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Legal Metrology License- An Overview
A Legal Metrology License is a permit granted under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, by the Government of India through the Legal Metrology Department. This Act regulates the manufacture, import, sale, and repair of weighing and measuring instruments to ensure accuracy, standardization, and transparency in trade. The legal metrology license and registration under Legal Metrology Act, 2009, helps protect consumer rights and promote fair trade practices.
Depending on the nature of the business, there are different types of registrations under the Act, such as a Legal Metrology Dealer License or a Legal Metrology Packer License. The purpose of legal metrology law is to control the packaging specifications for the sale or distribution of pre-packaged goods in the country, the Legal Metrology License ensures compliance with relevant laws and regulations while meeting national standards. Book an appointment with our experts and secure Legal Metrology License Online.
Rules set for Registration under Legal Metrology Act, 2009
The Legal Metrology Act of 2009 regulates and oversees the use of weighing and measuring devices in India. Some of the prominent rules set for registration under the Legal Metrology Act 2009 are mentioned below-
Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011
It covers around 40 notable types of devices, such as fuel pumps, electronic weighing machines, and water meters. State Government officials inspect the devices on a regular basis.
Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011
It mandates labelling on pre-packaged goods. It includes details of the manufacturer, country of origin, price, and quantity.
Legal Metrology (Approval of Models) Rules, 2011
It establishes legal metrology standards for how pre-packaged products must present information.
Legal Metrology (National Standards) Rules, 2011
It defines and sheds light on the base units of measurement and standards for the purpose of verification.
Legal Metrology (Numeration) Rules, 2011
It specifies rules for writing as well as using numbers.
Indian Institute of Legal Metrology Rules, 2011
It exercises control over the training of Legal Metrology Officers at IILM (Indian Institute of Legal Metrology), Ranchi.
Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013
It establishes the right guidelines for the approval along with the functioning of test centres.
Who Needs to Apply for a Legal Metrology License?
The criteria for a legal metrology license for packaged commodities might differ greatly between nations and regions. In general, companies that produce, import, export, distribute, or sell packaged goods must abide by laws governing packaged goods and legal metrology. These laws make sure that packaged goods adhere to strict requirements for volume, weight, quantity, labelling, and other details.
The list of businesses or people who need to apply for legal metrology licenses are as follows:
Manufacturers
Before releasing a product into the market, businesses that make packaged goods are frequently obliged to make sure that it complies with legal metrology requirements, and commodity registration is mandatory for them.
Retailers and Packers
Retailers selling pre-packaged products and businesses that pack or repackage goods for sale need to make sure that labelling and quantity laws and legal metrology compliances are followed.
Distributors and Wholesalers
Before delivering items to retailers or customers, entities engaged in the distribution and wholesale of packaged goods may be required to adhere to legal metrology requirements and the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
Service Providers
Legal metrology rules may also need to be followed, and registration shall be required for some service providers that package or repackage products for sale.
Businesses that deal with packaged goods must become knowledgeable about the unique legal metrology requirements in the nations or areas where they operate. Obtaining the required certifications, following labelling guidelines, making sure measurements are precise, and routinely renewing registrations are all common examples of compliance, and the legal metrology license certificate is mandatory for businesses dealing in weights and measuring instruments.
Products that Require Legal Metrology Act Registration in India
It's a known fact that the Legal Metrology Act in India keeps a check on the use of weights and measures. Products that involve measurement or quantity require Legal Metrology Act Registration in India. Some of the popular products are mentioned below-
Packaged Commodities
Food Items- Chocolates, Biscuits, Beverages, and Cereals
Electronic Goods- Laptops, Mobile Phones, and Tablets
Consumer Goods- Shampoo, Toothpaste, Detergents, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products
Pharmaceutical Products- Tablets, Ointments, Syringes, Needles, and other Medicines and Medical Devices
Weighing and Measuring Instruments
Scales, Measuring Tapes, Weighbridges, Micrometers, and Vernier Calipers
Fuel Dispensing Equipment
Diesel Pumps and Petrol Pumps
Time Measurement Devices
Wristwatches, Pocket Watches, and Digital Clocks.
Water Meters
Industrial Water Meters and Domestic Water Meters
Types of Legal Metrology License
Some of the most common types of legal metrology licenses in India are as follows:
1. Legal Metrology Dealer License
In India, the selling of weight and measurement items is regulated under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. According to this Act, no dealer of weights and measurement items is legal unless they obtain a legal metrology dealer license from their respective jurisdiction of the Legal Metrology Department of its state.
2. Legal Metrology Packing License
The legal metrology packing license is a mandatory license that every packer or manufacturer who is engaged in selling or distributing pre-packaged commodities must obtain according to Rule 27 of the Legal Metrology Rules of 2011. However, the legal metrology packing license registration in India must be applied within 90 days of starting pre-packaging of the product.
3. Legal Metrology Certificate for Import
A legal metrology certificate for import is a mandatory provision for importing pre-packaged goods into India since it is important to meet the necessary compliance with Legal metrology rules. This certificate ensures that packaging requirements comply with Indian standards, thus enhancing consumer trust and market access.
