Legal Metrology

The necessity of imposing Legal Metrology laws which deal with units of weights and measures comes on the method of weightmeant and measurement, weighing and measuring instrument with regards to the mandatory technical and legal requirement having an object of ensuring public guarantee to secure the interest of the consumer and provide accuracy in weighing and measurement. The laws are important to ensure uniform enforcement related to the matter in Legal Metrology throughout the entire country. The government has elected various laws such as: Competent Authority to Grant a Licensing As per the Legal Metrology Laws, rules, and regulations the “Controller” of the Legal Metrology department is the competent official to grant the licence to the manufacturer, dealer, importer or packer of the commodity. However, the application for a licence should be submitted to the inspector of Legal Metrology who will inspect the application thoroughly and after the completion of such inspection by the Legal Metrology officer, he will forward the application to the controller of legal metrology with the recommendations for consideration. The Legal Metrology department conducts LMPC inspection of quantity and error in packages on various intervals. Importance of Legal Metrology in Case of MRP Many of us are not aware of the MRP or price a dealer can charge from us and due to the non-awareness, many people become a victim of fraud. So it should be known by every consumer whether a dealer can charge legally more than the maximum retail price mentioned on the package or not. It is very much important to be aware of the MRP Price written on the pre-packed commodity and here it is pertinent to mention that no dealer can charge more than the prescribed price or on the package. If in any case, any dealer is doing so he’s committing an offence for which he can be prosecuted. As Per the Legal Metrology Laws, What are Pre-Packaged commodities? Any commodity which is placed in a package without the purchaser being present of whatever nature whether sealed or not so that the product contained therein has a predetermined quantity is prepacked as per the Legal Metrology. How to know whether the weights are measures are standard or not? It is very much important for the consumer to ensure that weights and measures are standard or not. Every consumer needs to be aware that every weight and measure is manufactured as per the specification of the model laid down by the Government of India. As we know that the weights and measures used by the traders are verified and stamped by the inspector of the legal metrology department and such verification is verified in stamp only. After the completion of the verification with a seal for enforcing the integrity of the stamp of the inspector and quarter in which it is verified can confirm whether it is a standard weight or measure or not. Selling or dealing in non-standard units is an unlawful activity and the same is punishable under the legal metrology laws. Calibration under Legal Metrology Calibration refers to the operations which are necessary for determining the value of the error of weights and measures. Also, it is necessary for the followings: Verification and Stamping of the capacity of the vehicle tank or Its compartment or any equipment, etc. Calibration is to determine other metrological properties of such weights or measures which includes the actual fixing of the position of gauge marks or scale marks may also be carried out to permit the use of weights or measures as a standard. Competent Authority to Grant Registration to Manufacturer The competent authority to grant the LMPC registration to the manufacturer, Packer, dealer of package commodities is the controller of Legal Metrology. He’s the one who registered the manufacturer, Packer, importer of the package commodities and provide them the same to deal in the Indian market with the consumer without conducting any fraud and ensure the compliances of the rules and regulations of the act. Mandatory Requirements while Purchasing Imported Items There are several requirements that have to be done by the purchaser or consumer while purchasing any imported items. The mandatory LMPC declarations required on a package which have been imported at every level for sale are given below: Items on which LMPC Rules and Not Applicable There are several items on which Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules, 2011 are not applicable all such items are given below: In all the above-mentioned items the Legal Metrology Packaged Rules 2011 are not applicable. As per Legal Metrology Laws can a person sell or use unstamped weights and measures? As per the Legal Metrology laws, no person is allowed to sell unstamped weights or measures. It is not allowed to be sold or offered, exposed or distributed for sale or use in any transaction or protection unless it has been verified and is stamped, and a licence obtained by a legal metrology officer/ department. Penalty for unverified weights and measures Every consumer should be aware of the penalty which can be imposed on the manufacturer, importer, packer, seller, or dealer of the commodity if he fails to get the weights or measures verified or re-verification on due time. Also the Central Govt. has graded the penalty under Legal Metrology. Any person who did not present any weights or measures for verification or re-verification, omits or fails without any reasonable cause to do so shall be punished Where a consumer can file a complaint under the legal metrology? If any violation of the laws and rules has been committed by any manufacturer, dealer, or Packer of the commodity then a consumer may file a complaint to the office of the followings: Comptroller of legal metrology, or Assistant controller of legal metrology, or In the office of the inspector of legal metrology of the concerned jurisdiction, district, subdivision. It is very much important to know that no person can use for commercial purposes any non-verified weights or measures and he is allowed only to use weights and measures which are duly verified and

