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Complying with Indian Legal Metrology laws
The main ambition behind the Compliance of Legal Metrology Laws in India is to maintain implementations of the set principles of weights and measurement tools, for following and restructuring Metric Systems, for example, units of meter, kilogram, liter, etc., to regulate business related to trade and commerce of weights and measurement instruments across India, For proper guidelines of Sale, Production and Utilization of goods in accord with standard measurement. Considering the above, businesses that use metrology must follow certain rules and measures and here are some tips on how to ensure compliance with Indian Legal Metrology Laws.
Author: Rajeev Rambhatla Head- Hyderabad, KSK
- Register with the Legal Metrology Department: Any business involved in the manufacturing, packaging, or distribution of goods must register with the Legal Metrology Department. Registration is mandatory, and failure to register can lead to legal action.
- Obtain a License: In addition to registration, businesses must also obtain a license from the Legal Metrology Department to manufacture or pack pre-packaged commodities. The license is issued after verifying the facilities, equipment, and testing methods used by the business.
- Proper Labeling: The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, mandates proper labeling of pre-packaged commodities. The label should contain information such as the net quantity of the product, the name and address of the manufacturer, and the maximum retail price (MRP).
- Accurate Weighing and Measuring: Businesses should use approved weighing and measuring instruments for packaging and selling products. These instruments should be verified and stamped by an authorized agency, and they must be recalibrated at regular intervals.
- Compliance with MRP: The MRP of a product must be clearly indicated on the label and cannot be exceeded. Businesses cannot charge more than the MRP, and any discounts or offers must be clearly stated on the label.
- Periodic Inspections: The Legal Metrology Department conducts periodic inspections of businesses to ensure compliance with legal metrology laws. Businesses must cooperate with the department during inspections and provide access to the premises, records, and equipment.
- Maintenance of Records: Businesses must maintain records of all weighing and measuring instruments, along with their verification and calibration details. They must also keep records of the pre-packaged commodities manufactured, packed, or sold, along with their MRP.
- Penalty for Non-compliance: Non-compliance with legal metrology laws can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The Legal Metrology Department has the power to seize non-compliant instruments and products.
- The name and address of the Packager
- The name and address of the Importer
- The name and address of the Manufacturer
- The name of the country from which the product has originated from
- The Net Quantity of the Packaged Commodities
- The Generic Name of the Commodity being packaged
- Details of the date, month and year of the commodity being pre-packaged, manufactured, and imported
- Best Before or Expiration Date, Month and Year of the commodity
- The Retail Price of the Product
- Details for contacting the Customer Care Support
Author: Rajeev Rambhatla Head- Hyderabad, KSK