be updated without the need for recalling or re-labelling entire inventories, thereby reducing operational costs and waste.

3. Removal of Advertisement Requirement

The new advisory has also done away with the earlier mandate requiring businesses to publish advertisements in newspapers to inform consumers about price revisions. This relaxation removes a costly and time-consuming compliance burden while streamlining the process of disseminating updated information to stakeholders.

4. Communication and Compliance Obligations

Instead of newspaper advertisements, businesses are now required to notify dealers and retailers through circulars, forward copies of the communication to Central and State Legal Metrology authorities, and ensure compliance at the retail level. Furthermore, they must inform consumers of revised prices through electronic, print, and social media platforms, ensuring that the information reaches a wider audience quickly and effectively.

5. Conclusion

The revised advisory of 18th September 2025, as detailed in CBIC’s FAQs-4, represents a significant step toward simplifying compliance while ensuring consumer awareness. By allowing voluntary sticker updates, removing advertisement requirements, and mandating direct communication with dealers, authorities, and consumers, the framework balances regulatory oversight with practical ease of doing business.

Click Here To Read The Full Update