Metrology is the science of weights, measurements and their application. Legal metrology is a law that regulates any metrology applied by government or legislation. Each nation has a different scope for legal metrology. In most countries, the legal metrology act includes measurements for financial, health and environmental protection. Legal Metrology Act in India ensures that weights and measurements are up to international standards. The Legal Metrology Act of 2009 has a section 20 that prohibits the importation of non-standard weights or measurements.
What is Section 20 of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 (2009?
Legal Metrology Act 2009, Section 20, states that the importation of non-standard weights and measures is prohibited. In accordance with Section 20 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, it is prohibited to import non-standard weights or measures into India. Weight or measures, whether they are complete, a component or part of a machine, or if they are a whole machine, must conform to the standards established by this Act.
What is Standard Weight or Measurement Section 20 under Legal Metrology Act 2009?
The provisions of Section 7 are also included in Chapter II. The provisions of Sec. 7 (i.e. the physical characteristics, configuration, details of the premises, materials, equipment, period for re-verification and methods or procedures of testing should be as prescribed) are also applicable. Weights and measurements that are not standard or have been unverified may be seized and forfeited.
Section 20 of the Legal Metrology Act 2009
Section 20 of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 has a number of objectives.
Weights and Measurements of Trade and Commerce: To regulate and ensure the weights and measures of trade and commerce.
Establish and enforce weights and measurements standards that are equivalent to international standards.
Weights, measurements or numbers are used to govern the manufacture, sale and use of items. It is important to make sure that the section 20 of this Act only allows standard weights, and measurements.
Maintaining the Indian Metric System in line with National Standards (metres, kilogrammes, etc.).
Standards of Weights and Measures Under the Act
Following are the weights & measures that qualify for Legal Metrology Act. Each unit of weight and measure is based on metric system, based on international system of units.
The length shall be measured in metres.
The mass is measured in kilograms.
The time is expressed in seconds.
Amperes is the unit of measurement for electric current
The thermodynamic temperature is measured in Kelvin
Candela's luminous intensity
Quantity of substance in mole
Weighing and measuring equipment: Objectives
Below is a list of the Weighing and Measurement equipment that every importer should have. The Legal Metrology Act section 20 may prevent the licensing of any weighing and measurement instruments that do not meet these requirements.
Equipment used to weigh and measure goods must meet specific standards and tolerances. These are some examples of measuring and weighing equipment that needs to be stamped.
Weighing and weighing equipment is used in everyday activities such as fruit and vegetables. Meat, fish, post services, sweets, etc.
Volume is measured by: measuring jars for milk, measuring jars for edible oils, carafes and wine glasses, beer glasses, automatic measuring meters and petrol pumps.
Length Measure (also known as yardsticks): a metre-length measurement used to measure fabrics, materials, electrical, ribbons, cables, etc.
Flexible tapes for carpets and floor coverings.
Government Legislation for Regulating Legal Metrology Act
To eliminate anomalies, and simplify laws, the government passed The Legal Metrology Act 2009. [1] To protect consumers and to keep trade free from unnecessary interference, it became essential to maintain weights and measurements regulation. The government has specific "Government-authorised Test Centres" to verify stipulated weight or measure.
The following laws regulate the Legal Metrology Act:
The Legal Metrology Act of 2009
The Legal Metrology Rules (Packaged Commodities), 2011
The Legal Metrology Rules (General) 2011
The 2011 Rules on Legal Metrology (Approval Models).
The Legal Metrology Rules (National Standards), 2011
The Legal Metrology Rules (Numeration), 2011
The Indian Institute of Legal Metrology Rules 2011
Verification of weights and measures
Validation and verification of weights or measurements in a transaction is required. Government Approved Test Centres will be specified by the Central and State Governments as to what weights and measures they must verify. Federal and State governments will inform the Test Centres from time to time based on their requirements.
Enhancements to the Legal Metrology Act
Anyone who uses a measure or weight in a commercial transaction or trade is required to provide that weight or measurement for verification.
The state of manufacture and import should be checked at the legal metrology department.
When the license expires, the legal metrology officers must stamp and re-verify the weight or measures used by the business.
It is not necessary to re-verify weights and measurements used by the industry for internal purposes, which have no link to the quantity provided to the client.
Declaratory weights and measurements are essential on their website.
If the pre-package contains a commodity then 'Use before Date, Month and Year' or a 'Best Before' date should be indicated.
Penalties under Legal Metrology Act
In Chapter 5, the Act's penalties and offences are described. Imagine that the importer violates section 20 of Legal Metrology Act (2009). Penalties may be imposed.
According to section 27 of the Act, if the manufacturer, or the importer, imports non-standard measures or weights to India in violation of section 20 of this Act, they will be punished with a fine up to Rs.20,000 for the first offense, and imprisonment of up to three years for any subsequent crimes.
Sec. Sec. The Act provides that a fine of up to Rs.
The section 38 of the Act states that an importer who imports non-registered weights and measurements is in violation of the law. A fine up to Rs.25,000/- is imposed for the violation. For a second offense, a prison term of up to 6 months or monetary fine or both are imposed.
The Act's Section 32 penalizes the importer or packer of the product for failing to register.
Conclusion
Legal Metrology Act 2009 is the main legislation that regulates weights and measures. The Legal Metrology certificate sets standards for measuring, weighing and measuring devices. The act protects consumers, traders, the environment and also safeguards the Indian economy. Section 20 of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 tracks non-registration measures and measuring instruments and does not require a license. It is designed to build trust among customers, government officials, businesspeople, and merchants. It regulates unfair trade practices.
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