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- LMPC Certificate is required for import of all pre-packaged goods in India under Legal Metrology rules.
- It guarantees that your labels have the proper details for MRP, quantity, importers name, and date of import.
- If your certificate is missing your shipment can be delayed, detained, or fined at customs.
- The LMPC certificate is given by the State Legal Metrology Department after the checking of the applications and labels.
- The LMPC Certificate is the way forward to help the importers, traders and the e-commerce sellers for smooth clearance and legitimate sales.
Introduction
An LMPC certification is a legal document required when you import packaged goods into India. It proves that the product’s packaging follows India’s rules and that labels show correct details like MRP, net quantity, import date, and the importer’s address. These details help buyers and keep trade fair.Without the certificate, shipments can be stuck at customs, or they can be denied for sale in the marketplaces. An LMPC Certificate is best obtained ahead of time to eliminate delays, fines, and problems with retailers. For anyone selling packaged goods in India, this certificate is a basic step for smooth, legal business.
What is LMPC Certificate?
LMPC stands for Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities. It is the required certificate for sale or importation of packaged products in India. It’s a certificate that assures that there is correct information on the labels like weight, price, date and name of importer and it provides fairness in trade to safeguard buyers from inaccurate data.
LMPC Certificate Requirement Under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009
The Legal Metrology Act 2009 governs weights, measures, and packaged commodities in India to protect consumers, promote fair trade and commerce, and provide for uniformity of measures. Many rules and regulations have been made under this act;
1. Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011
- Applicable to all pre-packaged goods sold in India.
- Requirements include:
- Accurate quantity declaration (weight, volume, or number).
- Clear labeling with details like:
- Name of product
- Net quantity
- Manufacturer/importer/packer name and address
- Date of manufacturing
- Expiry date (if applicable)
- Maximum Retail Price (MRP)
- Ensures the consumer gets what is promised on the label.
- Name of product
- Clear labeling with details like:
2. Units of Measurement Rules, 2011
- Standardizes units of measurement used in trade.
- Only SI units (kg, litre, metre…) may be used for commercial use.
- Prevents use of non standard or arbitrary units that could confuse a consumer.
3. Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011
- States general regulations with respect to weights, measures and measuring instruments.
- Ensures instruments used for trade are tested, verified, and certified.
- Regulates the sale of non-standard weights and measures.
4. Licensing and Registration Rules
- Businesses that manufacture, pack, or import commodities must register under the LMPC.
- Issuing License which is required for packing or selling pre-packaged commodities.
- Ensures that all businesses comply with legal compliance and labeling compliance.
5. Enforcement and Penalty Rule
- Provides penalties and fines for violations such as:
- Selling underweight products
- Incorrect labeling
- Using non-standard units
- Authorities can inspect, seize goods, or cancel licenses in case of non-compliance.
6. Specific Product Rules
- There are additional rules for certain goods like packaged commodities, fertilizers, cosmetics and petroleum regulated under the Legal Metrology Act.
- Ensures these products follow strict labeling, weight, and packaging standards.
Purpose of LMPC Certificate
The LMPC certificate has several important purposes:
- Consumer protection – Guarantees that the buyer is getting the specific amount they paid for.
- Accurate measurement – Prevents packaged products being underweight or oversized.
- Standard labeling – Guarantees that all products included the necessary information such as manufacturing date, MRP, net weight, and manufacturer details.
- Transparency for trade – Helps respect between transacting businesses and the consumers.
- Legal compliance – Avoid any violations under the Legal Metrology Act.
Who Needs LMPC Certificate?
Not all businesses need LMPC – it is mandatory for specific categories:
- Manufacturers – Any company producing pre-packaged goods must register under LMPC before selling them in India.
- Importers – Any business importing pre-packaged commodities into India must obtain LMPC to clear customs.
- Packers – Businesses that repackage or relabel products must have LMPC to ensure compliance.
- Distributors/Dealers – In certain cases, especially when handling packaged goods for resale, LMPC may be required.
Why LMPC Certificate is Mandatory
LMPC is not just a bureaucratic formality; it is legally required in India. The reasons include:
- Legal obligation – All pre-packaged products must adhere to the Weight and measure legislation 2009.
- Customs clearance – Goods imported into India cannot arrive without LMPC certification.
- Prevent penalties – You can be fined, issued notices, or have goods confiscated, from non-compliance.
- Consumer Trust – Use a LMPC mark to show credibility and reliability to your customers.
- Market Authorization – Your business can sell products throughout India without complication.
Key Benefits of LMPC Certificate
- Smooth Business Operations – No disruption in manufacturing, sales, or imports.
- Legal Protection – Avoid penalties and legal issues.
- Consumer Confidence – Customers trust products with proper labeling and accurate weight.
- Market Expansion – Easier to sell products across India or export.
- Regulatory Approval – Helps gain approvals from other authorities if required.