To protect the interests of the consumer, the legal metrology department plays an important role. Sometimes, protecting the consumer becomes quite difficult when the consumer is not aware of the product and its rights. To stop the fraud with the consumer, the legal metrology department conducts various awareness programs and workshops in favour of the buyer where it tells the consumer about the product packages of commodities, LMPC declarations on package, and other mandatory things for the consumer to spread awareness among the consumer and to teach them about legal metrology and their rights while purchasing the commodity from the market, through online mode, or from e-commerce websites. The Central Government has graded the penalty under legal metrology and the department also laid down certain rules and regulations for e-commerce websites to comply with so that no fraudulent activity will take place with the consumer through e-commerce websites as well, also the legal metrology department has served the notices to e-commerce firms . Awareness program of consumer protection by Legal Metrology in MP Consumer Awareness by Legal Metrology Department

The Legal Metrology department plays an important role in the Indian market as it protects the interests of the consumer and provides the authority to the manufacturer, dealer, and importer of the commodity to deal in the Indian market. Legal Metrology for business also plays an important role. The Legal Metrology department places various roles and has numerous functions with the aim of preventing fraud and protecting the interests of the consumer. It does various activities by following all the rules and regulations of the act. In this article, we are going to discuss the act, rules, aims, objectives, activities, and functions of the Legal Metrology department. Governing Acts for Legal Metrology Department The department is a statutory organization functioning under the governing act and rules, which are as follows: All the above-mentioned acts and rules have laid down the guidelines for the department and the general public, including consumers at large, to follow a standard pattern. The department is concerned with the implementation of the provisions of the central act and the various rules framed thereunder. Central Act for Legal Metrology Department The statutory functions of the Legal Metrology department The statutory functions of legal metrology departments are given below: Control of Legal Metrology Department The Legal Metrology Department has control over the manufacturer, dealer, or seller of weights and measures, and measuring instruments should be done by issuing a license to them. Further, the Legal Metrology Department has control over the following: Trader A trader is the user of weights and measures, weighing and measuring instruments who has registered or is interested in registering himself with the department. Dealer A dealer is a person who deals with weights and measures, weighing and measuring instruments, who have to apply to the department in the prescribed form department and is issued with the LMPC license by the department to deal with the weights and measurements, weighing and instruments under the act. Weights and Measures Every type of metric weight, measure, weighing, and measuring instrument through Repairer A repairer is a person who repairs weights and measures, weighing and measuring instruments and has to apply to the department in the prescribed form and is issued a LMPC license by the department to carry out the repair work of weights and measures, weighing and measuring instruments. Offender Printed declarations on the package of commodity The pre-packaged commodities are not packed in the presence of the consumer. Therefore, according to the standards of weights and measures packaged commodity rules 1977, there is a need for consumers to be aware about LMPC declarations that every package should bear the following printed on it: Suggestions for the Legal Metrology department

The headquarters of Legal Metrology is situated in Delhi, but the offices of the Legal Metrology department are situated in every state of the country. There are several offices in each state of the country where the consumer can file a complaint and the manufacturer, packer, importer, or dealer of the commodity can apply to obtain the LMPC certificate, LMPC registration, and LMPC license. Applicants can also apply for the renewal of the license at the offices of the Legal Metrology department of their jurisdiction or at the office in whose jurisdiction the manufacturing unit is located. Structure of Legal Metrology Office in Goa Address Jurisdiction under control   The assistant controller, legal metrology, north zone, second floor, tourist shopping complex, pin code 403507, telephone number 2256311 With Hqs. As Mapusa (North Zone) has jurisdiction over the Talukas of Bardez, Pernem, Bicholim, and Satari. The Assistant controller, legal metrology, H.O. central lab packaged commodities office of the Comptroller, legal metrology, Near the municipal garden, Diogo does Couto Road, Panaji-Goa. pin code 403001; telephone number 2421037 With Hqs. as Panaji (central laboratory/packaged commodities) having jurisdiction over the whole state of Goa, The system controller of legal metrology, central zone, Neugui building, Mala, Panaji, Goa. 421037 With Hqs. as Panagi (central zone) having jurisdictionbf over the talukas of Tiswadi and Ponda, The assistant controller, legal metrology of the South Zone, Char Rasta, opposite Konkan railway station, Margao-Quepem Road, Navelim, Margao-Goa. Pin code number 403601 Telephone number 270-3859 With Hqs. As Maegao (South zone), having jurisdiction over the talukas of Salcete, Quepem Sanguem, Canacona, and Mormugao. Assistant Controller and Inspector under Legal Metrology, Goa The above-mentioned offices have control over the weights and measures, the packaging of the commodity, trader, offender, manufacturer, importer, dealer, repairer, etc. Department of Legal Metrology Goa: Legal Metrology Consultancy

