Regulation 6 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Regulation 6 says where the label information goes. The required particulars are given on the principal display panel, either grouped in one place or split between pre-printed and online information. It also sets the minimum area of the panel for each package shape and the minimum height of numerals and letters.
The text is read as amended up to 24 March 2026 (FSSAI Compendium Version VIII dated 09.09.2025; the First Amendment Regulations, 2026 apply from 1 July 2027 and do not change regulation 6). FSSAI compendia are reference consolidations and the Gazette text prevails. Later notifications should be checked on fssai.gov.in. Brands that want their artwork checked against these measurements can use our FSSAI label compliance service.
The panel must be not less than forty percent of height times width for a rectangular package, forty percent of height times average circumference for a round or oval package, and twenty percent of total surface area for any other shape. Table I sets minimum numeral and letter heights from 1 mm (panel up to 200 cm2, normal case) to 8 mm (above 2500 cm2, blown, formed, moulded or perforated on container). A 1 mm minimum applies on the crown or closure of a returnable glass bottle.
Regulation 6(1): grouping the information
The information required under the Regulations shall be given on the principal display panel of the package or container, in one of two ways:
- (a) all information grouped together and given at one place; or
- (b) the pre-printed information grouped together and given in one place, and the online information or information not pre-printed grouped together in another place.
"Principal display panel" is defined in regulation 2(1)(s) as the part of the container or package which is intended or likely to be displayed, presented or examined by the customer under normal and customary conditions of display, sale or purchase; see regulations 1 to 4.
Regulation 6(2): area of the principal display panel
The area of the principal display panel shall not be less than:
| Clause | Package shape | Minimum area |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | Rectangular | Forty percent of the product of height and width of the panel of the package having the largest area |
| (b) | Cylindrical or nearly cylindrical, round or nearly round, oval or nearly oval | Forty percent of the product of the height and average circumference of the package |
| (c) | Any other shape | Twenty percent of the total surface area of the package |
| (d) | A package with capacity of ten cubic centimeters or less | The panel may be a card or tape affixed firmly to the package and bearing the required information |
The text prints no worked examples; each pack should be measured against its own panel.
Regulation 6(3): height of numerals and letters
The height of any numeral and letter required under the Regulations, on the principal display panel, is as shown in Table I (marked as substituted in the compendium):
| Area of Principal Display Panel | Minimum height in mm: Normal case | Minimum height in mm: When blown, formed, moulded or perforated on container |
|---|---|---|
| Upto 200 cm2 | 1 | 2 |
| Above 200 cm2 upto 500 cm2 | 2 | 4 |
| Above 500 cm2 upto 2500 cm2 | 3 | 5 |
| Above 2500 cm2 | 6 | 8 |
Two provisos and a rule on width follow:
- The size of numerals and letters for net weight, retail sale price, date of expiry or the durability date marking or the use by date (wherever and as applicable), and consumer care details on the principal display panel, shall be as provided in the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 (1 of 2010) and the rules made thereunder.
- The size of numerals or letters for all declarations under the Regulations on the crown or closure of a returnable glass bottle shall not be less than 1 mm (marked as inserted).
- The width of the letter or numeral shall not be less than one-third of its height, but this does not apply to the numeral "1" and the letters i, I and l.
Reading the panel rules with other regulations
| Other rule | Link to panel |
|---|---|
| Veg and non-veg symbol (5(4)) | Placed on the principal display panel; its size follows the panel area bands |
| Date marking (5(10)) | Dates grouped and given at one place; letter size under the Legal Metrology law |
| Net quantity, Retail Sale Price, consumer care (5(8)) | As the Legal Metrology law provides |
| Name of the food (5(1)) | On the front of pack |
Note that the panel area bands in regulation 5(4)(c) (up to 100, above 100 to 500, above 500 to 2500, above 2500) differ from the bands in Table I (up to 200, above 200 to 500, above 500 to 2500, above 2500). Each table is applied separately. See regulation 5(4) and (5) and the article on date marking. Practical templates are in our post on the principal display panel template.
An invented example
Sparkle Juices sells a 200 ml carton. The largest panel of the carton is a rectangle; the label designer first measures forty percent of height times width to find the least area the principal display panel must have. Printed letters on a carton with a panel of 150 cm2 must be at least 1 mm high in the normal case, or 2 mm where letters are blown, formed, moulded or perforated on the container. The same company's returnable glass bottle for a flavoured milk carries its declarations on the crown at not less than 1 mm. Width is checked as well, against the one-third of height rule.
Need help with panel layout?
Small packs, curved bottles and moulded lettering are where panel measurements go wrong. Our FSSAI label compliance team can check each pack's panel area and type size against regulation 6 before printing.
Key takeaways
- Information goes on the principal display panel, grouped in one place or in two groups (pre-printed and online information).
- The panel is not less than forty percent of the largest rectangular panel, forty percent of height times average circumference for round packs, or twenty percent of total surface area for other shapes.
- Table I runs from 1 mm to 8 mm depending on area and whether the lettering is blown, formed, moulded or perforated.
- Legal Metrology rules govern the size of certain particulars; returnable glass bottle crowns need at least 1 mm.
- Letter width is at least one-third of height, except for "1", i, I and l.
Read next
- Regulation 5(10)–(15): date marking, imported food and allergens
- Regulations 7 and 8: mandatory declarations and exemptions
- Principal display panel template for food products
- FSSAI labelling requirements: a complete guide
Disclaimer: Based on the FSSAI regulations named above as consolidated in FSSAI's compendium versions or as published in the Gazette, with the later notifications the article names (consulted on fssai.gov.in on 2-3 October 2026). Later notifications and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 provisions referred to should be checked. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.