{"id":40601,"date":"2022-02-28T11:45:50","date_gmt":"2022-02-28T06:15:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/?p=40601"},"modified":"2025-04-18T11:51:03","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T06:21:03","slug":"how-to-get-lmpc-certificate-to-import-pre-packaged-goods-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-get-lmpc-certificate-to-import-pre-packaged-goods-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Secure LMPC Certificate to Import Pre-packaged Goods in India?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">Are you planning to import pre-packaged\ncommodities for distribution and sale in India? If so, then you must secure a\nLegal Metrology Registration Certificate (LMPC) in the first place. An LMPC\ncertificate refers to an import consent falling under Legal Metrology Act,\n2009, and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules, 2011. The Act regulates\ntrade in goods sold or distributed by measure, weight, or number. The Act seeks\nto advocate transparent trade practices and safeguard consumer rights by\nunderpinning norms and regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This write-up seeks to answer all the\nqueries regarding the <a href=\"\">LMPC certificate<\/a> in detail, including the following; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><em>What\ndo you mean by pre-packaged commodity? What is the role of the LMPC certificate\nfor importers? <\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Why\nare importers mandated to secure an LMPC certificate? <\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>How\ncan importers apply for the same? <\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>What\nare the underlying penal provisions for contravening the conditions of the LMPC\ncertificate?<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-get-lmpc-certificate-to-import-pre-packaged-goods-in-india\/#What_is_the_legal_definition_of_pre-packaged_goods\" >What is the legal definition of pre-packaged goods?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-get-lmpc-certificate-to-import-pre-packaged-goods-in-india\/#Underlining_the_significance_of_legal_metrology\" >Underlining the significance of legal metrology<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-get-lmpc-certificate-to-import-pre-packaged-goods-in-india\/#What_is_the_role_of_the_LMPC_certificate_for_importers\" >What is the role of the LMPC certificate for importers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-get-lmpc-certificate-to-import-pre-packaged-goods-in-india\/#How_to_apply_for_LMPC_registration_and_how_much_it_cost\" >How to apply for LMPC registration, and how much it cost?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-get-lmpc-certificate-to-import-pre-packaged-goods-in-india\/#Common_documentation_for_applying_LMPC_certificate\" >Common\ndocumentation for applying LMPC certificate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-get-lmpc-certificate-to-import-pre-packaged-goods-in-india\/#Importers_responsibilities_under_Legal_Metrology_Act\" >Importer&#8217;s responsibilities under Legal Metrology Act<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-get-lmpc-certificate-to-import-pre-packaged-goods-in-india\/#Rules_pertaining_to_a_contravention_of_rules_and_penalties\" >Rules pertaining to a contravention of rules and penalties<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-get-lmpc-certificate-to-import-pre-packaged-goods-in-india\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_legal_definition_of_pre-packaged_goods\"><\/span>What is the legal definition of pre-packaged goods?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In legal parlance, the term pre-packaged\ngoods refer to a commodity, which without the buyer being present, is wrapped\nin a package (regardless of type), whether sealed or unsealed, so that the\ncommodity present therein has a pre-determined quantity&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some common examples of such goods\ninclude baby food articles, food articles, fuel, cement in bags, fuel, wires,\nwool, chemicals, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Underlining_the_significance_of_legal_metrology\"><\/span>Underlining the significance of legal metrology<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Metrology is a field that deals with the\nstudy of measurements. It basically deals with units and methods relating to\n<a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/model-approval-certificate-for-weights-and-measures\">weight &amp; measurement<\/a> concerning mandatory legal and technical requisites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Let&#8217;s understand its real-world\napplicability when it comes to pre-packaged goods. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we go to the marketplace, we\npurchase goods that are either sold unsealed or pre-packed. The loose goods\nsuch as fruits and vegetables are weighed in our presence. We can personally\ncheck their quality. We are also aware of the seller&#8217;s identity. But when it\ncomes to the pre-packaged goods, we cannot be sure of such parameters. This is\nwhere Legal Metrology Act comes into the picture as it guides us with the\ninformation required (quantity, weight, price, date of expiry etc.) to make an\ninformed purchase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_role_of_the_LMPC_certificate_for_importers\"><\/span>What is the role of the LMPC certificate for importers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Trades engaged with the importation of the pre-packaged goods for sale or distribution are mandated to file an application for the same with the Controller of Legal Metrology in the State.If the application receives the authority&#8217;s approval, the <a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/legal-metrology-act-registration\"><b>Legal Metrology registration certificate<\/b><\/a> shall be granted to the concerned applicant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An LMPC registration remains valid for\none year and a maximum of 5 years. If you wish to sell said goods in an\nindividual state, you must seek for this license by applying to the respective\nState&#8217;s controller. Likewise, if you intend to make sales in multiple states,\nyou must register with the director at the Centre through your local\ncontroller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to apply for LMPC certificate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some states provide ease of online filing\nwhen it comes to LMPC registration. In a state like Andhra Pradesh, you are\nallowed to file an application along with necessary documents on the State&#8217;s\nofficial portal. On the other hand, an applicant from State can proceed the\nsame way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the absence of the online portal, you\ncan head over to the local Legal Metrology Department and file the prescribed\napplication in person. Alternatively, you can get in touch with a consultant\nlike Corpbiz or a lawyer to address the legalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_apply_for_LMPC_registration_and_how_much_it_cost\"><\/span>How to apply for LMPC registration, and how much it cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When filing the application, you will\nneed to enclose the given particulars:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Applicant\nname<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address\nof the workplace for importing the goods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Common\nor generic name of the commodity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_documentation_for_applying_LMPC_certificate\"><\/span>Common\ndocumentation for applying LMPC certificate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/iec-registration\"><strong>Importer Exporter Code<\/strong><\/a> (IEC) granted by DGFT. