What is a Legal Metrology Certificate?
The purpose of India's LMPC packaging law is to control the packaging specifications for the sale or distribution of pre-packaged goods in the country. Food goods, pharmaceutical products, and other things may be subject to specific regulations outlined in their governing acts. For example, pharmaceutical products must adhere to extra standards specified in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act of 1940.
The LMPC registration is officially known as "Importer Registration under Rule 27," while other terms for it include "Legal Metrology Certificate", and some call it "Importer License registration under Legal Metrology." The customs authorities call this registration the "LMPC Certificate" because it was mandated under the LMPC Rules, 2011.
Which goods are covered under legal metrology?
In India, there are two categories of legal metrology items. The study of measurements is known as metrology. In India, legal metrology focuses on measurements and weights. An example would suffice to clarify the two categories of products. Products sold loose, such as fruits, vegetables, and pulses, are packaged beforehand. The standardized weight or measure can be used by customers to determine things that are sold loose while they are present. On the other hand, pre-packed items already have the predetermined amount on the packaging with the main display screen on them.
Pre-packaged goods under the Legal Meteorology Act?
According to the definition given in Section 2, Clause (l) of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, a "pre-packaged commodity" is one that has been placed in a packaging of any kind, sealed or not, such that the product within has a fixed amount, without the customer being present. Put simply, a commodity that is packed has been packaged without the buyer having to provide a fixed amount.
Why LMPC Registration certificate is needed?
The Legal Meteorology requires manufacturers of pre-packed commodities to register their commodities. Before items are imported into India, LMPC registration certificate is required for commodities that are packed. Importers are required by these regulations to make certain necessary disclosures on the pre-packed goods. It is vital to obtain registration under legal metrology registration well in advance of any imports because according to DGFT's notification No. RE-44 of 2000, the government has given the customs authorities the authority to verify whether or not importers comply with the legal metrology requirements. If an importer does not comply with the LMPC requirements of the Department of Legal Metrology, the import shipment may be stopped.
Types of LMPC Certificates?
The Legal Metrology Pre-Packed Commodity Rules, 2011, include two types of LMPC certificates
LMPC Importer Registration under Rule 27
The importer that imports any pre-packed commodities and sells them in India without doing any further packaging or labelling must register as an LMPC importer.
LMPC Packer & Manufacturer Registration under Rule 27
You must apply for registration under this if you are making and packaging the items yourself or if you are purchasing goods from a third party and having them packaged under your own name.
Benefits of obtaining an LMPC Certificate
LMPC license registration or LMPC Certificate offers several benefits, as mentioned below
Simplifies and Promotes Trade
A Document that attests to your completion of the legal metrology license is the LMPC certificate. Its goal is to improve India's export, finance, and trade sectors. It facilitates the Import of commodities into India.
Promotes the welfare of the consumers
Ensuring the well-being of consumers requires precise weights and measures. In this manner, customers are shielded from the unethical activities of selling things that are underweight and receive the exact quantity of goods at the price shown on the packaging.
Prevents sale of illegal goods
Any illicit or unethical trading activities must be within the jurisdiction of the Legal Metrology Act. The purpose of this legislation is to guarantee the authenticity of all packaged goods business transactions and that India complies with the Legal Meteorology Act.
Saves Costs and Time
An LMPC import license, also known as an LMPC license, includes all the details on the weights and characteristics of packed goods. When clearing customs for packed goods saves a ton of time. The import LMPC certificate expedites the customs procedure, prevents needless delays, and spares against fines. Saving money and time on imports.
Builds trust between seller and buyer
Consumers are always looking to buy goods that fulfil the LMPC requirements listed on the packaging. Customer satisfaction is met when things are accurately weighed and measured by a reliable authority. Customers trust LMPC-certified providers because of this.
What is the Due Date of LMPC Registration?
The LMPC Rules provide that within 90 days of starting pre-packaging activities, makers, packers, and importers involved in the sale, delivery, and distribution of pre-packaged commodities must acquire a Packaged Commodity Registration.
According to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2017, a late fee of Rs. 5,000 will be charged for LMPC applications for certificates more than 90 days after the importation process began or from the date pre-packaging operations began.
Documents required for LMPC Registration Process
Different states have different requirements in terms of paper works and proof for legal metrology registration or LMPC Registration in India. A few supporting Documents are required when applying for registration online. These Documents are
The submission of several more Documents is also required in order to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the organization. For the most part, these IDs and Proofs are exclusive to each state government. A birth certificate, an NOC (No Objection) from the board in charge of pollution or another body, an official building design, and many other papers might be included in this category. Only after submitting these Documents will the LMPC certificate be issued.
Application Process of LMPC Registration
Applicants must submit an LMPC application form to the Department of Legal Metrology together with the Documentwork in order to complete the LMPC Registration Process and receive an LMPC Certificate. After that, the Department will review the application, check the applicant's location, and confirm that the packaging and labelling requirements are being followed. The applicant will get an LMPC certificate from the Department once it has been determined that all LMPC requirements have been completed.
