As we all know after the Covid 19 the demand for masks arose due to the healthy living concern of every human. This brings proper compliance under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 (LMPC) become crucial. It is necessary for the manufacturers, importers, and sellers of masks are required to follow specific packaging and labeling regulations under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, to ensure transparency and protect consumer interests. So, explore and find details about the Packaging Of Masks As Per LMPC Under Legal Metrology.
Legal Requirement Under Section 18 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009
As per Section 18 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009: No person will manufacture, pack, sell, import, distribute, deliver, offer, expose, or possess for sell any pre-packaged commodity without any mandatory declarations.
It indicates that every pre-packaged commodity including mast regulated in the market must contain certain details on its packaging, whether sold offline or through e-commerce platforms.
Mandatory Declarations on Pre-Packaged Commodity
The following declarations are compulsory on the packaging of masks as per Rule 6 of the LMPC Rules, 2011:
- Name and address of the manufacturer/packer/importer
- Country of Origin (specially when you are importing mask)
- Net quantity (Number of Mask Per Package)
- Name of the commodity (e.g., “3-Ply Face Mask”, “N95 Mask”)
- Month and year of manufacturing/packing/import.
- Maximum Retail Price (MRP incl. of all taxes)
- Customer Care Details (Including Mail & Number)
LMPC Compliance for E-Commerce Platforms
Also, an e-commerce organization (like Amazon or Flipkart) is required to ensure the mandatory declarations prescribed under Rule 6 of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules (LMPC), 2011, except the month and year of manufacturing, should be displayed on the digital and electronic network used for e-commerce transactions.
Penalties for Non-Compliance Under Section 36
As stated under Section 36 of the Act, if a person manufactures, packs, imports, sells, distributes, delivers or transfers, offers, exposes, or possesses for sale, or causes to be sold, distributed, delivered, or transferred, offered, exposed for sale any pre-packaged commodity which is not as per the declarations prescribed, therefore shall be punished with fine upto,
- Rs. 25,000 (First offence)
- Rs. 50,000 (second-time offence)
- Rs.50,000-Rs.1,00,000 (subsequent offence)
However, there are specific measurements to be followed for mandatory declarations on the pack of each commodity.
Real-Life Example: Mask Seizures During COVID-19 in Goa
During the COVID-19 period in Goa, the Legal Metrology Officers seized around 1,000 face masks for not bearing mandatory declarations (Maximum Retail Price, date of manufacture, etc.). Further, the officers found masks at some outlets were being sold for Rs.30 to Rs.500 without any mandatory declarations. They assured action if forged masks were being sold in the state.
Important Note for Shopkeepers and Sellers
✔ Always verify that suppliers provide properly labeled goods with all LMPC declarations.
✔ Ensure that you only purchase and resell products from LMPC-registered manufacturers or packers.
✔ If you’re selling online, make sure the digital listings comply with Rule 6 requirements.
Conclusion – Packaging Of Masks As Per LMPC
The manufacturers/ packers/importers shall always contact a legal expert for compliance of rules given by the Legal Metrology Department. While purchasing a product in a market one should always look for declarations on the pack.
Also, while selling the goods, the shopkeeper must ensure that the goods which they are buying for further selling, the suppliers of goods must have a valid LMPC Certificate/Packer Registration.
DISCLAIMER :- The use of this website does not constitute the rendering of legal advice by the author to the reader. The above content is for the knowledge of readers, based on the above, the readers are advised to make any legal decisions but to put their reliance on respective legal professionals.