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>GST registration certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applicant&#8217;s digital photographs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address and identification proof<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sample of the label to be affixed on the commodity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aadhaar of the applicant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business registration (based on the type of business structure)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Copy of MoA and AoA ( in case of the company falling under <strong>the Companies Act, 2013<\/strong><sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mca.gov.in\/content\/mca\/global\/en\/acts-rules\/companies-act\/companies-act-2013.html\"><strong>[1]<\/strong><\/a><\/sup>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Depending on the State where the\ncertificate is sought, the following additional documents may be required<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><em>DOB\nof applicant<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Tenancy\nproof of the premises <\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Location\nmap of the premises<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>NOC\nfrom the State pollution control board or any such competent authority <\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The rules provide that the application\nshould be filed within 90 days of the commencement date of import.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon receiving the said application, the\nconcerned authority shall conduct the on-site inspection of the importer&#8217;s\npremises. After satisfactory verification, the authority shall register the\napplicant and accord the LMPC registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In case of incomplete information or\nerror, the application will be reverted to the applicant within seven days of\nits receipt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importers_responsibilities_under_Legal_Metrology_Act\"><\/span>Importer&#8217;s responsibilities under Legal Metrology Act<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To secure the LMPC certificate, the\napplicant should ensure their pre-packaged goods are affixed with a declaration\nreflecting the given information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Importer&#8217;s\nname and address<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manufacturer&#8217;s\nname and address<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The\ngeneric or common name of good contained in the package<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Country\nof origin (COO) of the commodity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overall\nquantity in terms of a standardized unit of weight, number, or measurement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Month\nas well as the year of import<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Month\nas well as the year of manufacture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maximum\nretail price (MRP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commodity&#8217;s\ndimension, if relevant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Name\nand contact detail of person accountable for handling customer complaints. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The declaration or labeling varies\nproduct-wise. It must be printed in English or Hindi &amp; there are norms\ndefining how the declaration must be highlighted on the packaging or affixed to\nit, and detailed instruction relating to each information point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Customs authorities have the right to\ndetain the imported goods in the absence of a valid LMPC certificate.\nTherefore, the importer needs to have such a license and comply with the\ndeclaration rules before the arrival of the shipment in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rules_pertaining_to_a_contravention_of_rules_and_penalties\"><\/span>Rules pertaining to a contravention of rules and penalties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Any\ncontravention of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules shall attract\na monetary fine:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rs\n4000, in case of a breach of provisions cited under rules 27 to 31<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rs\n2000, in case of a breach of other provisions cited under rules 27 to 31 for\nwhich no punishment has been provided<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rs\n5000 in case the applicant seeks an LMPC certificate post 90 days of the\nimport&#8217;s commencement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The\ndefaulters need to address some form of action alongside a fine in case of a\nsubsequent offense.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The\nmanufacturer shall be penalized accordingly if the label on the imported items\nfails to reflect qualifying words such as &#8216;manufactured by&#8217; or &#8216;packed by.&#8217;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Exemptions<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An LMPC certificate is not a legal\ncompulsion for the followings;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Commodities\nhaving a net weight of 10 gms or 10 ml or less<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Packed\nAgricultural produce of more than 50 kg<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Packages\nhaving fast food articles packed by a restaurant or hotel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Packages\nhaving formulations falling under the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 1995<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Moreover, Chapter 2 of the Legal\nMetrology Act, enclosing norms for packages proposed for retail sale, will not\napply to:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Packages with commodities weighing above\n25 kg or 25 l, excluding fertilizers &amp; cement, sold in bags of up to 50 kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Packaged items primarily for industrial\nconsumers (those who procure goods directly from the manufacturer for\nutilization in that industry) or institutional consumers (service institutions\nsuch as railways, airways, hotels, and hospitals).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is evident from the above that securing an LMPC certificate is a mandatory requirement for the importer of pre-packaged commodities. Any ignorance to complying with such a condition could incur penalties for the defaulters. Moreover, it is advisable to stay in line with the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, be it a matter of complying with labeling norms or providing necessary disclosure to the concerned authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-left\"><b>Read our Article<\/b>:<mark style=\"background: #fffd03 !important;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/process-to-set-up-export-and-import-business-in-india\/\">Process to Set up Export and Import Business in India\n<\/a><\/mark><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you planning to import pre-packaged commodities for distribution and sale in India? If so, then you must secure a Legal Metrology Registration Certificate (LMPC) in the first place. An LMPC certificate refers to an import consent falling under Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules, 2011. The Act regulates trade in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":40606,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[165],"tags":[2148],"acf":{"service_id":"16"},"authorName":"Pankaj Tyagi","authorImageUrl":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/MicrosoftTeams-image-42.jpg","authorDescription":"Pankaj has a diverse experience of writing research papers, blog, and articles during his college time. Earlier, he was working as a tax consultant in a financial firm, but his interest in writing drives him to pursue a career in the writing field.","postViews":8423,"readingTime":5,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40601"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40601"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40601\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69362,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40601\/revisions\/69362"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40606"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40601"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40601"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40601"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}