The new law replaces the "Standard of Weights and Measures Act, 1975" and "Standards of Weights and Measures Act (Enforcement) Act, 1986". The Act became effective on April 1, 2011 Legal Metrology registration (Packaged Rules) 2011, which cover sold goods, specify the information that must be included on packaged goods for their sale. They also specify how and when this information should be provided. IPC penalties for weights and measurements offences.
The enforcement of these regulations is a way to ensure that the correctness of measuring instruments is verified. These tools and instruments are widely used in the public domain once they have received permission from the Indian Government.
Who can apply for legal metrology certification?
Anyone who uses weight or measurement in a production or legal process or commercial transaction. Anyone who manufactures, sells or wholesales a product, repairs it, imports it, or packs it.
The Principal Parties Affected by the Legal Metrology Act
The Legal Metrology Act affects some of the principal parties in India. Legal Metrology Act is primarily affecting:
1. Dealer:
A person who is in the business of buying, selling, providing, or distributing any weight or measurement in exchange for a significant payment.
2. Importer:
Importers include any individual, business, or legal entity that arranges the transport of goods into a country's customs territory.
3. Manufacturer:
A person or an organization that makes a package or a weight in one or several pieces. Then they get more pieces of the weight or measurement, combine them and declare that it is theirs.
4. Repairer:
Repairers are those who change, lubricate, clean, paint, or do any other work to a weight or a measure in order for it to meet the requirements of the Legal Metrology Act.
5. Packer:
Wholesale or retail companies that prepare products for sale, by placing them into containers suitable for sale.
Five aspects covered by the Legal Metrology Act
Legal Metrology Act covers five areas:
Legal metrology for cinema halls, restaurants and hotels
In an effort to protect the customer's interests, the Legal Metrology Department began taking strict action against hotels, motels, restaurants, and movie theatres for charging excessive prices on packaged goods. India's courts are currently deciding whether or not to issue a rule regarding this matter. The metrology departments in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir have conducted surprise inspections of all the aforementioned companies. They have also been booked for violating the Legal Metrology Act & Rules.
Legal Metrology for Auto Rickshaw and Cab's Digital or Electronic Meters
Many people do not know that digital and electronic meters found in auto rickshaws and caps are also subject to metrology. Accordingly, many auto-rickshaw and cab drivers in different states have received tickets issued by the metrology department. To prevent fraud and ensure customers aren't overcharged by taxis, various states installed digital meters on the taxis that were operated by app-based aggregators. The customer should also be informed about the current amount of the meter and the total that is due for the service they received.
Legal metrology for Petrol Pumps
Kerala Department of Legal Metrology also took the lead on a second campaign to raise public awareness of tricks and techniques gas stations can use to cheat customers. The Deputy Controller of the Central Zone of the Legal Metrology Department was reportedly found to have assessed some units that were providing less fuel than required.
Legal metrology for LPG Cylinders
The Kerala Legal Metrology Department discovered up to 21 violations of the Legal Metrology Act and Rules during inspections. The Department has launched a consumer education campaign about the Rules for Packaged Commodities which require that LPG Cylinders be weighed before delivery is finalized. This inspection was part of the campaign. A vendor of LPG in Baramulla (Jammu and Kashmir) was also charged with similar charges for not having a scale as required by Legal Metrology Laws.
Legal metrology for medical equipments of different types and stents
The insertion of a tube is a common treatment for constricted coronary vessels. It is done by inserting a small tube in hollow body structures, such as arteries and urinary tubes. Legal Metrology Act requires that the tube hold the passageway open to ensure precise measurements for medical equipment. The National Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Pricing Agency reduced the costs associated with angioplasty by lowering the Maximum Retail Price.
The Union Minister is looking to include stents under the pre-packaged products category. The Legal Metrology Department of Maharashtra discovered 26 institutions that were in violation, including incorrect baby-weighing techniques. All medical equipment, including catheters, gloves, breathing systems, and other devices, are being examined by the legal department. Enforcement is aimed at keeping healthcare procedures up-to-date and compliant.
Non-Compliance of Legal Metrology Act and Rules
In some cases, non-compliance of the Legal Metrology Act and Rules can result in various penalties or even imprisonment.
If you commit the same offense twice, the maximum fine is 25,000/-. You will also be sentenced to six months of jail time.
A person who alters weight and measurement risks a Rs25,000/ fine; if the individual repeats the offense, they are sentenced to six months of jail. The penalty can be increased to one year with or without fine.
If a person is found to be producing or selling products that do not conform to the standard weight and measurement, they will be fined Rs25,000. They risk three years in prison if they commit the same crime again.
If you tamper with your license, the consequences can be severe. You could face a fine up to Rs25,000 or a year of imprisonment.
LMPC Certification and Metrology Act Consulting with ASC Group
ASC Group is a leader in legal metrology, packaged commodity advisory services and registration of packaged commodities. ASC Group is chosen by clients for many reasons. These include the team of experts that possess a thorough understanding of compliance and regulatory affairs. ASC Group's experts are particularly skilled at managing legal metrology, packaged commodity registration and ensuring that customers receive comprehensive and knowledgeable support during the registration process. ASC Group's LMPC services help customers to comply with regulatory requirements.
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