Title: LMPC certificate: Why do importers need it?
1LMPC certificate Why do importers need it?
- Legal Metrology Registration Certificate (also
called LMPC Certificate) is required for Indian
importers who purchase pre-packaged products.
Customs can seize goods if they are not
registered. - Do you import prepackaged goods to be sold and
distributed? You cannot import pre- packaged
goods to India without a Legal Metrology
Registration Certificate (also known as a Legal
Metrology Packaged Commodity or LMPC
certificate). A LMPC is a requirement for import
under the Legal Metrology Act (2009) and Legal
Metrology Rules (Packaged Commodity), 2011. The
Act regulates the trade of goods sold or
distributed based on weight, measure, or number.
The Act defines strict rules and regulations for
pre-packaged products, among others, to protect
consumers rights and promote fair trade. - This article will examine the LMPC Certificate
for Import in its entirety. - What is pre-packaged commodities?
- What is a LMPC certificate?
- Why is it important for importers?
- Where and how can people apply?
- What is the cost?
- What are the repercussions if you dont have an
LMPC? - Lets start with a quick overview of prepackaged
products and legal metrology.
2What is pre-packaged go ? According to the Act,
a prepackaged commodity is a commodity that,
without the buyer being present, has been placed
in a package, sealed or unsealed, with a product
inside, which contains a quantity
predetermined. Pre-packaged products include
paint, baby food, fuel and food products in
bags, chemicals, cable, wires, chemical, and
wool. Legal metrology Its importance The study
of measurement is called metrology. Legal
metrology is the study of measurements and
weights in relation to legal and technical
requirements. This is the official definition
for legal metrology. What is the relevance of
legal metrology in pre- packaged products? Here
is a simple explanation. We buy either loose
goods or packaged products at the market.
Weighing is done in front of us for loose goods
such as fruits, vegetables, flour, rice and
other grains. We can determine the quality of
their products. We know who the seller is. When
we purchase pre-packaged products, we are unable
to determine the weight, safety, or freshness of
the product. We also dont know who the
manufacturer is. Legal Metrology Act provides
the necessary information to the customer
(weight, quantity and price) in order for them
to make an informed purchase. Here you can also
read about the import challenges India faces and
how to solve them. What is a LMPC
certificate? To register their name and
addresses, traders who import prepackaged goods
to sell or distribute must submit a request to
the Controller of Legal Metrology or Director of
Legal Metrology of the Central government. The
registering authority will then register the
importers name and their address if the
application is approved. This is what an LMPC
Certificate looks like. The registration of an
LMPC is valid for a period of up to five
years. Read also this blog - How to Obtain an
FSSAI License for a Dhaba/Canteen. You must
contact the controller of that state if you plan
to sell pre-packaged products in one state. If
you intend to sell your pre-packaged goods in
more than one state, you will need to register
at the Centre through the local
controller. Note In addition to importers and
manufacturers of pre-packaged products, LMPC
certificates are also required by packers and
manufacturers. Where can I apply for a LMPC
certificate Online LMPC registration is
available in some states. You can, for instance,
submit your application along with the required
documents (described below) to the AP Industries
Department single desk portal in Andhra Pradesh.
Heres how to register online if you live in
Delhi.
3- If the online service is not available to you,
then visit your local Legal Metrology Department
in person and submit your application. You can
also hire a consultant or lawyer to handle the
paperwork for you, but they will charge a fee.
Google can help you find a third party agent. - What is the cost and how to apply ?
- You will need to fill out the following
information when completing your application - Your name (as a candidate)
- Address of the premises to which the product is
imported - Common or generic names of the commodity
- According to the rules, the application has to be
submitted within 90 days from the date the
import began. You will be required to pay INR
500. - Upon receiving a completed application form, an
inspection of the importers premises will be
conducted by the registering authority. If
everything is in order, they will register the
applicant, and issue them a LMPC certification.
This can take up to 20 working days. - The application will be returned if it is
incomplete within 7 days after receipt. - The importer can make changes to the certificate
after paying INR100 at the registering
authority. - Importer responsibilities
- Importers who wish to receive an LMPC
certification must make sure that their pre-
packaged products carry a statement with the
following details - Name and address of importer
- Name and address of manufacturer
4- Why importers require LMPC certificates
- Customs can hold your imported goods if you do
not have an LMPC or if you fail to follow the
rules of declaration. Dont let a customs seizure
cause you delays, costs, or other problems.
Register as an importer before your goods arrive. - Penalties for rule violations and violation of
the rules - A fine will be imposed for any violation of the
Legal Metrology certificate Rules (Packaged
Commodities) - The fine for violating any of the rules 27 to 31,
is INR 4,000 - The fine for violating other rules or provisions
of the Act or Rules that are not punishable by
law or rule is INR2,000
5- You will be charged a fee if you apply for a LMPC
after 90 days from the date of import. (INR
5,000 in Delhi). - If its not the first time, there may be some
kind of action in addition to the fine. In most
cases, the manufacturer is responsible. If the
words manufactured or packed are not
included before the name or address, then it is
assumed that the address and name belong to the
manufacturer. This is important for importers to
know as they may be held liable if there are any
violations. - Exemptions
- All pre-packaged products except for the
following require an LMPC certificate. - Commodities that have a net weight of less than
10 grams or 10 milliliters - Packages of agricultural produce weighing more
than 50 kg - Fast food packaged by a hotel or restaurant
- Packages containing formulations covered under
the Drugs (Price Control) Order 1995 - The provisions of Chapter 2 (Packages intended
for Retail Sale) in the Legal Metrology Act will
not apply Packages containing commodities that
weigh more than 25kg or 25litres (excluding
cement and fertilizers sold in bags up to 50kg) - Packaged goods for industrial consumers, (those
who purchase the goods directly from
manufacturers for use within their industry), or
institutional consumers, (service institutions
like hotels, hospitals, airlines, and railways). - FAQS
- What does legal metrology mean?
- Legal metrology is defined by the Department of
Consumer Affairs as that part of Metrology that
deals with units of weightment, measurement,
methods of measurement, and weighing and
measuring devices, in relation to mandatory
technical and law requirements, which have the
object of ensuring public assurance from the
perspective of security and accuracy of
weighments and measures.
6Most people say it can take up to 20 working days
after the date the application is received.