The Legal Metrology Act governs weights and measurement standards in India. It mandates registration and compliance for manufacturers, packers, dealers, and especially eCommerce sellers of packaged goods. The Act covers packaging rules, national standards, model approvals, and more.

It ensures fair trade practices and protects consumer rights by standardizing packaging and requiring disclosures such as weight, size, and expiry. It is administered by the Legal Metrology Department under the Department of Consumer Affairs in each state.

Mandatory Information on Packaged Goods

• Name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or importer
• Separate declarations if manufacturing and packaging entities differ (not for food items – governed by FSSAI)
• Generic product name
• Maximum retail price (inclusive of all taxes)
• Date of manufacture/pack/import and expiry
• Quantity, ingredients, and customer care details

Prohibitions Under the Act

• Individuals must have a valid LMPC Certificate to manufacture, sell, or repair weights/measures
• Manufacturers can fix their own weights in another state without a separate license
• Though centrally governed, states may adopt or modify the Act. Some states also have their own legal metrology laws.

Key Legal Provisions

• Section 19: Importing weights/measures without LMPC registration is not permitted
• Section 38: Violations may attract fines up to ₹25,000 or up to 6 months’ imprisonment for repeat offences

Rules under the Legal Metrology Act

1. General Rules, 2011: Regulate ~40 types of devices (e.g., fuel pumps, weighbridges, thermometers)
2. Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011: Define packaging and labelling requirements
3. Approval of Models Rules, 2011: Standard for declarations on pre-packaged goods
4. National Standards Rules, 2011: Specifications for base units and verification norms
5. Numeration Rules, 2011: Prescribe how numbers should be written and used
6. Indian Institute Rules, 2011: Govern training and functions of Legal Metrology Institute, Ranchi
7. Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) Rules, 2013: Define private test centres for certain weights/measures (e.g., thermometers, load cells, water meters)

Importance of Legal Metrology

• Regulates trade weights and measurements
• Maintains uniformity in measurement standards
• Controls production and sale of goods by quantity
• Promotes accuracy and consistency in the metric system

Benefits of LMPC Certificate Under the Legal Metrology Act

Reduces Transaction Costs

Inefficient measurement methods waste time and money, impacting both consumers and businesses. They can lead to costly legal disputes, which the LMPC system helps prevent.

Supports Fair Trade

The Act ensures measuring instruments are accurate and compliant with international standards, helping prevent unfair and deceptive trade practices.

Aids Government Revenue Collection

Revenue from excise duties and measurement-related taxes depends on accurate trade measurements. Legal Metrology ensures fair and efficient tax assessment and collection.

Minimizes Technical Trade Barriers

By ensuring measurement accuracy and transparency, the Act reduces technical barriers in trade. This encourages smoother global trade participation and supports domestic economic growth.

Eligibility Criteria for Legal Metrology Registration

• The product and packaging must comply with Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules.
• All necessary documents must be submitted.
• Business licenses required for operations must be provided.
• A fully filled application is essential.
• Details for the registration fee must be included.
• All necessary product information must appear clearly on the package window.

Important Guidelines for LMPC Certificate

• A ₹100 application fee must be submitted with the application to ‘Pay and Accounts Official,’ D/o Consumer Affairs, New Delhi.
• Registration is mandatory only for items listed in the LMPC General Rules.
• Incomplete applications must be returned within 7 days.
• If complete, the LMPC certificate is issued within 10 days by the Controller of Legal Metrology.

Documents Required for Legal Metrology Registration

• LMPC certificate is valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiry to avoid customs issues.
• Renewal applications must be submitted at least 30 days before expiration, along with fees and documents.
• Once approved, a renewed certificate is issued for another 5 years.

LMPC Certificate Exemptions

• Commodities of 10 grams or 10 ml or less
• Agricultural produce over 50 kg
• Fast food packed by hotels or restaurants
• Formulations under the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 1995
• Products above 25 kg or 25 liters (except cement and fertilizers in ≤50 kg bags)
• Goods for industrial or institutional consumers (like airlines, railways, hospitals)
• Goods imported by Government of India departments
• Imports by foreign diplomatic missions
• Goods for personal, research, educational, or exhibition use

Legal Metrology Registration - Procedure

1. Application Drafting – We collect details and draft the application.
2. Review – Zonal officer checks the application for issues.
3. Inspection – An inspector visits the site as scheduled.
4. Recommendation – Inspector gives recommendation based on compliance.
5. Approval or Rejection – Report submitted to Assistant Controller.
6. Compliance Check – Ensures packaging, weights, and measures follow LM Rules.
7. Regulatory Response – Address any updates or objections by authorities.

Track Your Application

• Visit your state’s Legal Metrology portal
• Click the tracking link
• Enter department details and acknowledgment number
• Solve captcha and click submit
• The tracking report will be generated

Who Needs LMPC Registration?

Case 1:

Importers, manufacturers, and packers of packaged goods must register under Rule 27 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. Registration can be done with either the State Controller or Central Director.

Case 2:

For importing weights or measures, Section 19 mandates prior registration with the Director. Violations under Section 38 can lead to a fine up to ₹25,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months.

Why Does a Business Need Legal Metrology Act Registration?

The Legal Metrology Act defines clear rules for selling, packaging, and distributing goods, including guidelines for importing and exporting pre-packaged products. It ensures accuracy in weights and measurements—protecting consumer rights and promoting fair trade.

Businesses that fail to follow these regulations may face heavy penalties, delays in operations, and damage to brand credibility. Registering under this Act helps ensure compliance, builds customer trust, and supports long-term business growth.

Your Partner for Legal Metrology Registration

Although many registrations are now online, the Legal Metrology process still involves both online and offline steps. Our experienced team at Sperso Filings simplifies the entire journey for you.

We assist with:

• Filling and preparing your application
• Coordinating sample product submission
• Submitting documents to the Legal Metrology Department
• Resolving objections or queries, if any
• Providing real-time updates until you receive the certificate

With our end-to-end support, you don’t have to worry about paperwork or delays.

Why Choose Sperso Filings?

• Expert support from start to finish
• Smooth coordination with government departments
• Transparent updates via email or phone
• No hidden steps, no confusion—just efficient registration
• Time-saving service so you can focus on your business