As we are all aware, the central government plays an important and major role in the legal metrology department and it holds the entire system in the country. The central government keeps on trying to make the best decisions in favor of the consumer to protect their rights and interests and to stop the fraudulent activities in the Indian market by any business, manufacturer, importer, or packer of commodities. To keep the best compliance and to secure the interests of the consumer in a better way, the central government tries to amend the act in a better form so that it can be implemented entirely and bring the best result. Likewise, recently, the central government has amended legal metrology packaged commodity rules (2011) by keeping the consumer’s interest in mind. In this article, we are going to provide you with information about the amendments that have been made by the central government in the legal metrology packed commodities rules 2011. Importance of Legal Metrology for business and compliance of the act by business is mandatory for the interest of consumer. Amendments in Legal Metrology (packed commodities) rules 2011 The amendments introduced by the central government under the act are given below: Importance of amendment in Legal Metrology (packed commodities) rules 2011 Legal Metrology consultancy for declarations on packages Conclusion Most of the time, it happens that certain people do not understand the entire declaration part of the commodity because it is not understandable to them due to some technical words or some abbreviations, etc. Considering this fact, the central government has made the amendments so that the open MRP will be known to the consumer, which will be inclusive of all the taxes on the commodity. Also, this will give the consumer an idea of the weight and quantity of the commodity. They will even have the right to check the weight of the commodity and get information about the weight written on the package of the commodity and the weight available inside the package of the commodity. The Central government has introduced the amendments totally in favor of the consumers so that even if the consumer is not literate, he will get the proper information about the commodity merely by going through the declarations. It has simplified the declarations as much as it can be just to protect the interests of the consumer and make it easy for the consumer to pay right for the right commodity. Introduction As we are all aware, the central government plays an important and major role in the legal metrology department and it holds the entire system in the country. The central government keeps on trying to make the best decisions in favor of the consumer to protect their rights and interests and to stop the fraudulent activities in the Indian market by any business, manufacturer, importer, or packer of commodities. To keep the best compliance and to secure the interests of the consumer in a better way, the central government tries to amend the act in a better form so that it can be implemented entirely and bring the best result. Likewise, recently, the central government has amended legal metrology packaged commodity rules (2011) by keeping the consumer’s interest in mind. In this article, we are going to provide you with information about the amendments that have been made by the central government in the legal metrology packed commodities rules 2011. Importance of Legal Metrology for business and compliance of the act by business is mandatory for the interest of consumer. Amendments in Legal Metrology (packed commodities) rules 2011 The amendments introduced by the central government under the act are given below: Importance of amendment in Legal Metrology (packed commodities) rules 2011 Legal Metrology consultancy for declarations on packages Conclusion Most of the time, it happens that certain people do not understand the entire declaration part of the commodity because it is not understandable to them due to some technical words or some abbreviations, etc. Considering this fact, the central government has made the amendments so that the open MRP will be known to the consumer, which will be inclusive of all the taxes on the commodity. Also, this will give the consumer an idea of the weight and quantity of the commodity. They will even have the right to check the weight of the commodity and get information about the weight written on the package of the commodity and the weight available inside the package of the commodity. The Central government has introduced the amendments totally in favor of the consumers so that even if the consumer is not literate, he will get the proper information about the commodity merely by going through the declarations. It has simplified the declarations as much as it can be just to protect the interests of the consumer and make it easy for the consumer to pay right for the right commodity.

To keep yourself away from the legal metrology dispute, it is necessary to work as per the guidelines provided by the Indian legal metrology system. Every manufacturer or importer or packer of the commodity needs to get the LMPC registration and the LMPC certificate to deal in the pre packaged commodities or weights and measures. Central Government Graded Penalties Offenses under Legal Metrology Union Minister on decriminalization of offenses under Legal Metrology States provide suggestions for decriminalization of offenses under legal metrology

