Legal Metrology Compliance for e-commerce in India is a legal requirement that all online sellers and platforms must follow when selling pre-packaged products. It ensures that every product sold online displays accurate and complete information, like weight, price, manufacturing details, and expiry date, before a customer buys it. These rules are meant to protect consumers from unfair practices and make online shopping safe and transparent for everyone. Whether you sell food, electronics, cosmetics, or baby products
What is Legal Metrology Compliance for E-Commerce in India?
Legal Metrology India Business refers to the set of rules and labeling requirements that online sellers and platforms must adhere to when selling packaged products. It ensures fair trade, consumer protection, and transparency in online transactions. Under the Legal Metrology Rules 2011, e-commerce sellers must display certain product details such as weight, MRP, manufacturer details, and expiry date on their website or app before purchase.
Why is Legal Metrology Compliance Mandatory for E-Commerce Sellers?
Legal metrology compliance online is mandatory for sellers in India to ensure customers are well informed and protected from unfair trade practices.
- Promotes consumer trust and informed decision-making
- Prevents misleading or false product information
- Ensures sellers follow uniform labelling and packaging norms
- Helps avoid legal penalties, product seizure, and suspension from platforms.
Which Product Sold Online Fall Under Legal Metrology Compliance in India?
All pre-packaged commodities sold on e-commerce platforms should follow legal metrology compliance.
| S.No. | Product Category | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Food and Beverage | Chips, biscuits, soft drinks, and sauces |
| 2. | Personal Care | Soaps, Shampoos, Toothpaste |
| 3. | Household items | Detergents, cleaners, kitchen |
| 4. | Electronics | Mobile chargers, headphones |
| 5. | Healthcare Products | Supplements, cosmetics, masks |
| 6. | Toys & Baby Products | Daipur, Baby lotion, Baby food |
How Can An E-Commerce Seller Apply For the Legal Metrology Compliance?
If you’re an e-commerce seller in India and you sell pre-packaged goods, then you should follow the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011. To do this, you are required to apply for legal metrology registration compliance, especially LMPC registration.
- Understand If Your Product Needs It – First, you have to check if your product is a pre-packaged commodity, for example
- Get the Required Documents Ready – We have created a list of the most important documents. Please check the next answer.
- Apply for LMPC Registration – In this step, you have to submit the application to the Controller of Legal Metrology in your state or at the Central level. This can be done online or by an authorized compliance consultant, such as ELT Corporate.
- Verification of Documents – The legal metrology department will verify the accuracy and compliance with the rules of your documents, product label, and packaging.
- Inspection – In some cases, an officer may inspect your business premises or product samples to ensure everything is correct.
- Receive the LMPC Certificate – Once approved, you’ll get your LMPC Certificate, which means your business is now compliant and legally allowed to sell packaged goods online.
Documents Required for Legal Metrology Compliance For Online Selling
Here we have created a list of required documents for legal metrology compliance for e-commerce in India:
- Business Registration Proof
- GST Registration Certificate
- PAN Card
- Address Proof
- Product Packaging Images
- Samples Product Labels
- Power of Attorney/Authorisation
- LMPC Certificate
- Declaration Letter
What Are the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 for E-Commerce Listings?
The Legal Metrology Rules 2011 are a set of rules in India that ensure all packaged goods sold in shops, whether in-store or online, display accurate information to protect buyers. For e-commerce listings, these rules require sellers and platforms to display the product’s important details on their website before a customer makes a purchase.
These details include:
- Name of the Product
- Name and address of the manufacturer/packer/importer
- Net quantity (weight, volume, or number)
- Retail sale price (MRP) including all taxes
- Date of Manufacture or Import
- Expiry Date (if applicable)
- Customer Care Contact Details
What Declarations Are Required Under Legal Metrology Compliance For E-Commerce Listings?
Check the table to understand the declarations that are required under Legal Metrology compliance for e-commerce listings:
| S.No. | Required Declaration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Name of the Product | Properly mention the name or type of the product being sold |
| 2. | Brand Name (If any) | Mention the brand under which the product is marketed |
| 3. | Name & Address of Manufacturer/Packer/Importer | Details of the company that made, packed, or imported the product |
| 4. | Net Quantity | Weight, volume, length, or number of items in the package |
| 5. | Retail Sale Price (MRP) | The maximum price the product can be sold at including all taxes |
| 6. | Date of Manufacture or Packing | When the product was imported into India |
| 7. | Date of Import | When the product was imported into India |
| 8. | Expiry Date or Best Before Date | Validity of the product (only for items that expire, like food, Cosmetics, etc) |
| 9. | Customer Care Contact Info | Phone number, email, or address for consumer complaints or queries |
| 10. | Country of Origin | The country where the product was manufactured |
What Are The Responsibilities of E-Commerce Companies Under Legal Metrology In India?
Under legal metrology in India, e-commerce companies have some clear responsibilities to make sure all the products sold on their platforms follow the law and provide honest, complete information to customers.
- Show Full Product Details Clearly – Make sure that every product listing on he website or app shows all required declarations like name, MRP, quantity, manufacturer details, expiry dates, etc.
- Allow Only Complaint Seller – Ensure that sellers on their platforms have valid legal metrology registration.
- Don’t Mislead Customers – Avoid any false, unclear, or hidden information in product listings that could misguide the customer.
Support Legal Actions When Needed – If any complaint or inspection happens, the e-commerce company should cooperate with legal metrology officers and provide necessary records or information. - Display Seller Details – Show the name and address of the actual seller or importer so the customer knows who is responsible for the product.
- Do Not Sell Non-Compliant Products – Avoid listing or promoting any product that does not follow legal Metrology laws.
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance With Legal Metrology For E-Commerce Sellers?
Here we have listed a few of the penalties for non-compliance with Legal Metrology compliance for sellers:
- Fine for wrong or missing labels – If a product is missing required information like MRP, quantity, or manufacturer details, the seller can be fined up to 25,000 for the first offence, and more for repeated violations.
- Seizure of products – Products that don’t follow labelling rules can be stopped from being sold or even seized by a legal metrology officer
- Higher penalties for repeated offences – If the seller keeps breaking the rules, the fine can go up to 50,000 or more, and legal prosecution may follow.
- Platform liability – If the e-commerce platform doesn’t ensure compliance, it may also be held responsible and face penalties.
Why ELT Corporate Is the Best Consultancy?
ELT Corporate is a trusted regulatory consultancy that helps businesses easily manage their Legal Metrology, LMPC, BIS, CDSCO, and FSSAI compliance. We offer expert guidance, fast processing, and complete support from registration to legal handling.
- Expertise in Legal Metrology & Other Regulations
- End-to-End Support
- Fast and Hassle-Free Processing
- Specialized Guidance for E-Commerce Sellers
- Experienced in Multiple Sectors
- Affordable Pricing for All Business Sizes
- Trusted by Leading Brands
Does Legal Metrology Apply To All Online Sellers?
Yes, it applies to all e-commerce sellers who sell pre-packaged goods through their website or on third-party platforms.
Is LMPC Registration Mandatory For Selling Packaged Goods Online?
Yes, LMPC registration is necessary under the Legal Metrology Rules, 2011, to legally sell pre-packaged products on e-commerce platforms.
