Updated on February 24, 2025 03:03:05 PM
The LMPC Certificate, or Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Certificate, is needed to import, sell, or distribute pre-packaged goods in India. Following the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules in 2011, it's required for all packers as well as importers to have this certificate. Registration under rule 27 under these regulations ensures that the goods are measured correctly and that the consumer receives the correct amount of the product they pay for.
LMPC certificate for importers is an important obligatory certificate required by the importers of pre-packaged commodities in India. Apart from the importers of such products, all the manufacturers and packers of pre-packaged goods are also obliged to acquire LMPC Certificate under the Legal Metrology Act. This certificate serves as proof that the imported packaged commodities adhere to the relevant regulations, such as accurate labeling, weight, and measurement.
In addition, certain products are exempt from the requirement to have the LMPC certificate. For instance, packing companies that deal in products weighing below 10 grams, or 10 milliliters and agricultural products with a weight of more than 50 kilograms do not have to have this certification.
Let's dive in to explore the significance of LMPC certificate for importers in India and understand its implications on the importation process and the importance of LMPC importers License.
LMPC is a law governing packaging in India that is designed to regulate the requirements for packaging of pre-packaged commodities sold and distributed within India. Food products, pharmaceuticals, and other items could be subject to specific requirements. For instance, pharmaceuticals are subject to additional requirements provided under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. If you are an importer who imports packaged goods to distribute or sell, you must register as an importer as per rule 27 of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules (LMPC Rules) in 2011. To be registered, the importer must notify the government what products they will import into India. The technical term for this LMPC Registration will be "Importer Registration under Rule 27" Some people refer to "Legal Metrology Certificate", and some refer to it as "Importer Registration under Legal Metrology". Because it is a requirement in the LMPC Rules, 2011 the customs authority is commonly referred to as the "LMPC Certificate"
The Legal Metrology Pre-Packed Commodity Registration is required for importers of all pre-packed commodities. The conformity of the guidelines for packaging must be completed before the items are imported to India. According to these regulations, importers are required to make sure that obligatory declarations are made regarding the packaged commodities. According to DGFT's notification No. RE-44 from the year 2000, the customs authorities were authorized by the Government to verify if the metrology legal requirements of importers were met or not. Any failure by the Importer to comply with Legal Metrology may lead to the suspension of the import shipment this is why importers need to secure the metrology registration that is legal before any import.
These are the list of document required for LMPC Certificate for pre-packaged goods
The registration process for the LMPC Certificate are as follows:
According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, you are not permitted to manufacture, market, sell, Import, pack, or distribute pre-packaged goods without mentioning certain information on the outer package.
Following declarations must be made by the importers while registering for a Legal metrology certificate. Importers who fail to declare the following are ineligible to apply for LMPC registration.
The Government Fees for LMPC registration is ₹500 and the Professional fees for LMPC registration is ₹4,999. Once the payment is done, the registration authority will inspect the business premises before granting the LMPC certificate. The entire process is completed within 7-10 working days.
Particulars | LMPC Certificate Fee |
---|---|
Government Fees | ₹500 |
Professional fees | ₹4,999 |
Total Cost | ₹5,499 |
On Urgent Basis | ₹9,999 |
Here are the key reasons why obtaining an LMPC certificate is essential for importers in India:
The validity period for an LMPC Certificate is a minimum of 1 year (12 months) to a maximum of 5 years (60 months). Renewal of LMPC Certificate is required after every five years or after expiration of specified time period since its issuance. The LMPC import license must be renewed before the expiry period to avoid hassle and penalties during customs clearance.
The following are not considered to be a legal compulsion for having an LMPC certificate for import:
The LMPC certificate is a regulatory requirement for Indian enterprises that sell pre-packaged products. It ensures that items meet exact measures, weights, and price norms, promoting transparency and protecting consumers' rights. Obtaining an LMPC certificate is a simple procedure, and following its criteria is critical for organizations seeking to avoid penalties and remain lawful in India. Businesses that follow the regulations outlined in the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 will promote ethical trade practices, effective inventory management, and even government tax collection, all while preserving customer trust.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
The govt fee for LMPC certificate is just ₹500 rupees.
The validity of an LMPC certificate is up to 5 years.
The certification is categorized into 2:
The LMPC certificate is required by importers, manufacturers, and packers of pre-packaged commodities.
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