The Legal Metrology Department of India is that department, and it provides the said oversight by issuing LMPC Certificate. LMPC, full form, Legal Metrology packaged Commodities - then act that governs the certification process.

You need to know that you cannot import goods into India without a Legal Metrology Registration Certificate, commonly called a Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity (LMPC) certificate. An LMPC certificate is an import requirement under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules, 2011.

The Act governs trade in goods that are sold or distributed by weight, measure, or number. By defining strict rules and regulations, including for pre-packaged goods, the Act seeks to promote fair trade practices and protect consumer rights.

An LMPC certificate is mandatory for the import of all pre-packaged commodities except the following: Commodities with a net weight or measure of 10 grams or 10 milliliters or less. Agricultural produce in packages of more than 50 kg. Packages containing fast food items packed by a restaurant or hotel.

Under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Legal Metrology is a wing that was established in 2009 that is engaged in monitoring and regulating the manufacturing, importing, and other businesses engaged in weighing and measuring instruments and devices.

Note: Apart from importers, manufacturers and packers of pre-packaged goods also require LMPC certificates.

Product Description

We provide LMPC Legal metrology certification for importers and manufacturing as well.

Legal metrology department verify MRP stickers and grant license.

What is the legal definition of pre-packaged goods?

In legal parlance, the term pre-packaged goods refer to a commodity, which without the buyer being present, is wrapped in a package (regardless of type), whether sealed or unsealed, so that the commodity present therein has a pre-determined quantity”.

Some common examples of such goods include baby food articles, food articles, fuel, cement in bags, fuel, wires, wool, chemicals, etc

Any importer that imports any pre-packed commodities commodity to distribute or sell, then he needs to apply for the packer/manufacturer registration under rule 27 of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011.

Trades engaged with the importation of the pre-packaged goods for sale or distribution are mandated to file an application for the same with the Controller of Legal Metrology in the State. If the application receives the authority’s approval, the LMPC certificate shall be granted to the concerned applicant.

When filing the application, you will need to enclose the given particulars:

Applicant name

Address of the workplace for importing the goods

Common or generic name of the commodity

Common documentation for applying for LMPC certificate

Importer Exporter Code (IEC) granted by DGFT.

GST registration certificate

Applicant’s digital photographs

Address and identification proof

Sample of the label to be affixed on the commodity

Aadhaar of the applicant

Business registration (based on the type of business structure)

Copy of MoA and AoA  (in case of the company falling under the Companies Act, 2013[1])

Depending on the State where the certificate is sought, the following additional documents may be required.

DOB of applicant

Tenancy proof of the premises

Location map of the premises

NOC from the State pollution control board or any such competent authority

The rules provide that the application should be filed within 90 days of the commencement date of import.

Upon receiving the said application, the concerned authority shall conduct the on-site inspection of the importer’s premises. After satisfactory verification, the authority shall register the applicant and accord the LMPC registration.

In case of incomplete information or error, the application will be reverted to the applicant within seven days of its receipt.

 The importance of legal metrology

Metrology is the study of measurements. And legal metrology deals with the units and methods of weight and measurement in relation to mandatory legal and technical requirements. That is the official definition of legal metrology. But what exactly is its relevance in application to pre-packaged goods?

Here’s a simple explanation. When we go to the market, we buy goods that are either sold loose or pre-packed. The loose goods (fruits, vegetables, rice, flour) are weighed in our presence. We can personally determine their quality. We also know the identity of the seller. But when we buy pre-packaged goods, we cannot be sure of the product’s weight, freshness, or safety. Nor do we know the manufacturer. The Legal Metrology Act arms the customer with the information required (weight, quantity, price, expiry date, etc) to make a clear buying decision.

What does Rule 15 of the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 say?

 Rule 15 of the legal metrology (General) Rules, 2011 states about the registration of importers in India.

Any manufacturer who wishes to import any weight or measure must get themselves registered under the Act.

The application should be made to the director.

The application should be made along with the payment of the prescribed fee specified in the 12th schedule at least a month before the import of the specific product.

The registration of an importer remains effective for a period of five years.

Why do importers need an LMPC certificate?

Not having an LMPC certificate or failing to comply with the declaration rules can lead to your imported goods being detained by customs. Given the delays, expenses, and other repercussions of a customs seizure, make sure your importer registration is done before your goods arrive in India.

Rule violations and penalties  

Any violation of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules will invite a fine:    

If any of the provisions of rules 27 to 31 are violated, the fine is INR4,000

For violation of other provisions of these rules for which no punishment has been provided in the Act or Rules, the fine is INR2,000

If you apply for an LMPC certificate after 90 days of the commencement of import, you will be charged a late fee (INR5,000 in Delhi)

The fines might be accompanied by some form of action, especially if it is not the first offense. Usually, it is the manufacturer who is liable. However, if the name and address of the entity mentioned on the label are not preceded by the qualifying words ‘manufactured by’ or ‘packed by’, it is presumed that the name and address belong to the manufacturer and liability will be determined accordingly. Importers must take note of this as they could end up being liable for any violations.

What is legal metrology?

The Department of Consumer Affairs defines legal metrology as “that part of metrology which treats units of weightings and measurement, methods of weightings and measurement and weighing and measuring instruments, in relation to the mandatory technical and legal requirements which have the objects of ensuring public guarantee from the point of view of security and accuracy of the weightings and measurements”.

Is an LMPC certificate mandatory for pre-packaged imports?

Yes, an LMPC certificate is mandatory for those who import pre-packaged commodities for sale and distribution. However, there are a few exemptions. Anyone who imports pre-packaged commodities or goods in India must take LMPC Registration Certificate before importing any pre-packaged goods or commodities in India under rule 27 of Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity rules of the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Who is authorized to grant an LMPC certificate?

The Controller of Legal Metrology in the State and the Director of Legal Metrology at the Centre are both authorized to grant LMPC certificates.

How many days does it take to get LMPC?

It will take approximately 7-10 working days to receive the Certificate. The timeline is tentative and not definite.

Who needs Legal Metrology Packer Registration?

Every Person who imports packaged commodities in India.

Every Person who Imports Weighs and Measures in India

Every Manufacturer and Seller of Packaged Commodities in India.

What are the different types of LMPC certificates?

Registration as an Importer

Registration as a Packer of Goods

Registration as a Manufacturer and Packer of Goods

What are the all documents required to get LMPC?

With the Expert Assistance of Professionals, you don’t need to collect any big set of documents. We only need the following documents to get started:

Certificate of Incorporation, GST Certificate, Import/Export Code, or any other Govt. proof of Address

List of Products manufactured and/or Imported

Copy of Labels

Validity of certificate?

An LMPC registration is valid for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years.

I am a Trader of Food Items and sell them under my label. I have an FSSAI License. Do I need to register as a Packer under Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011?

Yes, you have to register as a Packer if you are packaging goods under your label. Obtaining Packer Registration is another requirement besides an FSSAI license.

For further details contact 

ORNATE QUALITY SERVICES PVT. LTD

E-mail:- dt@ornatequalityservices.com

Mobile:+91 9266333338

www.ornatecertification.com