Legal metrology is the science of measurements and measuring instruments. It deals with the requirements for accuracy and traceability of measurements, and the measurement of quantities such as length, mass, time, electrical current, temperature, luminous intensity, etc.
In many countries, legal metrology registration is mandatory for manufacturers and importers of measuring instruments. This is to ensure that the instruments meet the required standards of accuracy and traceability.
What is Packaged Commodity under Legal Metrology Act?
Packaged commodity refers to the pre-packaged products which are sold to the consumer and the package in which they are sold is the unit of sale. The net quantity of the product is declared on the package in terms of standard unit of weights and measures. The statement of net quantity ensures that the consumer gets what he pays for.
As per the provisions of the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976 (85 of 1976) (“the Act”) and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 (“the Rules”), any person who is engaged in the manufacture, import, packing, sale or delivery of any packaged commodity shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to a penalty if the packaged commodity is found to be not as per the standards specified in the rules.
The punishment for the contravention of the provisions of the Act or the Rules is imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
Documents required to obtain Legal Metrology certificate
Legal Metrology Department is the department which is responsible for maintaining weights and measures standards in the country. The department also issues licenses to manufacturers and dealers of weight and measure instruments.
In order to obtain a Legal Metrology certificate, manufacturers and dealers must submit the following documents:
- An application forms
- A copy of the registration certificate
- A copy of the product approval certificate
- A declaration forms
- A fee as stated
- Address and ID Proof
Once the documents are submitted, the department will conduct an inspection of the premises and the products. If everything is in order, the department will issue the certificate.
Legal compliances under the Legal Metrology Act
As a business owner, it is important to be aware of all the legal compliances that you need to adhere to. The Legal Metrology Act is one such compliance that all businesses need to be aware of.
- The act governs the units of measurement that can be used in trade and commerce, as well as the standards that need to be adhered to.
- Under the act, all manufacture/ dealer / brand owner /importer of plastic product must obtain a license from the department of legal metrology.
- The Legal Metrology license is valid for a period of 5 years and needs to be renewed every 5 years.
- Businesses also need to appoint a designated Legal Metrology Consultant who will be responsible for ensuring that the business complies with the provisions of the act.
Conclusion:
It is also mandatory for any importer or manufacturer of such pre-packaged commodities to obtain a certificate from the Controller or any other officer authorized by the Central Government in this behalf, in the prescribed form and from such person and on payment of such fees as may be prescribed. Feel free to contact ASC Group to obtain Legal Metrology Certificate.
