Consumption and usage of packaged commodities, especially food products, has increased tremendously and so has the need to spread awareness about the contents and information of such products. To ensure the protection of the consumer interest, the government has laid down Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules, 2011. These rules aim to lay down specific registration and compliance requirements that shall be followed by all the eligible businesses.

Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules – Brief Overview

As per the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules, the producers, packagers and importers are mandatorily required to apply for LMPC registration. The packagers are required to ensure the disclosure of proper declarations in the packaged commodities. In the case of importers importing pre-packaged commodities, they are required to ensure that the disclosures in the packaged commodities are in line with the Packaged Commodity Rules, 2011 and Legal Metrology Act, 2009.

Persons Required to Obtain Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Registration

As per the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and Legal Metrology (Pre-Packaged) Rules, 2011, the following persons are mandatorily required to obtain packaged commodity registrations:

• Manufacturers and Producers
• Importers
• Packers

Documents Required for LMPC Packaged Commodity Registration

The following are the required documents for packaged commodity registration:

• Name of the applicant’s company
• PAN and Aadhaar of the promoters or founders
• Address of the applicant
• Complete details of the packaged commodities
• Samples of the packaged products
• Passport size photo of the applicant
• Tax registration proof
• Copy of the trade license, manufacturing license and factory license
• Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association
• Import Export Code
• Any other document as may be required

Procedure for LMPC Registration

Once you gather all the required documents, you can proceed with the LMPC registration application. Following is the procedure to apply for LMPC registration in India:

• You need to file the application for LMPC registration, filling in all the necessary details.
• Attach all the necessary documents along with the application form.
• Your application will be scrutinized by the appropriate authorities and physical inspection shall be assigned to authorized personnel.
• The personnel shall conduct the inspection and submit the inspection report.
• If the inspection report is found to be satisfactory, the application shall be forwarded to the Zonal Officer who shall then grant the registration.

Benefits of LMPC Registration

While the LMPC registration is mandatorily required to be obtained by eligible businesses, it should be noted that it also confers a lot of benefits to the applicant. These benefits of LMPC registration include:

• Proper Inventory Management: Manufacturers will be encouraged to ensure proper management of inventory with correct measurements and weights. This will also assist them in staying updated with the availability of stock and avoid any loss of inventory due to measurement issues.
• Proper Disclosures: One of the key features of LMPC registration is proper disclosures of the information and contents of the packaged commodity. This ensures the protection of the consumer interest as they are aware of all the content and can decide whether to buy the product or not.
• Enhancing Goodwill: The LMPC registration enhances the reputation and goodwill of the business as people perceive such businesses as compliant with the applicable laws and regulations.
• Minimizing Disputes: The LMPC registration in India directly leads to a reduction in disputes, especially between businesses and consumers. With mandated disclosure of all the information and proper regulation of weights and measures, the chances of disputes emerging between businesses and consumers are reduced to a large extent.

Responsibilities of Manufacturer and Importer under LMPC

As per LMPC rules and regulations, the importers and manufacturers are required to ensure proper disclosures on the pre-packaged commodities. Following are the basic details that shall be mandatorily disclosed on the prepackaged commodities:

• Name of the manufacturer or importer
• Address of the manufacturer or importer
• The general name of the product packed in the package
• The total quantity of the goods packed as well as a standard unit of measurement
• Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of the product
• Date of manufacturing or import
• Country of manufacturing or import
• The expiry date of the goods
• Size, weight or dimension of the goods, as may be applicable
• Contents or ingredients of the goods
• Contact details for a consumer complaint

How ASC Group Can Help?

ASC Group is an esteemed professional organisation that helps businesses across all the areas of certifications, registrations and compliance matters. If you are looking towards applying for Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Registration, then here’s how ASC Group can help:

• Gathering of all the necessary documents for LMPC registration.
• Preparation and filing of the application for LMPC registration.
• Guidance for accurate disclosures as required under the LMPC rules and regulations as well as assistance in adherence to the LMPC requirements.
• Liaising with the appropriate authorities and resolution of any queries that may arise.
• Ensuring timely and accurate adherence to the post registration compliances

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is LMPC registration?

A: LMPC registration, also known as Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity registration, is a mandatory registration that shall be obtained by every business that deals in importing, manufacturing and selling of pre-packaged commodities in India.

Q: Am I required to register under legal metrology as an importer?

A: Yes. If you are an importer of weights or measures or pre-packaged commodities, then you are required to obtain registration under the legal metrology law.

Q: What is the validity of the LMPC certificate?

A: The LMPC certificate is valid for a minimum period of 1 year and a maximum period of 5 years, following which it shall be renewed.

Q: Who requires an LMPC certificate?

A: Any person who is the manufacturer, producer or importer of the pre-packaged commodities is required to obtain LMPC registration in India.