Legal Metrology Certification
Introduction :
Legal Metrology Certification in India refers to the certification and approval required for measuring instruments, packaging, and weighing devices to ensure that they conform to legal standards set by the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. It is governed by the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, among other regulations.
The main goal of Legal Metrology certification is to ensure that consumers are not deceived by inaccurate measurements and that the measurements used in trade and commerce are fair and standardized.
What Requires Legal Metrology Certification :
- Weighing and Measuring Instruments: Devices like weighing scales, taximeters, fuel dispensers, and others must comply with the specifications set by the Legal Metrology Act.
- Packaged Goods: Any product that is pre-packaged (like food, beverages, electronics, chemicals, etc.) and is sold in fixed quantities must comply with labelling and packaging standards set by the Legal Metrology Act. The packaging must bear certain information like the manufacturer’s details, price, quantity, and expiry date, among others.
Requirements for Legal Metrology Certification :
- For Weighing and Measuring Instruments:
- Instruments must conform to Indian National Standards (IS) for accuracy.
- Instruments must be tested and verified by an authorized government agency or legal metrology lab.
- Devices should be correctly calibrated and sealed to prevent tampering.
- For Packaged Goods:
- Labelling Requirements: The label on packaged goods must include:
- Name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or importer.
- The net quantity of the product (e.g., weight, volume).
- Price (if applicable).
- Date of manufacture, and expiry date, if applicable.
- Consumer care details (e.g., customer support contact).
- Language: The label must be written in Hindi or English and may also be in other languages, but the mandatory information must be in Hindi or English.
- For Importers:
- Importers need to ensure that the imported weighing and measuring instruments or packaged goods meet the legal metrology standards before placing them in the Indian market.
Penalties for Non-Compliance :
If a business fails to comply with the Legal Metrology Act, they could face fines, legal action, and a ban on the sale of their products. Repeat offenders may face imprisonment as well.
Process of Legal Metrology Certification :
- Prepare Documentation.
- Application Submission.
- Wait for Processing.
- Issuance of Certificate.
How we can assist with Legal Metrology Certification :
- Consultation and Guidance:
- We can help you understand the regulatory requirements based on the type of product you’re dealing with and guide you through the certification process.
- Preparation of Documentation:
- We assist in preparing the required documents such as technical specifications, test reports, and packaging information for submission to the authorities.
- Testing Coordination:
- We can help you connect with accredited Legal Metrology laboratories for testing and ensure that your measuring instruments are compliant with the required standards.
- Application Filing:
- We can assist you in filing the application with the Legal Metrology Department and track the progress of your application.
- Post-Certification Support:
