GET YOUR LEGAL METROLOGY LICENSE

INTRODUCTION:-

The scientific study of measurement is known as metrology. The criteria for the regulation of measuring tools and other measurements are provided by legal metrology. The Department of Consumer Affairs is in charge of legal metrology.

The Legal Metrology License, also known as the Legal Metrology Registration or the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity (LMPC) License, is required by the Metrology Act 2009 for anyone engaged in the sale or distribution of packaged goods, such as the import or export of consumer products or food items. This license is available from the Metrology Department of Consumer Affairs.

Legal Metrology is a set of rules and specifications that control the measuring and weighing equipment used in trade and commerce are referred to as rules. These regulations were put in place to prevent consumers from being duped or misled by incorrect measurements and to support ethical business practices. In terms of specific measures or weights, Legal Metrology establishes weight criteria for commodities delivered and sold in the business sector.

Advantages of an Indian Legal Metrology License:-

Measurement is essential to daily business operations. Transparency in trade and the creation of a balance between producers and consumers are prerequisites for effective commerce. Benefits of obtaining a legal metrology licence include:

• A larger customer base
• Brings down transaction costs
• Obey legal requirements
• Guarantees fair trade
• Items made available to customers
• More favourable government revenue.
• Reduce the possibility of prosecution and punishment
• Removing trade-related technical obstacles

TYPES OF LEGAL METROLOGY LICENSE :-

• MANUFACTURER LICENSE:-  Manufacturer licence applications are submitted to LMI. This licence is good for 12 months.
• REPAIRER LICENSE:- In LRI, applications for repairer licences are submitted. This licence is good for 12 months.
•  DEALER LIECNSE:- Dealer licence applications are submitted to LDI. This licence is good for 12 months.

Indian Legal Metrology License Application Process:-

The registration process is outlined in Rule 15 of the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, which were adopted. The 12th Schedule of the aforementioned Rules details the structure of the cost to be paid, while the 10th Schedule covers the format of the application.

• Application Submission:-
  Submit Forms LM-1 for Manufacturer Licence, LR-1 for Repairer Licence, and LD-1 for Dealer Licence applications, along with any necessary supporting documentation.
• Inspection & Verification:-

The Local Senior Inspector will verify the paperwork and inspect the premises after our specialists have submitted the application form and supporting documents to the authority. The Controller (Licencing Authority) will then prepare a report.

• Obtaining a Licence:-

One must pay the necessary costs when all the stages are finished before you can receive a licence as a manufacturer, repairer, or dealer.

Process for Obtaining a Manufacturer's Licence for Legal Metrology:-

• The applicant must first submit their application in the format indicated (LM-1);
• The application will be sent to the District Nodal Official, who will subsequently forward it to the Inspector (Legal Metrology Officer) based on the location of the company.
• In order to determine the applicant's manufacturing capability and capacity, the Inspector will review the applicant's planned premises and the necessary documentation. The Inspector will then write a report and recommendation, which will be given to the Licencing Authority (Controller);
• If there is a mistake or error in the application, the Inspector, Assistant Controller, or Controller may issue an objection or an inquiry, which must be removed by the applicant.
• The Assistant Controllers will transmit the application, Local Legal Metrology Officer report, and documents to the Controller along with their recommendations;
• The Legal Metrology Manufacturer Licence would be issued in the prescribed format after the fee was deposited & a copy was received in the Controller's Office after the application was examined or inspected and the Controller was satisfied with it and its supporting documentation.

DOCUMENS REQUIRED:-

• Recent photos of the applicant; documentation of identity and address;
• A lease or other proof of ownership for the prospective property;
• Place on a map;
• For a partnership firm, a partnership deed is necessary;
• Model Approval Certificate for the proposed weighing and measuring apparatus, if required under the 2011 Legal Metrology General Rules;
• A list of the equipment;
• A declaration in an affidavit that the applicant will abide by the Controller's instructions and all applicable laws;
• Affidavit stating that the applicant has not been penalized by a court or that there is no active criminal case;
• Copies of the PAN and the GST registration.

Legal Metrology Act Prohibition:-

A person shall not manufacture, repair, or sell, or offer for repair or sale, any weight or measure unless he or she is in possession of a valid LMPC Certificate issued by the Authority.

Provided, however, that a producer does not need a Legal Metrology permit to fix his own weight or measure in a state other than the state of manufacture.

The government of India, Department of Consumer Affairs, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, defines and implements Legal Metrology Standards in India. While the Legal Metrology Act of 2009 has been designed as a model Act under central jurisdiction. Each Indian state has the authority to execute the Act with or without modifications. Furthermore, a few states have passed their own legislation to address the challenges and concerns associated with legal metrology.