4. Legal Metrology Manufacturer License
The legal metrology manufacturer license is a mandated provision as per the Legal Metrology Act that the manufacturer of weights and measures must obtain to run an effective business.
5. Legal Metrology Repairer license
According to the Legal Metrology Act, any person who is engaged in the business of cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, or painting any weights and measures must obtain a legal metrology repairer license.
Benefits of Obtaining a Legal Metrology License
Legal metrology license registration or LMPC Certificate offers several benefits, as mentioned below
1. Simplifies and Promotes Trade
A Document that attests to your completion of the legal metrology license is the LMPC certificate. Its goal is to improve India's export, finance, and trade sectors. It facilitates the Import of commodities into India.
2. Promotes the Welfare of the Consumers
Ensuring the well-being of consumers requires precise weights and measures. In this manner, customers are shielded from the unethical activities of selling things that are underweight and receive the exact quantity of goods at the price shown on the packaging.
3. Prevents Sale of Illegal Goods
Any illicit or unethical trading activities must be within the jurisdiction of the Legal Metrology Act. The purpose of this legislation is to guarantee the authenticity of all packaged goods business transactions and that India complies with the Legal Meteorology Act.
4. Saves Costs and Time
A legal metrology certificate for import also known as a legal metrology license for import, includes all the details on the weights and characteristics of packed goods. When clearing customs for packed goods saves a ton of time. The legal metrology certificate for import expedites the customs procedure, prevents needless delays, and spares against fines. Thus, Saving money and time on imports.
5. Builds Trust between Seller and Buyer
Consumers are always looking to buy goods that fulfill the legal metrology act registration requirements listed on the packaging. Customer satisfaction is met when things are accurately weighed and measured by a reliable authority. Customers trust legal metrology license-certified providers because of this.
Eligibility Criteria for Legal Metrology Registration Online
LMPC registration makes sure that businesses follow legal metrology guidelines and requirements. In order to be eligible for Legal Metrology Registration online, there are several aspects that must be satisfied as well as kept in mind. Some of the crucial aspects are mentioned below-
Documents Required for Legal Metrology License Online
The documents required for a legal metrology license that are to be attached while applying legal metrology license online are as follows:
- Application Form
- Proof of Business Legal Entity
- Address and Identity Proof
- PAN Card
- Trade License
- Business Site Plan
However, the submission of several more documents is also required in order to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the organization. For the most part, these IDs and Proofs are exclusive to each state government.
A birth certificate, an NOC (No Objection) from the board in charge of pollution or another body, an official building design, and many other papers might be included in this category. Only after submitting these documents will the legal metrology license certificate be issued.
Application Process of Legal Metrology Act Registration
This Step by step-by-step guide on how you can apply for a Legal Metrology Act Registration online is as follows:
Step 1: Submission of Application for a Legal Metrology License
Sending your legal metrology license application to the appropriate district office of the Legal Metrology Department in your state is the initial step toward a legal metrology license certificate. The application is submitted with all the information that needs to be completed. Make sure the information is accurate to prevent delays or rejections of the registration process.
Step 2: Submission of Documents
You will have to submit copies of all required paperwork for legal metrology license certification. A comprehensive list of these documents has already been covered. For a hassle-free procedure, make sure they are filed in their accurate and updated formats.
Step 3: Submit the Legal Metrology License Fees
As directed by the appropriate authorities, proceed with paying the required legal metrology license costs. It's crucial to make sure you have the precise amount on hand, accounting for any fluctuations in processing fees for obtaining the legal metrology certificate.
Step 4: Application Review
Your legal metrology license application will undergo a thorough assessment procedure when it is submitted, which will be supervised by the director of legal metrology of the respective area. Keep an eye out for email alerts that will let you know if your application was approved or denied.
If incomplete applications are found to include errors or omissions, they will be quickly returned to you for correction within a period of seven days. Therefore, the legal metrology license application for registration must be applied within the specified time.
Step 5: Inspection of Premises
An inspector will be assigned to perform an on-site examination of your premises if your application passes the first evaluation. The goal of this inspection is to make sure that your packing and weighing procedures meet the regulatory requirements of legal metrology registration under Legal Metrology Act 2009.
Step 6: Submission of Inspection Report
The designated inspector will provide a thorough report outlining everything they discovered while doing the examination. Recommendations for enhancements aimed at achieving or preserving compliance with legal metrology standards can also be included in this report.
Step 7: Legal Metrology License is granted
Your application will go forward for the issuing of the legal metrology license based on the inspection report and your proven conformity with the Legal Metrology Act and Rules. After being accepted, the license is granted, and you will get your legal metrology license certificate, which gives you the right to legally package and sell your goods in compliance with the set guidelines.
Penalty under Legal Metrology Law in India
The penalty under legal metrology law in India involves both fines and imprisonment if it does not comply with the provisions mentioned in the said law. This list of penalties under legal metrology law is as follows:
- Penalty for use of non-stranded weight and measure a fine up to Rs 25,000/- and subsequent offence shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term that may extend to six months or both.
