If you are a seller or distributor of packed goods, manufacturer or exporter, it’s important to understand the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. ASC as a leading advisory firm is accredited with a team of legal metrology consultants who serve clients across the country as well as globally.
Legal Metrology: Brief Overview
Legal Metrology under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs is a mandatory registration for many businesses. The Legal Metrology Act in India minimizes ill effects of weight & measurement errors and brings transparency and accountability.
The act specifies weighing and measuring standards, instruments, units & mandatory requirements with an objective to ensure accuracy and security of weights and measurements.
Implemented with effect from 1st April 2011, the Legal Metrology Act was enacted with the objectives to establish and enforce standards of weights and measures, regulate trade and commerce in weights, measures and other goods which are sold or distributed by weight, measure or number and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
The act specifies weighing and measuring standards, instruments, units & mandatory requirements with an objective to ensure accuracy and security of weights and measurements.
Implemented with effect from 1st April 2011, the Legal Metrology Act was enacted with the objectives to establish and enforce standards of weights and measures, regulate trade and commerce in weights, measures and other goods which are sold or distributed by weight, measure or number and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Legal Metrology registration can be applied in 3 capacities:
- Manufacturer
- Importer
- Packer
For products which pertains to weight & measurement like Weighing Machine fall under category of weight & measurement, need to take 5 stage registration from LM department
- Model Approval
- Packaged Commodity Registration
- Import License
- Dealership License
- Stamping of products
Implementation and Jurisdiction
The Government of India, Department of Consumer Affairs under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public distribution are responsible for defining and implementing Legal Metrology Standards in India.
The Legal Metrology Act, 2009 was introduced under central jurisdiction as a model act, each state in India has a will to adopt the act with or without modifications. Some states in India have modified the act to regulate the issues and matters related to legal metrology.
The Legal Metrology Act, 2009 was introduced under central jurisdiction as a model act, each state in India has a will to adopt the act with or without modifications. Some states in India have modified the act to regulate the issues and matters related to legal metrology.
Why Does Your Business Need Legal Metrology?
The Legal Metrology Act defines certain standards and regulations on selling and distribution of packaged goods. This act also covers import and export goods. To conduct your business operations in an efficient & smooth manner and to establish consumer or buyer right protection, you need to comply with the Act.
Some of the basic requirements to sell and distribute anything in Indian Market, as specified by Legal Metrology Act:
Unit of weight or measure
Every unit of weight or measure shall be in harmony with the legal metrology and measurement system based on the international system of units.
Base units specified
- Length shall be the meter
- Mass shall be the kilogram
- Time shall be the second and so on
- Every numeration shall be made in accordance with the decimal system.
Unit of quantity
A person shall quote a price, publish the advertisement, and indicate the quantity of the pre-packaged commodity as specified in the Act.
Reference standard
Every reference standard, secondary standard, and working standard shall be verified and stamped in such manner and after payment of such fee as may be prescribed.
Transaction of goods
Any transaction of goods, class of goods or undertakings shall be according to the weights, measure or number as stated in the act.
Product packaging
A product shall be packaged in specified standard quantities or number and bears thereon such declarations and particulars in such manner as may be prescribed.
As one of the renowned legal metrology weights & measurement consultants, we can help you comply with all the basic requirements and keep up with the complex ones as well.
Registration Norms
Section 23 & Rule 15
Apply to the importer, manufacturer, repairer,
dealer who are dealing in the weight or measure instruments
Under Rule 27
Apply to manufacturer, packer and importer of
packaged commodities
More information
- Registration and License mentioned above except Registration under Rule 27 shall have certain validity period after expiry of certain period it should get renewed.
- It is central based registration, in other words if any entity having registration of one premise and also doing business from other place then it need not to get registered the other place of business also.
- After getting the registration the concerned entity will comply this law regarding the packaging of product and weights and measure instruments as directed in this Act and Rules thereon.