LEGAL METROLOGY
Metrology is the scientific study of measurement. Legal metrology provides standards for the control of measurements and measuring equipment. Legal metrology is essential for fair trade while also safeguarding the environment, customers, merchants, and public safety.
According to the Legal Metrology Act of 2009, all packaged goods sold or distributed in India must have a Legal Metrology Certificate issued by the Metrology Department of Consumer Affairs, including goods manufactured, exported, and imported, as well as food items and consumer products.
Weights and measures have become more widely used as a result of considerable advancements in weighing and measuring systems brought about by scientific and technological achievements.
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Legal Metrology Act – Overview of Key Rules
1. The 2011 Legal Metrology (General) Rules
Covers 40+ types of measuring instruments including electronic scales, weighbridges, fuel pumps, thermometers, and more. State Government officials verify these instruments using standards and procedures specified in the Rules.
2. Packaged Commodities Legal Metrology Regulations, 2011
Governs labeling of pre-packaged goods. Required declarations include:
- Manufacturer/packer name & country of origin (for imported goods)
- Common/generic name of commodity & net quantity
- MRP (inclusive of taxes)
- Date of import/manufacture/packaging
- Customer service information
3. Model Approval Rules in Legal Metrology, 2011
Specifies requirements for affirmations and declarations on pre-packaged items as per standard figures, governed by the Central Government.
4. National Standards for Legal Metrology, 2011
Defines base units of mass, length, and measurement; classification of standards; and verification intervals.
5. Legal Metrology (Numeration) Regulations, 2011
Provides guidance on how numbers should be written and presented uniformly.
6. Indian Institute of Legal Metrology Rules, 2011
Regulates the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology in Ranchi, which trains legal metrology officers across India. Defines its objectives, course structure, and eligibility.
7. Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centers) Rules, 2013
Governs approval and operations of Government Approved Test Centers (GATCs) for verifying:
- Water meters, fuel dispensers
- Sphygmomanometers, clinical thermometers
- Flow meters, tape measures
- Weighing instruments (accuracy class-IIII/III, up to 150 kg)
- Load cells, weight scales, beam scales
Legal Metrology Registration
Anybody who works with weighing and measuring instruments must register with the legal metrology office. It can be used in the three ways listed below:
- Company Registration: Any business that manufactures, imports, or packages weighable and measurement instruments must register.
- Importer Registration Certificate: Required before exporting or selling weighing and measuring tools in India. Only standardly packed items may be imported.
- Registration of Manufacturers, Importers, and Packers: Packaging and warehouse registration is essential for items covered by Legal Metrology Certification.
For products related to weight and measurement, the LM department requires the following five-step registrations:
- Model Acceptance
- Registration of Packaged Commodities
- Import Permit
- Dealership Permit
- NOC from LM Department
Penalty & Legal Metrology Activity
Anyone who violates Regulations 27 through 31 of the Legal Metrology Rules is liable to a fine of ₹4,000. In the case of a company, each director or responsible person may be held personally accountable.
It's important to understand that all “pre-packed commodities” must be registered under Rule 27. Despite being defined in the Legal Metrology Act of 2009, the application of the term remains ambiguous. Various High Courts and the Supreme Court have tried to clarify the term through judicial precedents, but many businesses still face difficulties in compliance.
Legal Metrology Activity Includes:
- Protecting consumers from dishonest vendors
- Issuing and renewing licenses for manufacturers, repairers, and dealers of weights and measures
- Verification and stamping of measuring instruments
- Conducting inspections, seizures, and raids to control illegal practices
- Implementing Packaged Commodities Rules for mandatory declarations
- Annual certification of all weights, measures, and devices
PCR (Packaged Commodity Rule) 27
Rule 27 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 applies to food, electronics, and both durable and non-durable consumer products. Any person who pre-packs commodities in containers like bottles, wrappers, or tins must register with the Director or Controller of Legal Metrology.
Exemptions
- Packages exceeding 25kg or 25 liters
- Commodities packed for institutional or industrial use
- Bags over 50kg containing agricultural produce, fertilizers, or cement
Documents Required for a PCR Application
To apply for a PCR (Packaged Commodity Rules) Importer or Manufacturer License under Legal Metrology, the following documents are essential:
- Complete warehouse details
- Name of the item and its HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) code
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord of the premises
- Samples of packing materials, slips, stickers, and labels
- Company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA), or Partnership Deed (if applicable)
- Two passport-size photographs of each director or partner
- Proof of the company’s registered address
- Passport-size photo of the director
- Residential proof of the applicant
LEGAL METROLOGY’S GOALS:
When this Act went into effect, the following objectives were established:
To regulate the weights and measurements used in commerce and trade.
To establish and maintain weights and measures standards.
Impose weight, measurement, or numerical constraints on goods makers, sales, and consumption.
To justify the metric system rationally.
FAQ
i. Name and address of manufacturer, packer, or importer.
ii. Generic and popular names of the commodities.
iii. Net quantity in Standard Unit of Weight or Measurement.
iv. Month and year of import/packing.
v. MRP (Inclusive of all taxes).
vi. Phone number and email of the responsible party.
vii. Declarations must be in Hindi or English, printed directly on or securely affixed to the package.
