Importer License Under Legal Metrology

Pre-packaged commodities, especially in the case of food products, need regulatory oversight in the interest of consumer protection. This is equally applicable to the importers of pre-packaged commodities. The government has placed the requirement of an importer license under legal metrology in order to ensure only quality and safe products enter the domestic market.

What is Importer License Under Legal Metrology?

Legal metrology importer license is granted to the importers of pre-packaged commodities. After the approval of registration, the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Certificate (LMPC) is issued to the importers under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules, 2011.

Pre packaged commodity is being defined as a commodity that without the purchaser being present is placed in a package of whatever nature, whether sealed or not, so that the product contained therein has a pre-determined quantity.

Benefits of Importer License Under LMPC

The government has mandated for the importers to apply for legal metrology importer license. There are multiple benefits of LMPC registration by the importers. These include:

• Statutory Compliance: It is mandatory for the importers of pre-packaged commodities to obtain a legal metrology importer license. Non-registration can lead to levy of significant fines and penalties and also disruption of the business activities.
• Consumer Trust: Legal metrology registration helps businesses win consumer trust as the consumers perceive the business and products as genuine and compliant with the legal requirements.
• Reduces Procedural Obstruction: The import process can be hindered and goods can be detained by the customs authority if you fail to furnish the LMPC import license.
• Avoid Penalties: Not obtaining legal metrology registration despite being liable to do so can lead to a levy of fines and penalties by the concerned authorities. Obtaining timely registration can help you avoid unnecessary fines and penalties.

Process of LMPC Importer License

To obtain an LMPC importer license, you need to follow the below process:

• The process of LMPC importer registration begins with submitting the application form to the Director of Metrology. There are two types of LMPC registration i.e., LMPC importer license and LMPC manufacturer and packer license
• Submit all the necessary documents along with the application form. Once all the documents are attached, verify the same and submit the application
• Pay the requisite LMPC registration fees to complete the application formalities
• The concerned inspector from the legal metrology department will conduct an inspection by visiting your business premises for verification. The inspection will involve checking of the manufacturing process, labelling and packing of your products
• If all the details and information are found satisfactory, then the department will grant the LMPC registration

Documents Required for LMPC Importer Certificate

Following are some of the key documents required for obtaining an LMPC importer certificate:

• Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
• GST registration certificate
• Identity proof of the applicant
• Address proof of the applicant
• Incorporation documents like partnership deed, MOA or AOA
• Photograph of the applicant
• Principal declaration label on the commodity
• Details of the product for which legal metrology license is being applied for
• Any other document as may be required

Declarations for LMPC Importer License

You need to make certain key declarations while applying for the LMPC importer license. You need to specify whether the package is meant for retail purpose or wholesale purpose and whether the quantity of product is as per the rules. Further, you also need to mention whether the product is perishable in nature or if there is a combination or group of products in the package. It is important to go through the labelling requirements under the legal metrology rules to ensure that all the required disclosures are made in the product packaging.

Exemption from LMPC Importer License

The following persons are granted exemption from obtaining LMPC importer license:

• Agricultural produce where the weight is more than 50 kgs
• If the net weight of the pre-packaged commodity is less than 10 grams or 10 milliliters
• Packages having certain chemical formulations covered under the Drug (Price Control) Order, 1995
• Packages that contain cooked fast food items by restaurants or hotels

Further, the government has exempted the following products from Chapter 2 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009:

• Packages having commodities weighing more than 25 kgs or 25 litres, excluding cement and fertilizers that are sold in bags of up to 50 kgs
• Packages thar are meant for industrial and institutional consumers like hospitals, railways, airlines and hotels

How Can ASC Group Help?

In order to seamlessly obtain LMPC registration for import, it is important to have seasoned professionals to help you at each stage from registration to compliance. Here’s how the ASC Group can help you obtain LMPC importer registration:

• Gathering of all the documents and information for the LMPC importer license
• Assistance in obtaining ancillary registrations like Importer Exporter Code, GST registration, model approval certificate, weights and measures certification etc.
• Preparation and filing of application for legal metrology importer license
• Ensuring adherence to the rules and regulations regarding quality, safety and disclosure requirements in the legal metrology rules and regulations
• Providing necessary assistance during the inspection conducted by the departmental authorities
• Liaising with the regulatory authorities for the resolution of any objections and queries
• Handling of post registration compliances of legal metrology importer license

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is an import license under legal metrology mandatory?

A: Yes. If you are importing pre-packaged commodities in India, then you need to apply for importer registration under legal metrology.

Q: What is the validity of an import license under legal metrology?

A: The importer license under legal metrology is valid for a minimum period of 1 year and a maximum period of 5 years. The license should be renewed before its expiry for uninterrupted business operations.

Q: Why should I obtain a legal metrology importer license?

A: You need to apply for legal metrology importer license in order to import the pre-packaged commodities. You will face hurdles in customs clearance without the importer license. Further, it also portrays a positive image amongst the customers who perceive your business and products as safe and legally compliant.

Q: What are the different types of LMPC certificates?

A: The following are the two key types of LMPC certificates in India:

• Importer LMPC Certificate: This is meant for importers of pre-packaged commodities in India.
• LMPC Manufacturer and Packer License: This is meant for the manufacturers and packers of pre-packaged commodities in India.

Also, Check "Legal Metrology Manufacturer License"