Step-By-Step Process of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009
To ensure the proper measurement of goods sold in India, the proper labeling of goods in India, and fair trading of goods in India, we have the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. As such, any type of business that sells goods or distributes packaged goods; weights or measures must be compliant with the Legal Metrology Act 2009. If the business does all the steps on this guide, it will be compliant and may avoid penalties.
Step 1: Determine Applicability
- Determine whether your business is involved with the manufacturing, packing or importing of pre-packaged goods.
- All businesses selling packaged goods, even if on a small scale, must comply.
Step 2: Collect Necessary Documents
Before applying for registration, prepare these documents:
- Business PAN card
- Proof of business address
- Owner or partner identity proof
- Product details (name, category, quantity)
- Import/export license, if applicable
Step 3: Apply for Registration
- Visit the official Legal Metrology portal.
- Fill out the application form for LMPC or registration carefully.
- Upload all required documents in the proper format.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
- Pay the registration fee online.
- The fee depends on the number of products and the type of business.
Step 5: Inspection
- Officials may visit your manufacturing or packing unit.
- They check for:
- Accurate weighing and measuring instruments
- Correct labels on products
- Compliance with packaging standards
Step 6: Receive Certificate
- After verification, the LMPC certificate is issued.
- This certificate proves your business is compliant with the law.
Step 7: Label Products Correctly
Once certified, make sure all products display:
- Product name
- Net quantity (weight, volume, or number)
- Manufacturer/packer/importer details
- Manufacturing and expiry dates
- Maximum Retail Price (MRP)
Step 8: Renew Certificate
- LMPC certificates are valid for a fixed period.
- Renew your certificate before expiry to continue legally selling products.
Step 9: Maintain Ongoing Compliance
- Regularly check that:
- Weighing and measuring instruments are verified and accurate
- Labels on products are correct and updated
- Packaging continues to meet Legal Metrology standards
- Weighing and measuring instruments are verified and accurate
Document Requirements for LMPC Registration
- Business Proof
- PAN card for the Business (proprietorship, partnership or company)
- Evidence of business address (utility bill, lease agreements, property tax receipt, or lease deed)
- Identity Proof of Owner/Partners
- Aadhaar card or Voter ID
- Passport or Driving License (if required)
- Product Details
- Name of each product
- Type/category of goods (Food, cosmetics, FMCG)
- Net quantity (weight, volume or number)
- Manufacturing/Packing Information
- Address of the manufacturing or packing unit
- Ownership proof or lease agreement of the premises
- List of machines or measuring instruments (if applicable)
- Import/Export Documents (If Applicable)
- import/export documents (if applicable)
- Bill of entry or customs clearance for imported pre-packaged items
- Affidavits or Declarations
- Declaration stating that all products comply with Legal Metrology rules
- Undertaking to maintain accurate weights, measures, and labeling standards
- Additional Documents
- Proof of payment of registration fees
- Any other document requested by the Legal Metrology authority
Why Choose Diligence Certification for LMPC?
Diligence Certification is a trusted compliance service provider. It helps importers, traders, and e-commerce sellers get their LMPC certificate as quickly and easily as possible, while educating the proper documentation process to help save time, and complying with obligations in a timely manner. With a professional’s help, you can focus on your business, and be compliant with the Legal Metrology requirements.
Conclusion
The LMPC certificate is an important criterion for importers, traders, and sellers online in India and indicates the right details on packaged goods, including the maximum retail price, weight, and identity of the importer protects consumers and enables confidence in the marketplace. When businesses follow the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, they not only avoid customs delays and fines, but a commitment to the legal framework will allow them to trade with limits, thus supporting market expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who commands the LMPC Certificate?
The LMPC registration is applicable to importers, traders, and e-commerce vendors engaged in packaged commodities.
Where does the LMPC Certificate enhance value?
It assures the relevant details on the product are correctly stated in the package, i.e. weight, price, importer name, etc.
What law governs the LMPC Certificate?
It is governed by the requirement of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
What if I do not have the LMPC Certificate?
The product can be detained at customs or delayed; you may be subject to fines and penalties.
How long does it take to obtain the LMPC Certificate?
It can take 15 to 30 days based on the documents and process.
Is the LMPC Certificate required for all manner of imports?
For all regulated pre-packaged commodities, the LMPC is required.
What are the labelling requirements related to packaging?
The importer name, maximum retail price (MRP), weight/quantity, date of packing, and origin country must be distinct.
Does the LMPC Certificate expire?
Yes, the LMPC Certificate has a validity period which is typically 1-5 years but can change to meet the recertification directives.
Who issues the LMPC Certificate?
The LMPC is issued by either the state or central government Legal Metrology Department.
What is the fee for LMPC Certificate registration?
The fee for LMPC Certificate registration varies from state to state and depends on the type of business. Usually, it is prescribed by the respective State Legal Metrology Department.
