Do you know there are penalties for non compliance with legal metrology standards, which means punishments or fines a business can face when it fails to follow the rules. These rules ensure that weighing and measuring instruments and product labels used in trade are correct and fair for consumers. The Act covers all pre-packaged products and their labelling, weights, and measures.
If a business does not follow these rules, like using incorrect weights, wrong labelling, or not registering under Legal Metrology, it can lead to serious consequences like fines, product seizures, or even imprisonment.
This guide will help you understand:
- What counts as non-compliance
- The exact penalties and their types
What is Considered Non Compliance Under Legal Metrology?
Here we have added the table you can check out to understand what is considered non-compliance under legal metrology:
| S.No. | Non-Compliance Type | Explanation |
| 1. | No Legal Metrology Registration | Not registering as a manufacturer, packer, or importer |
| 2. | Wrong or Incomplete Labeling | Missing MRP, net quantity, name of manufacturer, or other mandatory details |
| 3. | Use of Non-Standard Weights or Measures | Using tampered or unverified weights or measurement tools |
| 4. | Packaged Commodities Sold Without Declaration | Selling products without proper declarations under Legal Metrology rules |
| 5. | Misleading Quantity or Price Declaration | Wrong or Incomplete Labelling |
| 6. | Not Following Model Approval Rules | Using weighing/measuring instruments without proper model approval |
| 7. | Not Displaying Verification Certificate | Failure to display the government-issued certificate of verification |
What Are the Penalties for Non Compliance with Legal Metrology Standards?
Below is a table showing different types of offences and their respective penalties:
| S.No. | Offence | Penalty |
| 1. | Selling non-standard weights or measures | Fine up to ₹25,000 (first offence); imprisonment for repeat cases |
| 2. | Using unverified weighing machines | Fine up to ₹2,000 |
| 3. | Non-registration of importer/manufacturer/packer | Fine up to ₹25,000 |
| 4. | Incorrect or misleading labeling on packaged goods | Fine up to ₹10,000 (first offence), ₹50,000 for repeated offence |
| 5. | Selling pre-packaged goods without mandatory declarations | Fine up to ₹25,000 |
| 6. | Manufacturing without Model Approval | Fine up to ₹20,000 |
| 7. | Not maintaining proper records as per Legal Metrology rules | Fine up to ₹5,000 |
| 8. | Obstructing a Legal Metrology officer or inspector during checks | Imprisonment up to 1 year or fine up to ₹10,000 |
Why is Legal Metrology Compliance So Important?
Here we have listed a few reasons that show why legal metrology so important:
- It builds customer trust through fair trade
- Ensures accuracy in weights and measures
- Protects consumers from being misled
- Helps your business avoid heavy penalties and product recalls
- Mandatory for e-commerce sellers, manufacturers, importers, and packers
What Legal Documents Are Required to Avoid Penalties?
| S.No. | Compliance Requirement | Document Needed |
| 1. | Manufacturer/Packer Registration | LMPC Certificate |
| 2. | Importer Registration | LMPC Import License |
| 3. | Verified Instruments | Certificate of Verification from State Legal Metrology Dept |
| 4. | Model Approval for Instruments | Approval Certificate from Legal Metrology Department |
| 5. | Labeling of Products | Labels with MRP, quantity, manufacturer name, etc. |
Important Points to Remember to Avoid Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Always use verified and standard weights and measures.
- Every pre-packaged item must have complete label details.
- You must register under Legal Metrology before manufacturing, importing, or packing goods.
- Renew your certificates and licenses on time.
- Cooperate with Legal Metrology officers during inspections.
How to Avoid Penalties Under Legal Metrology Standards?
- Get your business registered under Legal Metrology.
- Use approved and verified weighing/measuring tools.
- Ensure all product labels are accurate and follow the LMPC rules.
- Keep all licenses and certificates valid and renewed.
- Hire experts like ELT Corporate to manage your compliance end-to-end.
How Can ELT Corporate Help You?
If you want to avoid the penalties for non compliance with Legal Metrology standards, you need professional support. ELT Corporate, the best regulatory consultancy, can assist you in completing all Legal Metrology procedures quickly and correctly.
- End-to-end guidance for Legal Metrology compliance
- Help in getting LMPC registration for importers, manufacturers, and packers
- Review and correction of product labels as per Legal Metrology rules
- Support for model approval of instruments
- Assistance with renewals and inspections
- Full documentation and application filing
- Expert advice from professionals in regulatory law
- Save time, money, and effort with error-free filings
What is the Penalty for Selling Goods without Legal Metrology Registration?
The penalty for selling goods without legal metrology registration will lead to ₹25,000 fine.
Is Legal Metrology Registration Needed for all Importers?Â
Yes, LMPC registration is mandatory and required for all importers.
