Schedule a Call Back
Karnataka's Kannada labelling mandate stirs concerns among export manufacturers
Industry News- Nov 05,24
An anonymous FMCG executive told the source that industry standards usually support a uniform packaging design across markets.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s announcement of a mandatory Kannada labelling rule for products manufactured in the state has sparked concerns among manufacturers, particularly those in export-driven sectors like pharmaceuticals and auto parts. The new regulation could pose challenges for businesses that operate across both domestic and international markets.
According to industry experts, the mandate might complicate operations. An anonymous FMCG executive told the source that industry standards usually support a uniform packaging design across markets. Adding Kannada labels, he argued, could raise costs unnecessarily.
MG Rajagopal, President, Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (Kassia), noted that while local businesses might adapt, companies catering to broader markets may struggle. He recommended encouraging Kannada use on packaging rather than enforcing it, as products sold outside Karnataka wouldn’t benefit from Kannada labelling.
Deepak Srinath, Founder, Phantom Hands, warned that implementing the mandate without sufficient planning could disrupt supply chains and increase costs for companies operating in both export and domestic markets.
Meanwhile, others are more receptive to the change. Sajjan Raj Mehta, Former President, Karnataka Hosiery and Garment Association, suggested engaging with stakeholders and providing time for companies to adjust. Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Ltd, for instance, already adapts packaging for different regions, incorporating local languages alongside English, which has worked well for their national and international sales, according to Prashanth PKM, Managing Director.
BC Prabhakar, President, Karnataka Employers' Association, added that dual-language labels could enhance local pride. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised in his Rajyotsava Day speech that Kannada representation on locally made products is vital, signalling future regulations aimed at promoting the state language on products and business signage.
(The Economic Times & English Jagran)
Related Stories
Auto & Auto Components
Manufacturing Strength Behind India’s Self-reliance and Global Positioning
India’s manufacturing sector is evolving from domestic self-reliance to global leadership, navigating a VUCA environment through strategic policy, capability building and infrastructure-led execut..
Read morePolicy Regulation
What Indian SMEs Can Learn from Germany’s Hidden Champions
As India’s manufacturing ambitions gather pace, SMEs stand at the heart of this transformation—driving jobs, innovation and exports while navigating global shifts and structural challenges, shar..
Read moreOther Industrial Products
Govt Unveils Rs 72.95bn Export Credit Support Package
Interest subsidy and guarantees to boost MSME exports
Read moreRelated Products
Automatic Food Snacks Packaging Machine
PACKAGING, BARCODING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT
Grace Food Processing & Packaging Machinery offers
automatic food snacks packaging machine.
Servo Auger Machine
PACKAGING, BARCODING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT
All India Packing Machines offers collar type servo auger machine. Read more
Shrink Tunnel
PACKAGING, BARCODING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT
Vista Technopack Machines offers a range of online shrink tunnel with L sealers. Read more
latest News
Subscribe to iNoW
For Industry News on WhatsApp, Give a Miss Call on: +91 84228 74016