This Step by Step Guide on how you can apply for an LMPC Certificate online
Step 1: Submission of Application for an LMPC
Sending your LMPC application to the appropriate district office of the Legal Metrology Department in your state is the initial step towards LMPC (Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity) Registration. The application is submitted with all the information that needs to be completed. Make sure the information is accurate to prevent delays or rejections of the registration process.
Step 2: Submission of Documents
You will have to submit copies of all required paper works for LMPC import license certification. A comprehensive list of these Documents has already been covered. For a hassle-free procedure, make sure they are filed in their accurate and updated formats. At Corpbiz, we provide our clients with comprehensive support with Documents. For further assistance regarding LMPC certificate registration or getting an LMPC certificate in India, get in touch with our professionals.
Step 3: Submit the LMPC registration fees
As directed by the appropriate authorities, proceed with paying the required LMPC registration costs. Packers must submit a registration fee of Rs 500 for the fiscal year 2023-24 online registration. It's crucial to make sure you have the precise amount on hand, accounting for any fluctuations in processing fees for obtaining the LMPC certificate.
Step 4: Application Review
Your LMPC registration application will undergo a thorough assessment procedure when it is submitted, which will be supervised by the director of legal metrology in Delhi. Keep an eye out for email alerts that will let you know if your application was approved or denied. If incomplete applications are found to include errors or omissions, they will be quickly returned to you for correction within a period of seven days. Therefore, the LMPC application for registration must be applied within the specified time.
Step 5: Inspection of Premises
An inspector will be assigned to perform an on-site examination of your premises if your application passes the first evaluation. The goal of this inspection is to make sure that your packing and weighing procedures meet regulatory requirements by verifying compliance with the Legal Metrology Act and Rules. As LMPC is packaging law and with this, you get the legal metrology packaged commodities certificate.
Step 6: Submission of Inspection Report
The designated inspector will provide a thorough report outlining everything they discovered while doing the examination. Recommendations for enhancements aimed at achieving or preserving compliance with legal metrology standards can also be included in this report.
Step 7: LMPC Certificate is granted
Your application will go forward for the issuing of the LMPC certificate based on the inspection report and your proven conformity with the Legal Metrology Act and Rules. After being accepted, the registration is granted, and you will get your LMPC certificate, which gives you the right to legally package and sell your goods in compliance with the set guidelines. The LMPC registration is valid for five years. It is necessary to renew your LMPC every five years. To do this, the applicant needs to submit the Department of Legal Metrology's renewal application.
Who Needs to Apply for an LMPC Registration Process?
The criteria for legal metrology and packaged commodity registration might differ greatly between nations and regions. In general, companies that produce, import, export, distribute, or sell packaged goods must abide by laws governing packaged goods and legal metrology. These laws make sure that packaged goods adhere to strict requirements for volume, weight, quantity, labelling, and other details.
In particular, the following people may need to apply for LMPC Registration process or packaged commodity registration and legal metrology since this registration is done as per the LMPC Rules of 2011 and LMPC registration is to ensure the quality of packaged commodities.
Manufacturers
Before releasing a product into the market, businesses that make packaged goods are frequently obliged to make sure that it complies with legal metrology requirements, and commodity registration is mandatory for them.
Retailers and Packers
Retailers selling pre-packaged products and businesses that pack or repackage goods for sale need to make sure that labelling and quantity laws and legal metrology compliances are followed.
Distributors and Wholesalers
Before delivering items to retailers or customers, entities engaged in the distribution and wholesale of packaged goods may be required to adhere to legal metrology requirements and the LMPC Act.
Service Providers
Legal metrology rules may also need to be followed, and registration shall be required for some service providers that package or repackage products for sale.
Businesses that deal with packaged goods must become knowledgeable about the unique legal metrology requirements in the nations or areas where they operate. Obtaining the required certifications, following labelling guidelines, making sure measurements are precise, and routinely renewing registrations are all common examples of compliance, and the LMPC certificate is mandatory for some people and organizations.
LMPC Compliance Checklist
Here are a few important LMPC Compliance checklists for LMPC Certification in India
What are the important guidelines given for LMPC Registration?
The rules that merchants must abide by while registering for LPMC. Section 47 of the Standing of Weights and Measures Act, 1976, specifies guidelines for weight measurement.
Application for the reestablishment of the exporter/importer of weight or measure in the organization's name must be directed by the controller of legal metrology of the State or UT. The exporter/importer must be arranged with a request draft of Rs. 10/-for the "Pay and Accounts official" Do Consumer Affairs, New Delhi.
The list of things for weight or measure is defined by Legal Metrology Rules; thus, only those items' registration applications will be allowed
Mandatory Declarations on Pre-Packaged Commodities in India
Important guidelines for declarations on pre-packaged goods in India are provided by the Legal Metrology (Packaged goods) Rules, 2011. These statements fulfil several functions, such as providing transparency, customer information, and product legitimacy. For your convenience, below is a comprehensive list of these declarations.
