The standardization of the weights and measurements is important in order to make the products comparable in weight and size for the consumers. Thus, the importance of fair practices in weights and measurements as well as pre-packaged commodities cannot be undermined. The LMPC Certificate in India lays down explicit requirements relating to the standardisation of the weights, measures, repairs as well as pre-packaged commodities and disclosure requirements.
What is Legal Metrology?
Legal metrology prescribes the standards for measurements and weights. It governs the businesses and trade associated with measurements, weights as well as goods that are sold by weights and measures. Legal metrology establishes the standards for businesses and aims to protect the interests of the customers.
Benefits of LMPC Certificate Registrations
While LMPC certificate is mandatory, it also confers a lot of benefits to the applicant. Following are some of the key benefits of legal metrology registration:
- Preventing Errors: The legal metrology act aims to deter any malpractices associated with manufacturing, selling and repairing of weights without any license. This ensures the protection of consumer interest.
- Deters Illegal Practices: Standardisation of weights also discourages any illegal practices due to the usage of improper and faulty weights and cheating customers by placing harsh punishments for the same.
- Buyer Trust: The businesses that have obtained legal metrology certification often find it easier to gain the trust of their buyers as the buyers feel secure when buying the products from regulated businesses.
- Proper Disclosures: Legal metrology act also requires businesses to ensure complete disclosures on their product packages. This ensures that the consumers are fully aware of the quantities, components and weights/measurements of the product.
- Reduction in Transaction Costs: Inaccurate weights and measures as well as pre-packaged commodities not only harm consumer interest but also act against the interest of the businessmen. Businesses also face loss due to inaccurate measures, thereby increasing the overall transaction costs.
Procedure for Legal Metrology Certificate Registration
The legal metrology registration procedure varies across different categories of applicants. Here’s the procedure for LMPC registration for different categories of businesses:
Manufacturers of Measures and Weights:
- A person desirous of obtaining registration for manufacturing of measures and weights shall make an application in Form LM-1.
- The registration application shall be received to the District Nodal Officer who shall then forward it to the concerned Local Inspector based on the address of the firm.
- The local inspector shall conduct an inspection of the premises and scrutinize all the requisite documents.
- The inspector shall ascertain the capacity of the manufacturing facility and prepare a report and provide recommendations to be sent to the Licensing Authority (i.e., the Controller) through the Divisional Assistant Controllers.
- The Assistant Controllers shall scrutinize the application, Local LMO reports and the documents that shall be forwarded to the Controller along with proper recommendations.
- The applicant shall address the objections or queries raised by the local inspector, assistant controller or controller.
- The controller shall scrutinize the application and if found suitable, shall grant the license.
- The applicant shall deposit the required fees following which the license shall be issued in the prescribed format.
Dealers of Measures and Weights:
- Any person desirous of obtaining a license as dealer of measures and weights shall apply in Form LD-1
- The registration application shall be received by the District Nodal Officer who shall then forward the same to the respective Local Inspector based on the address of the firm.
- The local inspector shall conduct an inspection of the premises and scrutinize all the required documents.
- The inspector shall ascertain the premises and prepare a report and recommendation to be sent to the Assistant Controller through the Divisional Assistant Controllers.
- The Local Inspector or Assistant Controller shall raise objection or query in case there are significant shortcomings. The applicant shall address the objection or query and remove the same.
- The applicant shall pay the requisite fees following which the Assistant Controller shall issue the license if it is complete in all respects.
Repairer of Measures and Weights:
- Any person willing to obtain registration as repairer of weights and measures can apply for the same in Form LR-1.
- The registration application shall be received by the District Nodal Officer who shall then forward the same to the respective Local Inspector based on the address of the firm.
- The local inspector shall conduct an inspection of the premises and scrutinize all the required documents.
- The inspector shall ascertain the premises and prepare a report and recommendation to be sent to the Assistant Controller through the Divisional Assistant Controllers.
- The Controller shall constitute a 3 member committee to scrutinize and test the competence and capability of the applicant to repair measures and weights. The committee should prepare a report and send it to the Assistant Controller
- The Assistant Controller or Local Inspector shall raise objection or query in case there are significant shortcomings. The applicant shall address the objection or query and remove the same.
- The applicant shall pay the requisite fees following which the Assistant Controller shall issue the license if it is complete in all respects.
Documents Required for LMPC Certificate Registration
The following are the documents required for LMPC registration in India:
- Applicant identity and address proof
- Photograph of the applicant
- Address proof of the registered office, warehouse or factory, including rent or leave and license agreement
- Product details including HSN code
- Import export code if applicable
- Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association or partnership deed
- GST registration certificate, if applicable
- Any other details as may be required
Must Check: Key Registrations to Start an Import Export Business in India
How Exim Advisory Can Help You in Obtaining Legal Metrology Certificate for Import in India?
In case you are willing to obtain legal metrology registration, then Exim Advisory can help you with end-to-end support for legal metrology registration. Here’s how:
- Gathering of all the documents for registration under legal metrology
- Filing the application for legal metrology certification
- Liaising with the authorities for the resolution of any objections or queries
- Post-registration compliances for legal metrology registration
- Assistance in the maintenance of records and information for any future assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is legal metrology in India?
A: Legal Metrology Act was passed by the government to bring standardization in weights and measurements to protect the consumer interest. It requires the manufacturers, dealers and repairers of weights to obtain legal metrology registration. Further, it also regulates the disclosures and other aspects of pre packaged commodities.
Q2: Who needs a legal metrology certificate?
A: Legal metrology certificate is required by any person who is engaged in manufacturing, importing or packaging of weights and measures or in the business of pre packaged commodities.
Q3: Can I deal in weights and measurements without obtaining legal metrology license?
A: No. It is mandatory to obtain legal metrology license to deal in weights and measurements whether as a manufacturer, importer, dealer or repairer.
Q4: Can a person sell or use unstamped measures or weights?
A: No. Measures and weights cannot be used or sold without being stamped and verified.