Do you know there are some products exempted from legal metrology? The Legal Metrology Act, 2009, in India regulates the standards and accuracy of weights and measures, mainly for packed goods. It ensures that consumers receive accurate quantities and helps prevent unfair trade practices. However, not all products fall under the purview of this law. Some items are exempt from Legal Metrology, depending on their nature, packaging, end-use, or target market. This article will elaborate on all details related to products that are exempt from legal metrology.
What Is Legal Metrology & Important For Packaged Products?
Legal Metrology refers to the laws and regulations related to weights and measures in commercial transactions. In India, the Legal Metrology Act assures accurate quantity declarations on packaged goods. This includes the net weight, price, manufacturer details, and date of manufacture.
Importance of Packaged Products:
- Build consumer trust
- Prevents fraud in quantity or price
- Enables fair market practices
- Mandatory for e-commerce listings and offline retail
Without the Legal Metrology Compliance, products can be penalised or even removed from the market.
Which Products Are Exempted From Legal Metrology Regulations In India?
Certain products are not regulated under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. These exemptions are created to decrease the regulatory burden for products that do not pose a significant consumer risk.
| S.No | Product Type | Reason For Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Loose or Unpackaged Items | Not sold in pre-packaged form |
| 2. | Export Only Products | Not intended for sale in the Indian Market |
| 3. | Digital/Downloadable Goods | No physical packaging is involved |
| 4. | Free Samples | Not for commercial sale |
| 5. | Service or Subscription | Not a physical Commodity |
What Are The Legal Metrology Exemption Criteria For A Product?
A product can be exempted from Legal Metrology if it satisfies any of the following conditions:
- Not sold in pre-packaged form
- Exclusively for export
- Provided as a free sample
- It is a digital product with no physical packaging
- Offered as a service or subscription without a tangible product
Are Handmade or Artisan Goods Exempt From Legal Metrology Compliance?
In most cases, handmade or artisan products are not directly exempted from Legal Metrology. If the item is:
- Packaged
- Sold for consideration (money)
You are required to follow all labelling norms; however, if the product is sold loose (e.g., fresh potteries, open handicrafts) or given away as a gift/sample, then it might be exempt.
Does Legal Metrology Apply to Loose or Unpacked Food Items?
No, loose or unpacked food items are generally exempted from the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules. Examples include:
- Fresh Vegetables Sold By Weight
- Open Grain in Local Kirana Stores
- Street Food or Meals
But once the food is packed and sealed before sale, Legal Metrology rules apply.
| S.No. | Loose Item Examples | Legal Metrology Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Tomatoes sold by kg | No |
| 2. | Chips in a sealed packet | Yes |
Are Export Goods Exempt From Legal Metrology Packaging Rules?
Yes, products meant exclusively for export are exempted from Indian Legal Metrology rules. However, two conditions must be fulfilled:
- The label mentions “For export only.”
- The product is not diverted for domestic sale
Exporters still need to follow the packaging rules of the destination country.
Does Legal Metrology Apply To Digital or Downloadable Products
No, digital products are not covered under the Legal Metrology Act. Examples include:
- Software Downloads
- E-Books
- Streaming Subscriptions
Since there’s no physical packaging or weight/volume measurement, they are outside the scope of the Act.
Is Legal Metrology Mandatory For Service or Subscription-Based Products?
No, basically legal metrology is not mandatory for service or subscription-based products, because they do not involve measurable packaged goods:
- Software as a service
- Magazine subscription
- Consultancy packages
Why Choose ELT Corporate For Legal Metrology Compliance And Advisory?
Understanding which products fall under Legal Metrology can get complicated. That’s where ELT corporate makes it simple to process with professional support from start to finish. Here we can help you through:
- Evaluating whether your product is exempt or covered
- Providing the right classification and exemption
- Reviewing the labels and packaging formats for compliance
- Advice on export-specific vs domestic packaging rules
- File necessary declarations and documents
Does Legal Metrology Apply to All Digital Goods?
Certainly not; Legal Metrology does not apply to all digital goods, such as e-books or apps, because they are exempt.
Is Legal Metrology Mandatory For Export Goods?
This may vary, but usually if they are transparently marketed as “For Export Only” and are not sold domestically, in that case, it is not mandatory.