Details about the Manufacturer, Packer, or Importer
The name and address of the Manufacturer, Packer, or Importer must be clearly displayed on every box. This promotes trust and responsibility by making sure customers can easily identify the product's source.
Common or Generic Name
The phrase that most consumers use to identify pre-packaged goods is their common or generic name. Food products in packaging could be called "biscuits" or "cookies," for instance.
Net Quantity
The amount of the commodity within, stated in common weight, measure, or number units, must be clearly stated on the box. A biscuit packet, for instance, may say "200 grams" or "10 pieces."
Month and Year of Manufacture
This information helps customers determine if a product is suitable for use or consumption and how fresh it is.
Maximum Retail pricing (MRP)
This ensures pricing transparency by indicating the maximum price at which the merchant is permitted to lawfully sell the goods to customers.
Exemptions under LMPC rules
Under the following criteria, firms that sell pre-packaged goods into India are excluded from filing for the certification of an LMPC import license.
Penalties for Non-compliance
Any violation or non-compliance of the Legal Metrology (packaged Commodity) Rules may result in a fine
Why Choose Corpbiz?
Corpbiz is well-known for its proficiency in offering companies a range of LMPC Consultation services, such as registration of packaged commodities and legal metrology. Customers frequently select Corpbiz for several strong factors.
Corpbiz has a group of experts with a wealth of expertise and understanding in the legal compliance and regulatory affairs fields. Our professionals are knowledgeable in registration for packaged commodity regulations as well as legal metrology. Their extensive expertise enables them to offer clients well-informed and thorough help during the registration procedure.
The LMPC consultation services Corpbiz provide to its clients are among the many noteworthy benefits of working with them. By streamlining the procedure, our assistance guarantees that clients successfully and efficiently meet the regulatory requirements.
Businesses may also save a lot of time by letting Corpbiz handle the registration procedure. On behalf of its clients, the organization assumes the duty of managing paper works, filings, and other formalities.
Corpbiz's adherence to regulatory compliance is another factor contributing to its appeal to companies looking for similar LMPC Consultation services. We work hard to make sure that our clients abide by the unique packaged commodity laws and legal metrology that are relevant in their nation or area. This commitment reduces the possibility of legal problems and fines resulting from non-compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To ensure that packaged goods adhere to precise legal restrictions regarding the amount, weight, volume, and labelling, LMPC registration is required.
The LMPC Rules provide that within ninety days of starting pre-packaging activities, makers, packers, and importers involved in the sale, delivery, and distribution of pre-packaged commodities must acquire a Packaged Commodity Registration.
This registration is valid for five years, and the applicant is required to renew it.
The kind of LMPC registration that you require is determined by the nature of your firm. An LMPC Importer Registration certificate is required if you import pre-packaged goods into India. An LMPC Packer & Manufacturer Registration certificate is required if you package or produce pre-packaged goods in India.
According to the law, if you submit your LMPC application after the allotted 90 days, you will be charged a late fee of Rs. 5,000.
No, a license issued or renewed under this Act cannot be sold or transferred.
"Pre-packaged commodity" refers to any commodity that is placed in a packaging, sealed or not, such that the product within has a predetermined quality.
Its benefits include avoiding fines and penalties from the government, improving customer trust, and expanding market prospects.
The Rules require that certain disclosures be made, including the following
- The maker, packer, or importer's name and address
- Nation of origin
- Generic or common name for the product
- Net amount
- Manufacturing year and month
- MRP (maximum retail price)
- Details on consumer care
All pre-packaged commodities must be imported with an LMPC certificate, except the following: goods having a net weight or measurement of no more than 10 grams or 10 ml. Produce from farms packaged in quantities of more than 50 kg.
LMPC laws do not apply to some medical commodities, which include scheduled and non-scheduled formulations covered by the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 2013, given under section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
The maximum retail price (MRP), including all taxes, must be prominently displayed on packages in Indian rupees. Different price standards may apply to alcoholic drinks, necessities, and state-specific legislation.
Any importer who wants to import goods into India and receive a Legal Metrology Certificate for doing so must register by submitting an application to the Director of Legal Metrology or the relevant state controller.
LMPC certificate ensures that the packaged goods are of good quality.
Applicants must submit an application form to the Department of Legal Metrology together with the Documentwork to receive an LMPC Certificate. After that, the Department will review the application, check the applicant's location, and make sure that the packaging and labelling laws are being followed.
Section 11 talks about the prohibition of quotation, etc., other than in terms of standard units of weight, measure, or numeration.
This certificate is mandatory for any person, business, enterprise, or organization engaged in the production, importation, or packaging of pre-packaged goods in India.
Before issuing the LMPC Certificate, the registration authorities inspect the business premises. The entire process takes seven to ten days.