The Legal Metrology Department Conducted Raids Across Goa Power of Legal Metrology Department The inspection by Legal metrology officer can be conducted anywhere in their respective state. Each state in India has a legal metrology office that takes care of legal metrology compliance in their respective state by every manufacturer, packer, seller, or dealer of pre-packaged commodities, weights, and measures. Any person who can be a consumer can make a complaint against the business, manufacturer, importer, or dealer of a commodity in the case of any default. Powers given to the legal metrology officer are given below. Current Raids Conducted by Legal Metrology Department In recent days, legal metrology has become hyperactive in checking the complaints made by consumers against businesses. The COVID period in the world has changed the pattern of buying and selling of commodities, and it has increased the rate of online buying and selling of commodities by a huge amount. Everyone in today’s time prefers to do online shopping. On the other hand, the passage of time has also increased the rate of fraud and cheating committed by businesses against consumers. To reduce the amount of fraud by businesses and to protect the interests of the consumer, the legal metrology department has taken various actions and conducts the raid as well as surprise inspections. Conclusion The legal Metrology department helps in protecting the rights in interests of the consumer and also ensures the growth of the business so that the proper coordination in the Indian legal metrology system in regards to the Indian market will be maintained and no fraudulent activity will take place.

The responsibility and power of a legal metrology officer is to conduct the inspection of quantity and error in packages at the premises of the wholesale dealer or retail dealer. The wholesale dealer and retail dealer of the prepacked commodity shall comply with all the legal metrology packaging rules and regulations as per the Indian legal metrology system. LMPC Registration and the LMPC certificate online, LMPC License shall be obtained by the manufacturer, importer, or packer of the commodity. Inspection of Quantity and Errors in Package Inspection can be done in the form of a test in relation to the net quantity contained in a package and shall be carried out at the premises of the retail dealer or the wholesale dealer unless in the following situations. Establishment of the Maximum Permissible Error on Packages To comply with the legal metrology packaging rules the maximum permissible error in relation to the product shall be in accordance with the Legal Metrology Act. While establishing the maximum permissible error in relation to the net quantity of the commodity contained in the package, due account shall be taken of the following, which may lead to a variation in quantity, such as: Deceptive packages to be Repacked or, in Default, to be Seized Conclusion Ultimately, it is important for the wholesale dealers or retail dealers to comply with the rules and regulations laid down under the act to keep themselves away from legal metrology disputes. The Legal Metrology officer has a right to inspect the unit of the retail dealer or the wholesale dealer as and when required, or on the complaint of any consumer or citizen of India. The ELT Legal Metrology consultancy helps the wholesale dealer and retail dealer get through the rules and regulations of Legal Metrology and fulfill all the compliance requirements thereto. There is always a solution to legal metrology disputes in that any manufacturer, dealer, importer, or packer of the commodity in the legal metrology dispute may consult the legal metrology consultancy to find out the solution to the legal metrology dispute. It is important for every dealer to take care of the declaration made on the package in relation to the quantity written on the package and the quantity given inside the package.

BIS stands for “Bureau of Indian Standards”. It is a national standard body of India under the department of the followings: The Bureau of Indian Standards is established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 2016, which came into force on October 12th, 2017. It was established for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods and formats to which they are connected. Legal Metrology & BIS Certificate Application for LMPC registration of importer What should be the original document submitted by the applicant? The original document that the applicant needs to submit with this application is given below: What is the procedure for approval of LMPC certificate for an importer? The Process to apply for BIS certification An applicant can apply for BIS certification through the online mode by following the certain steps given below:

It is the primary and major responsibility and power of the legal metrology officer to keep an eye on the acts of the manufacturer, importer, packer, seller, dealer of weights and measures, and pre-packed commodities as per the Legal Metrology packaging rules. Any commodity which deals with any kind of measurement comes under legal metrology, such as The officers of Legal Metrology can inspect the units of any manufacturer or importer anytime as and when required or on the complaint of any consumer or any citizen of the country. The Legal Metrology offices are located in various parts of all the states of the country, and the head office of legal metrology is situated in New Delhi. Who can Inspect under Legal Metrology? Legal metrology has a wider scope, which covers almost everything dealing with the consumer. It is to protect the rights of the consumer and preserve the interests of the consumer. In case of default below mentioned officers can inspect under legal metrology In case of default, the officer may file a complaint accordingly. Even in the last few days, it can be seen that the legal metrology has imposed heavy fines on petrol pumps as it provides a lower quantity of petrol to the consumer. Inspection of Quantity and Error in Package at the Premises of the Manufacturer or Packer Action to be taken on completion of inspection by legal metrology officer Conclusion heading The legal metrology officer has the right to inspect the unit of the manufacturer or packer, and if they are found guilty of any kind of offense committed under the act, they will be charged and action will be taken by the legal metrology officer against the offender. It is advisable for every manufacturer, importer, and packer of the commodity to comply with the rules and regulations of legal metrology as per the Indian legal metrology system.