LMPC Registration for Packaged Commodities | Legal Metrology Registration

Overview of LMPC Registration

LMPC Registration is crucial for businesses dealing with pre-packaged goods. It stands for Legal Metrology Pre-Packed Commodity Registration, ensuring that packaged items comply with measurement standards.

Therefore, we call the scientific study of weights and measurements metrology. The government enacted India's Legal Metrology Act in 2009. A branch of the Department of Consumer Affairs handles the measuring and weighing of packaged commodities.

According to Rule 27 of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity guidelines, anyone importing prepackaged products into India must obtain an LMPC Certificate for Import beforehand.

This registration applies to both manufacturers and packers, certifying that all packaged goods have accurate weights and measurements displayed on their labels.

Both manufacturers and packers of packaged items must get an LMPC registration. This registration shows that the packaged goods have the correct weight and measurements listed on their labels.

Why is LMPC Certificate for Import Necessary?

1. Mandatory for Imports: The LMPC Certificate for Import is a must for businesses importing pre-packaged goods into India to comply with legal requirements.

2. Ensures Accurate Labeling: It ensures the product's weight, measurements, and details on the label are correct and reliable.

3. Follows Legal Metrology Rules: It helps businesses follow the Legal Metrology Act and avoid penalties.

4. Builds Customer Trust: Products with accurate labels and legal certification gain customer trust.

5. Prevents Legal Issues: Importing without an LMPC Registration can lead to fines or restrictions on your business activities.

What is the Purpose of Getting an LMPC Certificate?

The LMPC certificate aims to control the packaging rules for selling or distributing pre-packaged goods in the country. Certain rules may apply to food commodities, Medicinal products, and other items as specified in their respective governing statutes. For example, the Drugs & Cosmetics Act of 1940 stipulates additional requirements that Medicinal items must meet.

An importer who brings in pre-packaged goods for sale must register as an importer. Rule 27 of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules (LMPC Rules), 2011, requires this. The LMPC importer must tell the government about the pre-packaged items he wants to import into India. This is part of the registration process.

The legal term for LMPC registration is "Importer Registration under Rule 27." People also call it "Legal Metrology Certificate" or "Importer License Registration under Legal Metrology." Customs officials refer to this registration as the "LMPC Certificate." The LMPC Rules of 2011 require this registration or certification.

What are Pre-Packaged Commodities?

Every product or item that someone sells, whether sealed or unsealed, qualifies as a pre-packaged commodity. During the time of packaging of such items, the consumer is not present. Therefore, the contents on the label of such products determine their accurate weights and measurements. Moreover, the LMPC certification ensures that the contents of the label are correct.

The following pre-packaged items are protected under the Legal Metrology of Packaged commodities:

• Cooking oil
• Tea and coffee
• Milk Packets
• Washing powder or detergent
• Soaps
• Paint, Varnish, and Enamels
• Bags of cement
• Drinking water and mineral water
• Biscuits, bread, baby food
• Soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages
• Rice flour, Wheat flour, Suji, and Rawa

What are the Benefits of LMPC Certification?

In business processes, measurement is essential. Effective trading must be very transparent and preserve a feeling of Balance between the buyers and sellers. Therefore, it is important to get LMPC Certification and avail the following benefits.

1. Cutting Down on Transaction Fees

Occasionally, bad measuring exercises turn out to be more costly and time-consuming. These actions have an impact on both buyers and sellers. Bringing a legal case against a merchant who violates the measuring regulations is also quite difficult. However, accurate measurements that follow the Legal Metrology Act clearly lower time and costs.

2. Encouraging and Supporting Trade

The Legal Metrology Act is responsible for policing any unethical or unlawful business activities. In order for measuring instruments to fulfill their intended function and adhere to international standards, the LMPC certificate acts as a guarantee that the requirements of the Legal Metrology Act are complete.

3. Reducing Technical Trade Barriers

The LMPC certificate increases measuring confidence and clarity while lessening the burden of technical barriers. Fewer barriers improve the country's self-esteem. They also encourage people to explore foreign trade opportunities. This, in turn, helps the economy grow.

A merchant can avoid unnecessary problems by using the Legal Metrology Act. This act helps them follow technical rules, adopt standards, and complete conformity assessment procedures.

4. Increasing Customer Confidence

Customers trust the vendor more when they know they are getting a product that meets specific laws and rules. This trust helps build a strong trading relationship.

What are the Documents Required for LMPC Registration?

The documents required for LMPC Registration or LMPC certificate are listed below:

• For an authorized signature, DSC is required.
• Proof of residence, such as a passport, voter ID, or Aadhaar.
• MCD/NDMC/DDA License for Factory, Trade, and Manufacture. If the applicant does not have an MCD license, they must provide a sworn statement. This statement should confirm that the business location is not in a non-conforming area. It should also state that the MCD is not likely to seal the property.
• GST enrollment.
• The label, packing material, slip, or sticker that someone applies to the packed product.
• The company's memorandum of association and the partnership agreement pertaining to partnership enterprises.
• Import and Export Code (lEC certificate).
• A passport-sized picture of each director, partner, and proprietor.
• Verification of the business premises.

