Legal Metrology Certificate Registration
Legal Metrology means the application of legal requirements to measuring instruments and measurements. In India, all the entities dealing with such instruments must ensure their compliance with the legal metrology standards as per the Legal Metrology Act 2009. This involves obtaining a LMPC certificate, which is a mandatory requirement for those dealing in instruments of weight and measure. To obtain this certificate, you must file an application with the Legal Metrology Department of your respective state.
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Types of License under Legal Metrology
There are not one but many different types of legal metrology licenses in India. For better understanding, we can divide them into two categories: (i) Weight Licenses and (ii) Non-Weight Licenses. Let’s understand each license under these two categories one by one.
A. Weight Category
The legal metrology certificate for weight instruments are explained below:
» Model Approval for W&M Instruments
Model approval is required for weight and measuring instruments. According to Section 22 of the Legal Metrology Act, each weight and measurement instrument must comply with the standards set by the Indian Legal Metrology Department. After that, each product must obtain model approval for sale or distribution in the Indian market while still meeting criteria.
» Importer Registration for Weight and Measurement Instruments
An individual's business must be registered with the Legal Metrology Director in accordance with Section 19 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, if they wish to import weight or measuring instruments. Additionally, the product's label must have a mandatory declaration that includes the country of origin, the name and address of the producer, and other information.
» Manufacturer License
For companies engaged in manufacturing of weights and measures within India, obtaining a manufacturer license for legal metrology is a mandatory requirement. This license must be obtained by the manufacturers from the Legal Metrology Department of the respective state in which the manufacturing facility is located.
» Packer License
LMPC full form is legal metrology packaged commodity. LMPC license is a type of weight and measurement certificate. It ensures that a business complies with the legal standards established for selling and distributing packaged commodities or goods. Without obtaining this license, businesses cannot manufacture, distribute or sell packaged commodities.
» Dealer License for Weights and Measurement Instruments
As per S. 2(B) of LMA 2009, a dealer is an individual who is engaged in direct or indirect buying, selling, supplying, or distribution of weights and measures in exchange of cash or commission. Such an individual must obtain a dealer license. If an individual is engaged in trading of weight and measures, they must also obtain this license.
» Repair License
Obtaining a repair license is a must under Legal Metrology if an individual wants to repair weights and measuring instruments, devices or equipment. To obtain this license, the individual must submit an application to the Comptroller of legal metrology.
B. Non Weight Category
The legal metrology licenses for Non Weight & Measuring (W&M) Instruments are explained below:
» Packer or Manufacturer License
The packers and manufacturers of pre-packaged commodities in India are required to register with the Director of Legal Metrology or Controller under the LMPC Rules 2011. Within 90 days of starting pre-packaging business, the application for the legal metrology registration certificate must be made.
» LMPC Certificate for Import
For individuals and entities engaged in importing pre-packaged goods into India, obtaining the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Certificate for import is mandatory. When a business obtains this certificate, they ensure that the goods are measured precisely and that consumers receive the correct quantity of product.
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Businesses involved in weights and measures must ensure their compliance with the following legal metrology Rules and Acts in India.
The Legal Metrology Acts and Rules
This Act regulates trade and the import of measuring and weighing instruments in India. It establishes standards for weights and measures, and regulates trade and commerce in weights and measures and other commodities that are sold or distributed by weight, measure, or number, and for matters connected to legal metrology.
LM National Standards Rules
These rules came into effect in April, 2011 and they fall under the Legal Metrology Act 2009. They prescribe the specifications for base units of mass and measures, and verification periods for standards.
LM Numeration Rules
The Legal Metrology (Numeration) Rules, 2011, are a set of rules that define that numbers should be written and displayed. According to these rules, numbers must be written in accordance with the decimal system. The international form of Indian numerals must be used, as per these rules.
LM Approval of Models Rules
The approval of models for weighing and measuring tools are regulated by these rules. These rules help in ensuring that only authorized and accurate weight and measure instruments are used in India.
LM General Rules
In India, these regulations set and uphold standards for weights and measures. They define the design, composition, and denomination of meter bars, capacity measurements, and working standard weights. They also contain provisions which require the quantity of a commodity in a packaging to be declared.
LM GATC Rules
These rules define the government approved testing centers (GATCs) for legal metrology purposes. To set up a GATC, you must establish a laboratory according to ISO 17025, get NABL’s accreditation and then apply to the Central Government for recognition. The laboratory must get inspected by the government authorities.
LM Packaged Commodities Rules
The packaging and labeling of pre-packaged goods in India are governed by the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. These regulations are meant to safeguard customers and guarantee that goods are properly labeled with details like quantity, price, and date of expiry.
The Model Draft Legal Metrology (Enforcement) Rules
These are a set of rules defining verification and stamping of weight and measure, re-verification intervals, re-verification after repair or re-installation, etc. According to these rules, a legal metrology officer is required to verify and stamp any weight or measure that has been used in a transaction. In addition, the weight and measure must be re-verified and stamped by the officer at regular intervals.