WHAT IS LEGAL METROLOGY?
Metrology is the measuring discipline. Legal metrology establishes guidelines for the regulation of measures and measuring devices. Legal metrology, therefore, protects public safety, the economy, customers, and traders, and it is essential to fair trade.
Consumers, traders, government regulators, and enterprises all make choices dependent on measurement outcomes every day. These metrics have an effect on both economic and personal well-being. A kilogram of rice, for example, must be one kilogram and no fewer.
A well-functioning community has confidence in all metrics, as well as accountability for customers, companies, and regulators.
The government's job is to provide society with the tools it needs to build confidence in measurement outcomes so that traders and consumers can make educated decisions. A sound Legal Metrology System supports and facilitates this function.
Legal metrology” refers to the branch of metrology that deals with units of weighment and measurement, methods of weighing and measurement, and weighing and measuring instruments in relation to the mandatory scientific and legal standards aimed at maintaining public assurance in terms of the security and precision of weights and measurements. The theory of measuring is referred to as metrology. Legal metrology applies to the weighting and measuring units and procedures that are governed by laws and regulations.
The Standards of Weight and Measurement Act of 1976 and the Standards of Weights and Measures (Enforcement) Act of 1985 were passed to establish a standardized standard of weights and measures. However, advances in science and technology have resulted in an expansion of the scope of weights and measures. As a result, the Legal Metrology Act of 2009 was passed, replacing the Standards of Weight and Measurement Act of 1976 and the Standards of Weights and Measurements (Enforcement) Act of 1985 in order to standardize weights and measures in trade and industry and keep up with scientific and technological developments. Similarly, the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 (“PC Rules”) is enacted, underlying the rules relating to mandatory declarations on packaged commodities, registrations of manufacturers/packers/importers, provisions relating to wholesale and retail dealers, power of government to inspect the premises, penalty, and so on, which are being amended on a regular basis to ensure that the law remains in force.
PURPOSE:
The aim of Legal Metrology is to provide public assurance about the security and precision of weights and measurements.
• TYPES OF METROLOGY
INDUSTRIAL METROLOGY –
The aim of industrial metrology is to ensure that instruments used across a broad range of industries are working properly. This method of metrology can be used in the manufacture of commercial vehicles, the testing, and construction of airplanes, the use of heavy machines, or even factories that use revolving equipment during the processing of their goods.
SCIENTIFIC METROLOGY –
This branch of metrology is concerned with the organization, creation, and preservation of measurement specifications. As one would predict, scientific metrology is heavily engaged in innovation and emerging technology for sectors such as government, healthcare, and commercial product research.
LEGAL METROLOGY –
Legal metrology is a rather refined form of metrology that is concerned with the dimensions that affect economic transactions. This discipline does not utilize physical methods in the same way as other branches of metrology do. Judicial metrology, on the other hand, relies on the purchasing and sale of products for economic analyses. Ethical metrology may also be seen in the area of law enforcement.
The Legal Metrology Act's Highlights
Product Approval –
According to Section 22 of the Act, approval from the competent authority is needed for the model of weight or measure before producing or importing it.
Section 23 of the Act requires any maker, repairer, and seller to receive a license from the appropriate Controller.
Standard Weights, Measures, and Numbers–
Section 20 of the Act states that every weight or metric imported must adhere to the weight or measurement standards defined by this Act, and the individual importing must register with the Director in the manner specified. Section 4 of the Act requires that any unit of weight or measurement be centered on the Metric System, which is based on the International System of Units.
The regular units of weights and measures are specified in Section 7(1) of the Act as the base unit of weights and measures given in Section 5 of the Act. Section 6 of the Act requires that the base unit of numeration be the unit of the foreign system of Indian numerals, and Section 7(2) of the Act requires that it be the regular unit of numeration. Furthermore, all numerations must be of the decimal form, and the decimal multiples and sub-multiples of the numerals must be of the specified denominations and written in the prescribed manner.
Pre-packaged Commodities Declaration –
Section 18 of the Act requires pre-packaged commodities to carry declaration and details in uniform amounts or numbers in the manner specified.
Verification and Stamping –
Section 24 of the Act states that every weight or metric must be checked before it can be used by the individual who owns or controls it.
Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) –
Section 24(2) of the Act mandates the use of a GATC for the verification of weight or count. If GATC violates some of the rules of this Act, etc., penalties are imposed under Section 37 of the Act.
The following are the different rules established by the Legal Metrology Act:
The 2011 Legal Metrology (General) Rules: The 2011 Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules
The 2011 Legal Metrology (Model Approval) Rules
The 2011 Legal Metrology (National Standards) Rules
The 2011 Legal Metrology (Numeration) Rules
The Rules of the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology, 2011
The 2013 Legal Metrology (Government Authorized Research Centre) Rules
State Legal Metrology (Enforcement) Rules for the Act's Operation, 2009.
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