What are the Requirements for Getting LMPC Certificate?

Here are the guidelines retailers must follow to register for an Legal Metrology  for importing or exporting goods:

• The Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976, Section 47, lays forth standards for measuring weight.
• The legal metrology controller of the state or UT must review applications to re-establish the exporter or importer. This applies to weight or measure in the company's name. A request draft for Rs. The exporter/importer must prepare 10/- with the "Pay and Accounts official" at Consumer Affairs, New Delhi.
• The Legal Metrology Rules specify which items need weighing or measuring. Therefore, we will only accept applications for those items for registration.
• If all conditions are met, the registration authority will issue the applicant a registration certificate within ten days. The Legal Metrology Controller manages this process.

What is the Process of LMPC Registration?

The process of LMPC registration is mentioned below:

Step 1: Submission of Application

You need to fill out an application form in order to apply online for an LMPC license. The application must be submitted to the director of metrology in your local area. You can easily find the contact details of director of metrology on the website of Metrology Council.

Step 2: Submission of Documents for LMPC Registration

To get an LMPC certificate, you need to provide a copy of your business permit. You also need a copy of your current merchant or shop owner license. You need to provide some documents to the Director of Metrology. You must also show proof that you have paid all city and provincial taxes for the last two years.

Note: If any information is missing or inaccurate, the application will be returned in seven working days.

Step 3: Inspection of the Business Premises

To determine the applicant's production competency, the inspector will check the applicant's proposed premises together with pertinent paperwork. After that, the inspector will write a report. Divisional assistant controllers will then present it to the controller for more recommendations.

Step 4: Examining the application

The Local Inspector, Assistant Controller, or Controller can object to reviewing the application. They may ask questions if any part of the application is incorrect or incomplete.

Step 5: Payment of Requisite Fee

After you file your application, the director of Metrology will consider it.

The Controller will review the application. If it is suitable for an LMPC Certificate, the Controller may ask the applicant to pay the license fee. The payment should be made into the required accounts.

Step 6: Issuing legal metrology Certification

The LMPC Certificate will be sent in the specified format after the fee is paid. A copy must be received at the Controller's office. 

What are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?

• If you submit your application for an LMPC import license after ninety days, you will have to pay a late fee. The late fee is Rs. 5000. This applies in Delhi.
• Breaking the rules for measures and weights can lead to a fine of up to Rs. 10,000 or a year in jail. This applies to importers, packers, producers, and dealers.
• A maker, importer, or packer who breaches section 11 of the LMPC Act faces one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs.10,000.
• Importers, packers, and manufacturers can face a fine of Rs. 710,000 or one year in prison. This happens if they deliver less than what the customer paid for.
• Under Section 19 of the Legal Metrology Act of 2009, an importer certificate is the sole document that permits the import of any weight or measure. Customs officers take these rules more seriously, and business owners are required to get an importer certificate before importing any pre-packaged commodities.
• Importers and manufacturers who neglect to file yearly returns face fines of Rs. 5,000 or one year of imprisonment.
• If a product's label indicates an unconfirmed weight, the importer will also face penalties.
• Producers, importers, sellers, and distributors who sell goods without an LMPC certification on the package face a fine. They could be fined up to Rs. 10,000, face one year in prison, or both.

Exemption under LMPC Rules

Certain exclusions from the restrictions are provided under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. These exclusions are determined by the commodity's nature, price, and quantity. The LMPC regulations do not apply in some situations, thus it's critical to be aware of these exclusions:

Exemption from Quantity

• Packages of goods holding more than 25 kilos or 25 liters are exempt from the restrictions of these standards.
• Furthermore, certain specialized categories are excluded, such as fertilizer, cement, and agricultural farm goods when sold in sacks weighing more than 50 kg.
• Moreover, these regulations do not apply to packaged goods meant for institutional or industrial users.
• Exemption for Agriculture Farm Produce
• The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 apply to packages of agriculture farm produce weighing up to 50 kg. When handling these packages, manufacturers, packers, and importers are permitted to pack in any amount up to 50 kg as long as they follow certain guidelines.

PSR Compliance Consultant for LMPC Registration

Step 1: Reach Out to PSR Compliance

• Contact us for expert guidance on LMPC Certification.
• Email: Support@psrcompliance.com
• Phone: +91 7065883416

Step 2: Understand the LMPC Certification Process

• Our experts will explain the complete LMPC Certification process to ensure you understand the requirements.
• We’ll guide you through every step to make the process easy for you.

Step 3: Assistance with Documentation

• Get help preparing and submitting the required documents for LMPC Certification.
• We ensure everything is accurate and meets the guidelines.

Step 4: Support with LMPC Fees

• Our team provides clear guidance on LMPC registration fees to avoid any confusion.
• We make sure your payment process is simple and secure.

Step 5: Certification Made Easy

• We handle the process to get your LMPC Certification approved smoothly.
• Focus on your business while we take care of the paperwork.

Start your LMPC Certification journey with PSR Compliance today!