History

The Decoration for Merit in the Light Industry was established by the Council of Ministers in 1971. It was awarded by the Ministry of Light Industry to employees, unions, and enterprises in recognition of merit in the light industry, which included long and faithful service, high productivity, contributions to workplace health and safety, and contributions to technological innovation. It was also awarded to those who were not in the employ of the Ministry, but who made outstanding contributions to the industry in the form of technological advancements. It was discontinued following the collapse of the communist regime in 1989.

The I Class Decoration features an obverse inscription that translates to "Meritorious Worker, Light Industry," and a reverse inscription that translates to "Ministry of Light Industry."