Legal Metrology
The application of legal requirements to measurements and measuring equipment is known as legal metrology.
Introduction to Legal Metrology
The application of legal standards to measurements and measuring equipment is known as legal metrology. It is a division governed under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in India and is a part of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
This division became operational following the notification of the Legal Metrology Act of 2009 on January 31, 2011, and its implementation on April 1, 2011.
The aim of Legal Metrology is to provide the public with a guarantee about the security and precision of weights and other measurements.
Product Categories under Legal Metrology
Legal Metrology Registration scheme involves different types of products which are categorized below
Weights & Measures
All those products which are primarily used for recording measurements such as:
Non-Weight Products
Products other than the weight and measurement equipment such as:
Electronic Gadgets
Various electronic devices and equipment
Consumer Durables
TV, AC, and other durable goods
Non-Durable Goods
Cleaning Products, Cosmetics, etc.
Note: If certain products are offered in the pre-packaged form in the market, their responsible Importer/Manufacturer/Packer must get a packaged commodity certificate from the Legal Metrology Department.
Types of Licenses and Certificates under Legal Metrology
Model Approval under Section-22
For Manufacturers & ImportersA manufacturer or importer of any weight, measure or measuring instrument shall obtain approval of model from the Director of Legal Metrology, GoI.
Process: Testing of the products will take place in any of the authorized RRSL/NPL labs and subsequent test results will be sent to the LM department. The certificate of model approval will be made available once all conditions are fulfilled.
Import License/Registration under Section-19
For ImportersThe individual, firm or legal entity that brings goods of the weights & measures category from a foreign country into the Indian customs territory will require an Import license from the Legal Metrology Department.
Dealership License under Section-23
For DealersA company must obtain this license if they indulged in the trading, buying, selling and distribution of weights and measures.
Repairer License under Section-23
For RepairersA repairer is a person/entity who repairs, adjusts, cleans, lubricates, paints and performs all other maintenance services to ensure that weighing and measuring products comply with the standards of Legal Metrology Act.
Authority: Repairers must apply for a license to the Controller of Legal Metrology of the state under the State Legal Metrology Enforcement Rules, 2011.
Stamping & Verification
Once the applicant obtains all the applicable registrations for their weights and measures products, they can then apply for the verification & stamping of those products.
Definition: Verification is the process of comparing, checking, testing or adjusting a weight or measure to ensure that it conforms to the standard. Before using such products for protection and trading purposes, they must be verified by a legal metrology officer.
Pre-packaged Commodity Registration under Rule-27
Applicable for both Weights and Non-weights Products
Those goods that are offered in the market in a pre-packaged form whether they are intended for use as weighing/measuring products or non-weight products. The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules apply when a product is put in a package of any kind, has a predetermined amount, and was packed without the purchaser being present.
I - Manufacturer & Packers
Entities that manufacture and pack products
II - Importer
Entities that import pre-packaged products
III - Packers
Entities that pack products for retail sale
Label Requirements under Pre-packaged Commodities
The followings are the mandatory declarations required on the label/packaging of pre-packed commodities available for sale in the open market
Legal Metrology Compliance Process
Step-by-step approach to Legal Metrology compliance
Product Classification
Determine if product falls under Weights & Measures or Non-Weight category
License Selection
Choose appropriate license type based on business activity
Testing & Approval
Conduct required testing at authorized labs for model approval
Verification & Stamping
Complete verification and stamping process for compliance
How VINCULAR Can Help
Comprehensive Legal Metrology compliance services for all types of businesses
License Assessment
Determine the right license type for your business
Documentation Support
Complete application preparation and submission
Testing Coordination
Coordinate with authorized RRSL/NPL labs
Model Approval
Handle Section-22 model approval process
Import Registration
Section-19 import license registration
Labelling Compliance
Ensure pre-packaged commodity label compliance
Ready to Achieve Legal Metrology Compliance?
Let our Legal Metrology experts guide you through the licensing and certification process for measurement standards compliance in India.