In India, handmade products like soaps, candles, pickles, or herbal cosmetics fall under the scope of legal metrology rules, 2011, if they are sold in pre-packaged form. Even if you’re a small-scale manufacturer, a white label supplier, or an exporter catering to bulk orders or B2B buyers, you should follow LMPC packaging laws. LMPC registration is crucial for building trust with retail partners to sell their products on online platforms and avoid various penalties. Check out this blog for all the details, including how to obtain the certificate, the required documents, and more.
Why Legal Metrology Applies to Handmade Products?
In India, Legal Metrology regulations apply to all pre-packaged goods, including handmade items. Even if a product is made by hand or manufactured in bulk, it does not exempt it from compliance. If the product is packed in advance, carries a fixed price, and is meant for retail sale, then it falls under the scope of the Legal Metrology Rules 2011. Handmade products, such as soaps, candles, pickles, jewellery, snacks, or crafts, are often sold at fairs, through e-commerce platforms, or in local stores in packaged form. As soon as these goods are wrapped, sealed, or boxed with a label and price, they become subject to labelling and declaration rules under legal metrology.
- Ensures Transparency for Buyers
- Equal Rules for Sellers
- Prevens Misleading Practices
- Mandatory for Online & Exhibition Sales
- Builds Trust & Business Credibility
Do All Handmade Products Require LMPC Compliance?
Yes, products require LMPC compliance, but only if they are sold in pre-packaged form. The Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011 apply to any product that is packed, sealed, and sold with a set quantity and price, whether it’s made by machine or by hand.
What Labelling Requirements Apply To Handmade Products Under Legal Metrology?
| S.No. | Label Element | Is It Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Product Name | Yes | Mention what the product is |
| 2. | Net Quantity | Yes | Show the exact weight (in grams) or volume (in ml) of the product |
| 3. | Maximum Retail Price | Yes | Clearly print the selling price, including all taxes |
| 4. | Manufacturer/Packer Name | Yes | Provide the name of the person or business who made/packed the product |
| 5. | Address of Manufacturer | Yes | A full address where the business is located for customer complaints or inspections |
| 6. | Date of Packaging or manufacturing | Yes | Mention when the product was packed or made |
| 7. | Customer Care Contact | Yes (For e-commerce or retail) | A phone number when the product was packed |
| 8. | LMPC Registration Number | Yes (if applicable) | Needed if you are a manufacturer/packer/importer of pre-packaged goods |
| 9. | Expiry Date/Best Before | Yes (for food/cosmetics) | Mention if the product has a shelf life |
| 10. | Instructions or Warnings | Optional | If any like for external use only or store in a cool place |
What Happens If Handmade Products Are Sold Without LMPC Registration?
If you sell handmade products in pre-packaged form without getting LMPC registration, it is considered a legal violation under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. Whether you’re a small artisan, a home-based seller, or a boutique business, if your products are packed, labelled, and sold at a fixed price, you need to comply.
Consequences of selling handmade products without LMPC registration:
- Legal Penalties & Fines
- Seizure of Goods
- Business Disruption
- Damage to Business Reputation
- No Access to Online Platforms
- Limited Export Opportunities
Process To Get LMPC Certificate for Handmade Products
Here we have mentioned the process to get the LMPC certificate for Handmade products:
Step – 1 – Check if you’re Eligible
- Do you pre-pack your handmade items before selling?
- Do you mention price, quantity, or any details on the pack?
Step – 2 – Gather Required Documents
- Business Registration Proof
- Address Proof
- PAN Card
We have mentioned the list of important documents in the next answer.
Step – 3 – File LMPC Application
- Submit the application to the department of legal metrology in your state (Controller’s Office).
Step – 4 – Wait for Inspection
- Check you product label
- Confirm your packaging process
Step – 5 – Certificate Approval
- In the end if everything goes well, you will receive the LMPC certificate. It may take 15-30 working days, depending on your state’s process.
Step – 6 – Renew Periodically
Some states issue the LMPC certificate for 1 to 5 years. Make sure to renew before expiry to avoid penalties.
Required Documents For Handmade Product LMPC Registration
Please check the list of documents for the homemade product LMPC registration:
- Business Registration Certificate
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card/ Voter ID/ Passport
- Address Proof of Premises
- List of Handmade Products
- Label Artwork or Sample Pack Label
- Declaration Letter
- Board Resolution or Authorisation Letter
- Undertaking/Affidavit
- Passport Size Photograph
- Cancelled Cheque or Bank Details
Packaging Requirements For Handmade Soap or Cosmetics
| S.No. | Label Element | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Name of the Product | Common/trade name of the handmade soap or cosmetic |
| 2. | Net Quality | Month and year of manufacture |
| 3. | MRP (Maximum Retail Price) | Mention the weight at the time of packaging |
| 4. | Clearly stated as MRP | Full name and postal address of the maker or packaging Unit |
| 5. | Country of Origin | Mandatory if imported |
| 6. | Date of Manufacturer (DOM) | Mention use before or best before with months & years |
| 7. | Expiry/Best Before Date | Helps identify manufacturing batch; must be printed on the label |
| 8. | Customer Care Contact | Email ID/Phone Number for consumer complaints or queries |
| 9. | Batch/Lot Number | Directions for Use |
| 10. | Ingredients List | Must list all ingredients in descending order by weight |
| 11. | Direction for Use | Optional, but advisable if the product has specific usage instructions |
| 12. | Warming/Cautions | If applicable (eg, “for external use only” or “Patch test recommended”) |
| 13. | LMPC Declaration | LMPC certificate, mandatory for pre-packaged goods. |
Why Choose ELT Corporate For Handmade Product LMPC Compliance?
At ELT Corporate, we make simple process of LMPC certification for handmade products. Even if you sell soaps, oils, or cosmetics, we help you to make sure your packaging and labelling meet all legal metrology standards.
- India’s Leading Regulatory Consultancy
- End-to-End Assistance
- Fast Turnaround
- Custom Label Guidance
- Dedicated Support Team
- Affordable Packages
Call Us – 9899997002
Email Us – info@legalmetrologyindia.com
How Long Does It Takes To Get the LMPC Certificate For Handmade Products?
Typically, to get the LMPC certificate for handmade products, it usually takes 15 to 20 working days, if all the documents are correct.
What is the Validity of LMPC Registration for a Handmade Product Business?
The LMPC registration for the handmade product business remains valid for a lifetime.
