When you bring pre-packaged goods to a trade fair or expo in India, you must meet the LMPC requirements for business exhibitions and product samples under the LM Rules 2011. This means having a valid LMPC certificate, labelling every pack with MRP, net quantity, manufacturer details, and your registration number. Even tiny free samples over 10g or 10ml should follow these rules.
What are the LMPC Requirements For Business Exhibitions in India?
When you sell pre-packaged goods at a fair, trade show, or any business exhibition in India, you should follow the Legal Metrology Rules, 2011.
- Valid LMPC Certificate
- Correction Package Labelling
- Stall Display Rules
- Invoicing Requirements
- No Exemptions for Exhibitions
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
Are Product Samples Exempt From LMPC Registration?
No, even if you give away small product samples free of charge at an exhibition or event, you are still delivering pre-packaged goods under the LMPC rules and should be registered unless the samples fall under one of the specific c exemptions in rules 26
- LMPC registration is required for any pre-packaged sample you distribute, unless its net weight or volume is 10g or 10ml or less.
- Such tiny samples may be given without registration, but anything larger, even if free, needs a valid LMPC certificate and correct labelling.
Do I Need An LMPC Certificate To Showcase Products At Trade Fairs or Exhibitions?
Yes, if you are displaying or giving away pre-packaged goods at any trade fair, exhibition, or similar event in India. In this situation, you are required to have an LMPC certificate:
- When is LMPC Mandatory
- Pre-Packaged Products
- Display or Distribution
- Small Sample Exemption
- You do not need LMPC registration for free samples whose net quantity is 10g or 10 ml
- All samples above this threshold, even if free require your pack to carry the correct label and your LMPC number
- Labelling and Stall Requirements
- Manufacturer/Packer/Importer name & Address
- Net quantity
- MRP
- Date of Manufacturer/Expiry
- Customer Care Contact
What Does Legal Metrology Say About Free Product Samples?
Under Legal Metrology, even free product samples larger than 10g or 10ml should comply with the packaged commodities rules, 2011: you need a valid LMPC registration and each sample pack should carry the manufacturer/importer name & address, net quality, MRP/expiry date, and your LMPC requirements but still should be clearly labeled with at least the net quantity and maker’s name.
Can I Distribute Sample-Sized Products Without LMPC Labelling?
Yes, under India’s legal metrology rules, you can hand out very small sample packs without the full LMPC labeling, but only up to a strict limit. Once your freebie goes beyond that tiny threshold, it should carry the same labels as any retail product, and you should hold a valid LMPC certificate.
- Exempt Size
- Over the Limit
- LMPC Registration Required
- Mandatory Label Details for Larger Samples
- Manufacturer/Importer name & address
- Net quantity
- MRP
- Manufacturer or Expiry
- Your LMPC registration number
Under What Conditions Can Product Samples Be Exempt From LMPC Rules?
Product samples only get a pass from LMPC rules in very limited cases. In India’s Legal Metrology Rules 2011, the main carve-out is for tiny freebies; everything else should follow the same packaging and labeling standards as items you sell.
- Small size only – Each free sample must be 10g or 10ml or less. Anything bigger and it’s treated like a regular pack.
- No full label needed – For these tiny samples, you don’t have to print your LMPC number, MRP, manufacturer/expiry date, or full maker detail, though you can still mention the net quantity and brand if you wish.
- One-Off giveaways – This exemption applies only when you’re handing out samples free of charge. Once you start selling even small packs, you need full LMPC compliance.
Is It Mandatory To Declare MRP And Quantity on Exhibition Products?
Yes, you still need to show MRP and quantity on any pre-packed products you display or sell at an exhibition. Even though it’s a trade fair and you might be giving demos or free samples, the law treats those packs just like retail items.
- Print the MRP – Every pack needs a clear Maximum Retail Price, including any taxes, even if you aren’t charging for it.
- Show the Exact Quantity – List the net weight or the number of pieces.
- Keep Labels Honest – Don’t cover up or remove this info, inspectors expect to see it.
What Documents Are Required For LMPC Compliance During Exhibitions?
Here is the list of required documents for LMPC compliance during exhibitions:
- Valid LMPC Certificate
- Business Registration Proof
- PAN Card of the Company
- Address Proof of Premises
- Identity Proof of Authorized Person
- Authorization Letter/Board Resolution
- Annexure of Exhibited Products
- Sample Label Artwork
- Invoice/Bill Books
- Declaration Letter
- Import Export Code (IEC)
Do Product Samples Need LMPC Registration?
Yes, product samples need LMPC registration if your sample is over 10g or 10 ml.
Is LMPC Applicable To Exhibition And Trade Shows?
Yes, LMPC applies to exhibitions and trade shows as it applies to all pre-packaged goods you display or sell at exhibitions and trade shows in India.
