Indian importers of pre-packaged goods are required to have the Legal Metrology Registration Certificate, also known as the LMPC certificate. The products may be seized by customs if they are not registered.
Do you purchase and distribute pre-packaged goods? If so, you must be aware that you cannot bring these products into India without a Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity (LMPC) certificate, also known as a Legal Metrology Registration Certificate. An LMPC certificate is required for imports in accordance with the Legal Metrology Act of 2009 and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules of 2011. The Act controls the trade of goods that are sold or distributed by weight, measure, or number. The Act aims to encourage fair trade practices and safeguard consumer rights by establishing strong rules and regulations, especially for pre-packaged goods.
What exactly is a pre-packaged good?
According to the Act, a pre-packaged commodity is one that is “placed in a package of whatever nature, whether sealed or not, so that the product contained therein has a pre-determined quantity” without the customer being present. Baby food, gasoline, food items, paint, bagged cement, cables, wires, chemicals, wool, and other items are examples of pre-packaged goods.
Legal metrology’s significance
The study of measurements is known as metrology. Additionally, legal metrology is the study of weight and measuring units and techniques in respect to statutory legal and technical requirements. That is legal metrology’s official definition. But how does it apply to things that have already been packaged?
Here is a brief justification. We purchase products that are either sold loosely or are already packaged when we go to the market. In our presence, the loose items (fruits, vegetables, rice, and flour) are weighed. We may assess their value for ourselves. We are also aware of the seller’s identity. However, we cannot be certain of the product’s weight, freshness, or safety when we purchase pre-packaged items. Also unknown to us is the maker. The Legal Metrology Act provides the customer with all the necessary data (weight, quantity, price, expiration date, etc.) to make an informed purchase.
What does an importer’s LMPC certificate mean?
The Controller of Legal Metrology in the state or the Director of Legal Metrology in the federal government must receive an application for registration of the trader’s name and address from those who import pre-packaged goods for sale or distribution. The Director/Controller of Legal Metrology, who will register the importer’s name and address if the application is approved, will also provide them an LMPC certificate. An LMPC certificate appears as follows. An LMPC registration is valid for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years.
You must submit an application to the controller in that state if you want to sell your pre-packaged items in just that state. You must register with the director at the Centre through your regional controller if you intend to sell in numerous states.
Notably, makers and packers of pre-packaged items are also required to get LMPC certificates in addition to importers.
Where to submit an LMPC certificate application
Online LMPC registration is made possible in some states. For instance, in Andhra Pradesh, you can use the single desk portal of the AP Industries Department to submit your application together with the required documentation (described below). Here is where you may register online if you’re in Delhi.
Visit your state’s legal metrology department in person to submit your application if this online service is unavailable there. Alternately, you might pay a lawyer or consultant to do the research for you. A quick Google search will help you locate such a third-party representative.
Documents Needed for LMPC Registration
for Manufacturer/Packer/Importer: –
- Photographs, address evidence, and identification of the applicant, partners, or director, as applicable.
- Proof of the applicants’ or partners’, as appropriate, dates of birth.
- A lease or ownership agreement for the business space.
- Location map of business premises.
- In the case of partnership firms, the partnership deed.
- A copy of the company’s MOA, AOA, and certificate of incorporation.
- If needed by the Legal Metrology General Rules, 2011, a model approval certificate from the Director, Legal Metrology, Government of India, with regard to the proposed weighing and measuring apparatus.
- There are none. Especially in the Taj Trapezium Zone, a certificate from the environmental control board.
- List of machinery and tools.
- Affidavit stating that the applicant will follow all applicable laws and controller-issued instructions.
- Affidavit stating that the petitioner has not received a punishment from a court and that there are no active criminal cases.
- Documentation of factory, shop, establishment, or municipal trade license registration, if applicable
- Copy of GST Registration.
- Copy of PAN of the firm/company.
for Dealer: –
- Identity & Residential Proof.
- Two Passport sizes.
- A letter of approval from the manufacturer asking to be your dealer
- If you want to import weights and measures from outside the state, you must get a manufacturing license.
- Model Acceptance dealing with a certificate of weights and measurements.
- Documents proving ownership or a lease for the property.
- Professional Tax, GST Registration, and Labour License
for Repairer: –
- Identity proof.
- Two Passport size
- Certificate of Registration of Industry
- NOC from Competent Authority.
- Documentation proving ownership or a lease for the property.
- Constitution in case of proprietorship/partnership firm.
- copies of the appointment letters for the employee, along with any necessary certificates of training and experience;
- Machinery, Tools and Accessories list with purchase bill.
- Purchase invoice for test weights in the event of a new verification certificate.
- GST Registration Certificate.
- Professional Tax Registration Certificate
- Valid Labour Licence.
Why importers need an LMPC certificate
Customs may hold your imported goods if you don’t have an LMPC certificate or don’t adhere to the declaration requirements. Be careful to register as an importer before your products reach in India as a customs seizure could result in delays, fees, and other issues.
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