INTRODUCTION

The legal metrology certificate (LMC), a document issued by the Indian government, ensures the precision with which a product's measurements are taken. Imported items in groups such as weighing or measuring equipment, petrol pumps, and equipment for measuring liquids shall be required. The LMC shall contain information on the product, such as its name, type, class of accuracy, and manufacturer. It is essential to obtain a legal metrology certificate for imports.

LEGAL METROLOGY CERTIFICATE ONLINE

A legal metrology certificate is necessary for all businesses engaged in the production, distribution, sale, packaging, and import of prepared commodities a Packaged Commodities Certificate, also known as an LMPC certificate.

The main reason for the requirement of the Legal Metrology Certificate is to ensure that the packaged commodities comply with the requirements of the 2011 Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules.

BENEFIT OF LEGAL METROLOGY CERTIFICATE

The holder of a legal metrology certificate in India enjoys several benefits, including but not limited to:

• Promotes Import: The registration of legal metrology enables goods to be imported into India more easily, since it indicates that you have completed training in legal metrology.

• Safeguards Consumer Interest: The LMPC ensures that consumers are provided with accurate weights, measurements, and disclosure of important information. This ensures that consumers in India are protected.

• Enhances Goodwill of Business: The LMPC certificate shows that the business complies and is legitimate. This creates a sense of trust in the consumer's mind, which then leads to an improved reputation for the company.

• Saves Time and Cost: The LMPC requires that all essential information on the package itself be made public. This shall include all essential elements of packaged goods, including content, weight, properties, and everything else relevant to packaging. This will save a lot of time in customs clearance for packaged commodities. This will also help to avoid unnecessary delays, speed up the customs process and avoid significant penalties.

TYPES OF LEGAL METROLOGY CERTIFICATE 

Products such as thermometers and weighing machines, which include four different types of legal metrology registration, are covered by the weights and measurements category. These include:

• Model Approval Certificate: Products falling within the category of weights and measurements shall be subject to the model approval certificate issued by the Central Government. To confirm whether it conforms to Indian standards or not, a sample shall be taken for testing at the laboratory.

• Import License: Importers are required to obtain an import license under the legal metrology regime if they want to import weights and measurements. Once the model has been approved, an import license may be applied for. Where the goods are imported, an import license will be issued by the State Government.

• Packaged Commodity Registration: All packaging commodities intended for sale to retail customers shall be subject to the registration of a packed commodity. All relevant information on the packaged products shall be provided by importers and manufacturers. The information shall comply with the guidelines provided for in the relevant rules. Both the Centre and the State Governments shall grant a packaged commodity registration.

• Dealership License: The importer shall obtain a dealer's license from the legal metrology department if he imports products and sells them under the same brand name. The central or State Government, where the company is registered, shall grant a dealership license.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR LEGAL METROLOGY CERTIFICATE 

Required documents for the legal metrology certificate are as follows:-

• Identity and residential proofs such as (Voter ID card, Passport, Aadhaar Card)

• Digital Signature Certificate of the authorized signatory (DSC)

• NDMC/MCD/DDA license for manufacturing, trading, or factory. Suppose the MCD license is not available to the applicant. In that case, the applicant shall submit an affidavit stating that the premises are not located in a prohibited area which may be sealed by the MCD.

• GST registration certificate

• Memorandum of Association (in case of companies) or Partnership deed (in case of partnership firms)

• Import Export Code (IEC)

• Passport-size photographs of all the partners, proprietors, and directors 

• Proof of commercial area

• Packaging material, stickers, slips, and labels that are pasted on the packaged commodities

• Receipt of offences whether challenged or compounded

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A LEGAL METROLOGY CERTIFICATE 

Legal metrology Certificate detailed process:

• Preparing and Filing the Application: You must fill out the application form to request a LMPC import certificate. It should be submitted to the Local Government Unit.

• Submit the Relevant Documents: All relevant documents shall also be submitted when applying for the LMPC certificate. 

• Pay the LMPC Registration Fees: You will pay the legal metrology registration once you have prepared your application and submitted relevant documents, after which the Director of Metrology shall decide whether to approve or reject it. After receiving the application, the legal metrology certificate is issued within 7-10 working days.