- Penalty for alteration of weight and measure a fine which may extend to Rs 50,000/- and in case of subsequent offence shall be punishable with an imprisonment minimum six months and may extend up to one year or both
- A penalty for manufacturing non-standard weight or measure is a fine of up to Rs 20,000/-, and for the subsequent offence, it shall be punishable with imprisonment for up to three years or both.
- The penalty for the non-production of documents is a fine that may extend up to Rs 5000/-, and for the subsequent offence, it shall be imprisonment for a term that may extend to one year or more or both.
- A penalty for publishing non-standard units is a fine that may extend up to Rs 10,000/-, and the subsequent offence shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term that may extend up to one year or both.
Mandatory Declarations on Pre-Packaged Commodities in India
Important guidelines for declarations on pre-packaged goods in India are provided by the Legal Metrology (Packaged goods) Rules, 2011. These statements fulfil several functions, such as providing transparency, customer information, and product legitimacy. For your convenience, this registration under Legal Metrology Act 2009 needs to fulfil the mandatory declarations as given below:
1. Details about the Manufacturer, Packer, or Importer
The name and address of the Manufacturer, Packer, or Importer must be clearly displayed on every box. This promotes trust and responsibility by making sure customers can easily identify the product's source.
2. Common or Generic Name
The phrase that most consumers use to identify pre-packaged goods is their common or generic name. Food products in packaging could be called "biscuits" or "cookies," for instance.
3. Net Quantity
The amount of the commodity within, stated in common weight, measure, or number units, must be clearly stated on the box. A biscuit packet, for instance, may say "200 grams" or "10 pieces."
4. Month and Year of Manufacture
This information helps customers determine if a product is suitable for use or consumption and how fresh it is.
5. Maximum Retail pricing (MRP)
This ensures pricing transparency by indicating the maximum price at which the merchant is permitted to lawfully sell the goods to customers.
Legal Metrology License Renewal Online
Legal Metrology Licenses must be renewed periodically through the Legal Metrology License Renewal Online procedure to ensure businesses remain compliant with legal metrology laws and regulations. Recently, the renewal process has been simplified, making it more efficient and hassle-free.
The online renewal process involves preparing the required documents and submitting them along with the renewal fee to the concerned authorities. Additionally, businesses must update any changes in their operations during the renewal process.
It is important for businesses to stay vigilant in renewing their licenses on time through Legal Metrology License Renewal Online to avoid lapses in compliance and potential legal penalties.
Exemptions under LMPC Rules
Firms that sell pre-packaged goods in India are excluded or exempted from filing for Legal metrology certificate for import license, under the following criteria as mentioned in the LMPC rules:
- Packages weighing more than 25 kg or 25 litres are not permitted to include cement and fertilizer, which are sold in bags up to 50 kg.
- Packages meant for industrial users (products sent directly from the manufacturer to be used in the railroad, hotel, or medical industries).
Fees for Legal Metrology License Online
The fees for a Legal Metrology License online typically range from 10,000 to 1,30,000, depending on factors such as filing the application and document preparation, excluding various other miscellaneous charges.
Legal Metrology Act Registration Timeline
The timeline for a Legal Metrology Act Registration depends on the state-to-state and the readiness of document preparation, however, given below is the list of timelines for a legal metrology license in India:
- Legal Metrology Packer License-10-15 working days
- Legal Metrology Certificate for Import- 10 working days
- Legal Metrology Manufacturer License-15-20 working days
- Legal Metrology Dealer License-30 working days
Reasons to Trust Fastzeal for Legal Metrology License
At Fastzeal, we empower business ventures with Legal metrology Consultation services, such as registering packaged commodities and legal metrology. We have a team of experts with a wealth of expertise and understanding in the legal compliance and regulatory affairs related to the legal metrology act and rules.
Our professionals are knowledgeable in registration for packaged commodity regulations as well as legal metrology licenses. Their extensive expertise enables them to offer clients well-informed and thorough help during the Legal Metrology Act registration procedure.
Given below is the reason why Fastzeal is the first preference for Legal Metrology Act Registration in India-
Frequently Asked Questions:
No, a legal metrology license issued or renewed under this Legal Metrology Act cannot be sold or transferred.
Pre-packaged commodity refers to any commodity that is placed in a packaging, sealed or not, such that the product within has a predetermined quality.
The benefits of a legal metrology license include avoiding fines and penalties from the government, improving customer trust, and expanding market prospects.
Section 11 of the Legal Metrology Act is about the prohibition of quotation, etc., other than in terms of standard units of weight, measure, or numeration.
Any individual or entity dealing with weighing and measuring instruments can apply for a legal metrology license certificate as such businesses must obtain such license as per Legal Metrology Act,2009.
Some of the major powers of legal metrology are inspection & verification, seizure & confiscation, prosecution, imposing penalties, consumer protection, etc.
The significant purpose of the Legal Metrology Act is to establish as well as enforce standards pertaining to weights and measures. In addition to this, it regulates trade and commerce in weights, measures, as well as other goods.
In order to acquire a Legal Metrology Packing License in India, interest business ventures need to proceed ahead with applying for packing license registration with the concerned department of legal metrology.