Legal metrology packaged commodity registration refers to the process by which manufacturers, packers, or importers of packaged commodities obtain registration or licensing to comply with legal metrology regulations. This registration ensures that the packaging, labeling, and selling of packaged commodities meet the prescribed standards and requirements.
Eligibility of LMPC Certificate
Manufacturers, packers, or importers of packaged commodities are required to register or obtain an LMPC certificate from the designated regulatory authority. This requirement aims to ensure compliance with legal metrology regulations and consumer protection.
Laws and Regulations on LMPC Registration
In India, legal metrology and packaged commodity registration are governed by the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and Rules, 2011. Here are the key laws and regulations related to legal metrology and packaged commodity registration in India:
1. Legal Metrology Act, 2009:
This Act provides the legal framework for weights and measures, standards of weights and measures, and regulation of trade and commerce in weights, measures, and other goods that are sold or distributed by weight, measure, or number.
2. Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011:
These rules regulate the packaging, labeling, and selling of packaged commodities in India. They prescribe the mandatory declarations, dimensions, and other requirements for packaging and labeling.
3. Controller of Legal Metrology:
The Controller of Legal Metrology is the central authority responsible for administering and enforcing legal metrology regulations in India. Each state also has a Controller of Legal Metrology who oversees the enforcement at the state level.
4. Packaged Commodity:
The Legal Metrology Act defines a “packaged commodity” as any commodity packaged in a container, pre-packaged, or prepared for sale in a certain quantity. The Act covers various types of packaged commodities, including food products, beverages, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and more.
5. Registration and Licensing:
The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules mandate that every manufacturer, packer, or importer of packaged commodities needs to obtain registration or licensing from the Controller of Legal Metrology. The Legal Metrology registration or license is valid for a specified period and needs to be renewed as per the prescribed process.
6. Mandatory Declarations:
The rules specify the mandatory declarations that must be mentioned on the label of packaged commodities. These include the name and address of the manufacturer, net quantity, date of manufacture, batch number, maximum retail price (MRP), consumer care details, and other essential information.
7. Packaging and Labeling Requirements:
The rules prescribe specific requirements for packaging and labeling, such as the use of appropriate units of measurement, font size and visibility of text, placement of declarations, and warnings or cautionary statements, where applicable.
8. Verification and Stamping:
The Act and rules authorize the verification and stamping of weighing and measuring instruments used for packaging and selling commodities. Authorized verifiers and stamping authorities carry out the process of verification and stamping to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards.
9. Enforcement and Penalties:
The Act empowers the Controllers of Legal Metrology to conduct inspections, investigations, and prosecutions to enforce compliance with legal metrology regulations. Non-compliance with the provisions can lead to penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and product recalls.
10. Consumer Rights:
The Act emphasizes consumer protection and grants consumers the right to receive accurate and transparent information about packaged commodities. It provides mechanisms for consumers to seek redressal in case of non-compliance with legal metrology regulations.
Non-Compliance with Legal Metrology Regulations: Non-compliance with LMPC regulations or failure to obtain. A Legal Metrology certificate or renew the required registration, may lead to penalties, fines, product recalls, or other enforcement actions by the regulatory authority.
In nutshell:
Manufacturers and importers of packaged commodities need to consider the specific requirements, Legal compliances, laws & regulations for LMPC registration. Therefore, we recommend consulting the Legal Metrology Consultant like ASC Group to ensure proper compliance and advisory on applicable laws, regulations, and authorities in your specific jurisdiction for accurate and up-to-date information. Legal Metrology Consultants like ASC Group also help in completing processes like documentation, and legal requirement and also obtain LMPC Certificate. You also need to refer to the specific provisions of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, and Act, 2009, and, as well as any amendments or notifications issued by the authorities for detailed and up-to-date information.
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