What is the Legal Metrology Act, 2009?
Legal Metrology refers to the application of legal requirements to weighment, measurement and measuring instruments. Legal Metrology Act, 2009 came into force in India w.e.f. 1st April 2011. It is a single Act and covers the provisions under the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976 and Standards of Weights and Measures (Enforcement) Act, 1985. It falls under the Department of Consumer Affairs.
The Act was enacted to establish and enforce standards of weights and measures, regulate trade and commerce in weights, measures and other goods sold or distributed by weights. It was intended to act as a standard for approval of model of weight before manufacturing,
The primary objective of the Act is to ensure the accuracy and public guarantee of the information provided on pre-packaged products (including date of manufacture, price, weight/ quantity, etc.).
The Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 include 40 types of weighing and measuring instruments, including but not restricted to electronic weighing instruments, weighbridges, clinical thermometers etc. These instruments are periodically verified by the State Government officers using the Standard Weights and Measures and the procedure prescribed in the Rules.
Applicability of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009
Legal Metrology Act applicable to all pre-packaged commodity, and thus, all manufacturers, importers & packers dealing with such products are required to obtain Legal Metrology registration under this Act.
The Act does not apply to any weight or measure:
- used in any factory exclusively engaged in the manufacture of arms, ammunition or both for the use of the Armed Forces of the Union
- used for scientific investigation or research
- manufactured exclusively for export.
The Central Govt. has also prescribed The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, which cover various aspects of the Act such as its applicability, registrations of dealers, penalties and consequences for non-compliance. As per rule 3 of Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, the provisions of the chapter shall not apply to-
- Packages commodities containing a quantity of more than 25 kg or 25 litres excluding cement and fertilizer sold in bags up to 50 kg
- Packaged commodities meant for Sale to industrial or institutional consumers.
Institutional consumers include airways, railways, hospitals, hotels or any other institution that purchase packaged commodities directly from manufacturers for business use.
Registration under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009
Registration can be taken in either of the two capacities below:
- As a manufacturer or packer or
- As an Importer
Importers must register under the Act since they cannot import any weight or measure unless registered with the Director of Legal Metrology. ASC Group is the leading consulting firm helping in obtaining Legal Metrology registration in various capacities i.e. as an Importer / Manufacturer / Packer.
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