An Overview of LMPC Certificate for Import

LMPC stands for Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity, under Rule 27 of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules, established by the Department of Consumer Affairs. Companies importing pre-packaged goods into India are required to obtain an LMPC certificate for import. The application for the LMPC certificate for import must be submitted within 90 days prior to the start of the importation process.

While the general rules for obtaining an LMPC certificate are outlined in the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, some states have implemented their own amended laws to meet their specific requirements. Get an LMPC certificate for import from the place of your choice with our Legal metrology consultants in India.

What is an LMPC Certification for Import?

LMPC Certification for import is a mandatory certification requirement for businesses that deal in manufacturing, importing, distributing, and selling prep-packaged goods. It protects consumer interests and minimizes the risk of legal penalties.

Why do Business Need LMPC Certificate Registration?

If a business importing goods intends to sell or distribute its products within a single state, it must secure the LMPC certificate registration from that state's controller. However, if the company plans to sell or distribute in multiple states, it must apply for registration of LMPC import license with the Director at the Central Government, with assistance from the Local Controller.

In addition to importing companies, manufacturers and packaging companies of pre-packaged goods are also required to apply online for LMPC Certificate/LMPC Registration. Along with the inclusion of importing companies, the producing companies and packaging companies of the pre-packaged goods are also required to register for LMPC Import License Certification.

Benefits of LMPC Registration for Import

Securing LMPC registration for import under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 provides several benefits for companies engaged in importing pre-packaged goods. Some of the key benefits of LMPC registration for import are mentioned below-

• Reduction in Transaction Expenditure
• Promotion of importation of production in the country
• Generating Government Revenue
• Reduction of Technical Obstacles to Importation
• Increasing Consumer Trust in the required brand being imported, distributed, or sold

Documents Required for LMPC Certificate for Import

The following is the list of documents required for the LMPC certificate for import for the businesses engaged in the importation of pre-packaged goods in India –

• The Trade License, Manufacture License, or Factory License from either MCD, NDMC, DDA, etc.
• In case the applicant does not acquire an MCD License. An affidavit undertaking needs to be submitted to ensure the company’s property area is within confirming zones and will not be required to be sealed or relocated in the future.
• The Proprietor's or Directors' or Partner's Residential Address Proofs through Voter Identification Cards, Adhaar Cards, Passports, etc.
• Registration Proof of GST or Sales Tax.
• The materials used for the packaging of the goods, such as stickers, Labels, etc., that are to be affixed with the packaged goods.
• MoA of the Company.
• Partnership Deed in case of Partnership firms.
• The Code of Importation and Exportation.
• Formal passport-size photographs of all the Directors or all the Partners or Proprietors of the Company are to be combined with all the JPG image files into one JPG image file.

How to Apply Online for LMPC Certificate for Import?

The application procedure to be followed to apply online for an LMPC certificate for import/LMPC license varies from state to state. However, the common steps to be followed for LMPC Importer certificate are as follows:

1. Firstly, an application form shall be filled such as LM1- for license and manufacture, form LR-1 for repairing the license, and form LD-1 for Legal Metrology dealer license along with all the necessary documents.
2. Secondly, after submitting the forms to the respective legal metrology department, a local senior from the concerned department shall initiate the inspection and verification of the documents and forms submitted by an applicant.
3. Lastly, after due completion of all the said steps an applicant shall pay the required fees, and then accordingly, an LMPC license shall be granted.

Validity of LMPC Importer License

Like any other statutory registration, LMPC certificate registration in India also comes with a definite validity period. Meanwhile, the validity of the LMPC Importer License registration certificate is five years and the same has to be renewed before the expiry of five years to avoid any objections and obstacles at the time of customs clearance and verification.

List of Exemptions for LMPC Registration for Import

There are certain categories of imports that are exempted from obtaining an LMPC certificate for import. Given below is the key list of exemptions for LMPC registration-

• If the packaged good net weight is of or less than 10 grams or 10 millilitres.
• Agricultural Production Packages that weigh more than 50 Kgs.
• Cooked fast foods that are packaged in a restaurant or a hotel.
• Chemical formulations that fall under the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 1995.
• Packages weighing more than 25 kgs, or 25 litres, with the exemption of cement and fertiliser packages that are sold in packages of approximately 50 Kg.
• Packages of Industrial Consumers or Institutional Consumers.

Penalties for Non-Compliance of LMPC Importer License Rule

In case of the non-compliance of LMPC importer license rule, the following list of penalties shall be imposed:

• In case the LMPC import license is submitted after ninety days from the beginning of the incorporation process, then the late fee of Rs.5000/- shall be levied for the Delhi location.
• In case the manufacturers, importers, packers, and dealers violate or fail to meet the norms for weights and measurements, they shall attract a fine of up to Rs.10,000 (ten thousand) or 1(one) year of imprisonment.
• A fine of Rs.10,000 or 1 year of imprisonment shall be imposed on the importer, manufacturer, or packer in violation of section 11 of the LMPC Act.
• According to section 19 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, import of any measure or weight shall be allowed only after obtaining an LMPC certificate.
• In case the manufacturer or importer fails to submit the annual return, a fine of Rs.5000/-(five thousand) or 1 year of imprisonment shall be imposed.
• In case the label on the product has an unverified weight, the importer shall be liable to a penalty.

Book an appointment with our experts and keep penalties at bay.

Industries in Which LMPC Registration is Required

Given below are some of the prominent industries in which LMPC registration is required-

• Food and Beverage Industry
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Electronics Industry
• Automotive Industry
• FMCG Industry
• Cosmetics Industry
• Textiles Industry
• Agriculture Industry
• Other Industries