When we talk about fair trade, accurate measurements, and consumer protection, one law in India stands out — The Legal Metrology Act, 2009. This law sets rules for measuring instruments, weights, and packaged goods so that buyers get what they pay for and sellers maintain trust.

At Corpbiz, we regularly guide manufacturers, importers, and dealers through the process of Legal Metrology License Registration, so they stay compliant and avoid penalties. But before you apply for licenses, you must know which products are actually covered under this Act.

In this blog, we’ll break it down in simple words, so you’ll have a clear understanding of the scope of the Legal Metrology Act and how it applies to your business.

Understanding the Legal Metrology Act

The Legal Metrology Act, 2009 deals with the regulation of weights, measures, and all goods that are sold or distributed by weight, measure, or number. The law covers:

• Measuring instruments – like weighing scales, fuel dispensers, water meters, etc.
  
  
• Pre-packaged commodities – goods packed without the buyer present, with a fixed quantity marked on the label.
  
  
• Units and standards – ensuring that all weights and measures follow standard units across India.
  
  

If your business deals with any such goods, you may need licenses such as:

• Legal Metrology Manufacturer License Registration – for those manufacturing weighing/measuring equipment.
  
  
• LMPC License Registration – for importers of pre-packaged commodities.
  
  
• Model Approval Certificate Registration – for manufacturers/importers before selling new models of measuring instruments.
  
  

Categories of Products Covered

The products covered under the Legal Metrology Act can be broadly divided into two main categories:

1. Measuring Instruments and Devices

These include all tools and machines that measure weight, length, volume, or any other physical quantity. Examples:

• Weighing scales (digital or mechanical)
  
  
• Fuel dispensers (used at petrol pumps)
  
  
• Water meters and gas meters
  
  
• Thermometers and sphygmomanometers (used in healthcare)
  
  
• Taximeters (used in taxis and auto-rickshaws)
  
  
• Railway weighing bridges
  
  
• Flow meters (used in industries)
  
  

Any manufacturer or importer of these devices must apply for a Model Approval Certificate Registration before launching them in the market.

2. Pre-Packaged Commodities

The Act also regulates goods that are packed in advance for sale, where the buyer cannot change the quantity. These products must follow the Packaged Commodity Rules, which mandate details like:

• Name and address of manufacturer/importer
  
  
• Net quantity (weight, volume, or length)
  
  
• MRP (inclusive of taxes)
  
  
• Date of manufacture/packing
  
  
• Customer care details
  
  

Some common examples include:

• Food items – biscuits, snacks, spices, edible oils, packaged water, soft drinks
  
  
• Household goods – detergents, soaps, cleaning liquids, packaged tissues
  
  
• Cosmetics – shampoos, creams, makeup products
  
  
• Electronics – mobile phones, chargers, headphones (when sold as packaged units)
  
  
• Stationery – pens, notebooks, markers sold in packs
  
  
• Hardware items – nails, screws, bolts sold in pre-packed boxes
  
  

Importers of such goods must get an LMPC License Registration from the Legal Metrology Department before bringing them into India.