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Why is Model Approval Certificate Necessary?

  • February 26, 2024
  • Update date: March 30, 2025
  • Dushyant Sharma

The Legal Metrology Department, as per Section 22 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, necessitates the approval for the weight and measurement products. Model Approval is a certificate which is issued to the manufacturer and importer which approves the weight and measurement products. Model Approval Certificate ensures that the product is as per the metrological standards in India.

According to the Section 22 of the Legal Metrology Act, the manufacturer or importer is required to obtain the model approval certificate from the Central Government’s Department of Legal Metrology under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution which is located in Delhi. It is considered illegal to sell or use or manufacture or import any kind of weight or measurement without a valid approval model. 

What is a Model Approval Certificate?

A Model Approval Certificate is a document issued by the Legal Metrology Department as a proof for having certified that a model has been thoroughly tested before getting approved, and that it meets the criteria regarding the quality and performance. This certificate’s purpose is to provide assurance that the model is considered safe and effective for use in a production environment.

Who Needs Model Approval Certificate?

Manufacturers and importers of weighing and measuring products are required to get model approval certificate from the Legal Metrology Department of the central government. 

Importers who are engaged in selling these products in the market are also required to obtain a dealer license. However, an importer who only imports but does not engage in direct sales may not require a dealer license. Regardless of the dealership status, securing a model approval certificate is mandatory for all importers of weighing and measuring products. 

The process and details about the model approval is stated under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. This certificate has to be obtained by the manufacturer or the importer while dealing in the Indian legal metrology.

Section 22 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 states that every person before manufacturing or importing any type of weight or measure shall seek the approval of the Legal Metrology Department located in Delhi. In order to obtain a model approval certificate of weight and measure, the applicant has to pay a prescribed fee which is stated by the concerned authority.

Why is it Necessary?

It is necessary to get a certificate of model approval for many reasons. Above all, this certificate aids in guaranteeing that the model is appropriate for use in a production environment and considered safe. This is especially crucial for sectors like healthcare, banking, and transportation where a model inaccuracy could have dire consequences.

A certificate of model approval can also contribute to the model's increased credibility and trustworthiness. It provides the stakeholders the reassurance that the model meets certain quality and performance standards and has gone through thorough testing and validation.

Building trust with the clients is especially important when implementing a model in an application that interacts with them. By obtaining model approval certificate, legal and regulatory risks are reduced.

It serves as an evidence in the event of model error as it ensures that the company has taken precautions to guarantee that the model is secure and reliable, which can assist in shielding it from legal action or regulatory penalties.

Conclusion 

It is a crucial step to obtain a model approval certificate if you are an importer or a manufacturer. The certificate helps to ensure that the models used in production environments across various sectors are considered safe and effective for usage.

Individuals or entities wanting to obtain this certificate can increase their chances of obtaining it by rigorous testing as well as validation process. To further increase the chances, they should consider factors such as regulatory requirements, quality of the data, model explainability and model maintenance.

If you need help in obtaining Model Approval Certificate or LMPC certificate, the Registrationwala team would be happy to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1. What can lead to suspension of the model approval certificate?

A. Model Approval Certificate can be suspended in the following cases:

(i). A Director can suspend a Model Approval Certificate in case any failure/omission is found on the part of the holder of such certificate.

(ii). If any certificate has been suspended under the sub-rule (1), the submission order shall not be vacated unless the error which led to suspension is fixed.

(iii). Where the certificate of model approval has been suspended under sub-rule (1), an inventory of the existing stock shall be made by the Controller of Legal Metrology of the Concerned State. Such Controller will also ensure that there is no further sale unless the Director revokes the suspension of the Certificate of Approval.

Q2. Which items do not require Model Approval?

A. Model Approval is not required for brass, bullions, carat weight, midscale, length measures (not measuring tapes), items which are ordinarily used in retail trade for measuring textiles or timbers, capacity measures (Not exceeding 20 liters incapacity) and items ordinarily used in retail trade for measuring kerosene, milk, or postal liquors.

Q3. Under what conditions can the Model Approval Certificate get canceled?

A. The following conditions can lead to the rejection or cancellation of Model Approval Certificate:

(i) The previously approved model is no more specified in the rules made under the Act.

(ii) There are errors or shortcomings in performance of the model.

(iii) If the model's approved design and circuit diagram were willfully altered by the manufacturer or any other person.

(iv) The manufacturer violates the terms of the approval certificate.

(v) If the model does not meet the requirements established by the authority.

Q4. What is the drawback of not having Model Approval Certificate?

A. If a manufacturer or importer fails or omits to submit a model of any weight or measure for approval, he shall be punished with a fine which can extend to twenty thousand rupees. In case of second or subsequent offense(s), the Authority can imprison the person for a term which can extend up to 1 year and with a fine.

Q5. Does Model Approval Certificate need to be renewed or is it a one time process?

A. The Legal Metrology Certificate or Model Approval Certificate provided by the Legal Metrology Department is not a one time process. Therefore, the importers and manufacturers are required to apply for renewal every year. This ensures that the model continues to meet the requirements and standards of the Indian legal metrology.


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Author: Dushyant Sharma
Hey there, I'm Dushyant Sharma. With the extensive knowledge I've gained in past 8 years, I have been creating content on various subjects such as banking, insurance, telecom, and all the important registration and licensing processes for various companies. I'm here to help everyone with my expertise in these areas through my articles.

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