Rules for moisture meters in agriculture is one of the most important factors in determining the quality, price, and storage life of agricultural products like grains and oilseeds. Until now, India has not had a uniform rule to ensure that moisture meters used in markets, warehouses, and procurement centres give accurate and consistent results.
Different devices often showed different readings – leading to disputes between farmers, traders, and buyers. To fix this, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, has introduced new Legal Metrology Rules for Moisture Meters in Agriculture. These rules will come into effect from January 1, 2026, and are designed to bring transparency, accuracy, and fairness to agricultural trade.
What Are the New Rules for Moisture Meters?
The Legal Metrology (General) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2025 have added a new Part XII in the Eighth Schedule of the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011.
This new section specifies technical, metrological, and verification requirements for moisture meters used in cereal grains and oilseeds.
- The new rules will apply from January 1, 2026.
- The rules standardise how moisture meters should perform and how they are verified.
- They cover both Indian-made and imported moisture meters.
- Every device must be tested and certified before it is sold or used commercially.
Why Were These Rules Introduced?
The government introduced these rules because inconsistent moisture readings caused:
- Disputes over pricing between farmers and traders.
- Losses to farmers, because some buyers used inaccurate devices.
- Quality mismatches in storage and export.
- Lack of transparency in agricultural trade.
By setting uniform national standards, the government ensures that every farmer and buyer uses the same reliable method of moisture measurement.
Who Needs to Comply With These Rules?
The new rules apply to all stakeholders in the grain and oilseed trade:
- Manufacturers and Importers – must produce or import only those moisture meters that meet the new Legal Metrology standards.
- Traders, Mandis, and Warehouses – must use certified moisture meters for trade and quality checks.
- Government Procurement Agencies (like FCI, NAFED) – must ensure that their field offices use verified moisture meters.
- Testing Laboratories and Calibration Centres – will be authorised to test, stamp, and certify devices.
What Are the Technical Standards for Moisture Meters?
The new Legal Metrology Part XII outlines technical and performance standards, such as:
- Type Approval Requirement: Every model must be approved before sale.
- Test Samples: Meters must be tested using representative grains or oilseeds within realistic moisture ranges (e.g. 6%–20%).
- Maximum Permissible Error (MPE): Limits will be set for acceptable variation in readings.
- Display Requirements: The type of grain or oilseed being tested must be shown on the screen.
- Data Integrity: Meters must protect stored readings from alteration.
- Ease of Verification: Instruments should allow inspection and calibration by Legal Metrology officers.
- User Manual: Manufacturers must provide clear instructions on use and maintenance.
What Is the Verification and Certification Process?
All moisture meters must undergo Legal Metrology verification and stamping before use.
- Apply for Type Approval – Manufacturers submit their product for testing at a Government Approved Test Centre (GATC).
- Testing & Evaluation – The device is checked for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with moisture meter standards.
- Verification by State LM Office – Before being sold or used, each device is verified and stamped by a Legal Metrology officer.
- Periodic Re-Verification – Devices already in use must be re-verified periodically to ensure continued accuracy.
What Happens to Existing Moisture Meters?
- All moisture meters already in use must be verified and stamped within one year of the notification of the rules.
- Non-compliant devices may need replacement if they fail to meet new accuracy standards.
- Farmers, mandis, and warehouses should start testing their devices early to avoid penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
If anyone uses, sells, or imports moisture meters without proper verification:
- The device may be seized or rejected.
- The business may face fines and penalties under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
- Non-compliance can also lead to loss of credibility and trade disruptions.
Benefits of the New Moisture Meter Rules
| S.No. | Benefit | Impact |
| 1. | Accurate Moisture Readings | Fair pricing for farmers and traders |
| 2. | Reduced Disputes | Standardised methods eliminate conflicts |
| 3. | Improved Trade Transparency | Boosts trust in the agri-supply chain |
| 4. | Better Export Quality | Aligns India with international standards |
| 5. | Stronger Consumer Protection | Prevents the use of fake or inaccurate meters |
How Can Stakeholders Prepare for the New Rules for Moisture Meters in Agriculture?
Stakeholders should begin early preparation to ensure full compliance with the new Legal Metrology rules coming into effect.
For Manufacturers:
- Upgrade moisture meters to meet new accuracy standards.
- Apply for type approval from Legal Metrology authorities.
For Importers & Dealers:
- Import and sell only type-approved devices.
- Maintain proper certification and compliance records.
For Farmers & Traders:
- Use only verified moisture meters with a Legal Metrology stamp.
- Replace uncertified or outdated devices.
For Government & LM Departments:
- Audit existing equipment and organise awareness drives.
- Ensure smooth implementation and enforcement by 2026.
When will the New Rules for Moisture Meters come into Effect?
The new Legal Metrology rules for moisture meters will apply from January 1, 2026, across India.
Do these Rules Apply to Both Grain and Oilseed Moisture meters?
Yes, the rules cover moisture meters for all cereal grains and oilseeds used for trade, storage, and quality testing.
