The federal government is backing a principles-based approach for product packaging in response to industry calls to review measurement labelling laws.

The government was responding to calls to address industry requests to cut red tape with options to change measurement marking placement rules.

At present, a products exact weight and/or volume must appear on the front of the packet under the national trade measurements regulations (NTMR) 2009 Part 4.

If the industry proposal is successful, weight and volume markings could be moved from the front of packaging making it difficult for consumers to compare products and value for money.

The current proposal to review the NTMR outlines three possible options: leave regulations as they are; clarify the regulations; implement a principles-based approach.

The government is in favour of the third option, which, if implemented will see the removal of regulations controlling size, orientation, and position of the measurement mark.

Read more here. 

This story first appeared in C&I Week.