LMPC Certification

LMPC Certification is a mandatory compliance requirement for businesses that pre-pack, import, distribute, or sell pre-packaged commodities in India. Under Rule 27 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, every individual, firm, Hindu Undivided Family, society, company, or corporation that pre-packs or imports packaged goods for sale, distribution, or delivery must apply for registration with the Director or Controller, along with the prescribed fee and documents.

iKargos manages LMPC Certification end-to-end for importers, packers, and manufacturers, so your compliance is in place before your goods are, not after they've already been held at customs.

For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact with your product details to Rekha Atri (+91 98118 03136) or Manju Laur (+91 9711994042).

Overview of LMPC Certification:

LMPC stands for Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities. It is the compliance framework that governs how pre-packaged goods are declared, labeled, and registered before they are sold or distributed in India. A “pre-packaged commodity” is a commodity that is placed in a package, with or without sealing, without the buyer being present, and the package contains a pre-determined quantity.

Legal Metrology, as a discipline, governs the accuracy of measurements and measuring instruments used in trade. The government's objective is straightforward: give the public assurance that the quantities and weights stated on everyday products are accurate, since so much of daily commerce depends on a buyer trusting a label without ever verifying it themselves. The Director of Legal Metrology, empowered as a statutory authority under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, is responsible for overseeing and regulating inter-state trade and commerce involving weights, measures, and pre-packaged commodities

Definition:
"pre-packaged commodity" means a commodity which without the purchaser being present is placed in a package of whatever nature, whether sealed or not, so that the product contained therein has a pre-determined quantity.

Mandatory Declarations on MRP labels:
Every package must comply with the prescribed mandatory declarations such as:

1. 1. Name and address of the manufacturer or importer.
   2. Net quantity and weight.
   3. Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
   4. Country of Origin.
   5. Date of manufacture and expiry (if applicable).
   6. Consumer care details such as phone number or email etc.

These requirements are subject to variation based on different products and are updated periodically.

Benefits of LMPC Certification:

Obtaining an LMPC Import License Certification under the Legal Metrology Act 2009 offers several advantages:

1. Strengthened brand image: Compliance with legal metrology regulations signals a company's commitment to quality, enhancing its reputation among consumers and trade partners alike.
2. Enhanced consumer confidence: Mandatory labelling and declarations build trust buyers know exactly what they're getting, in terms of quantity, pricing, and origin.
3. Encouragement of importation and production: Registration fosters a regulated trading environment, reducing hurdles for businesses entering or expanding in the Indian market.
4. Reduction of technical barriers to trade: Standardised packaging and labelling eliminate ambiguity, making transactions between stakeholders smoother and faster.
5. Improved market accessibility: Uniform regulatory compliance opens access to a broader market, including interstate and international trade opportunities.
6. Reduction in transaction costs: A compliant import process reduces the administrative and operational expenses that come with repeated compliance checks.
7. Prevention of fraudulent practices: Accurate weights, measures, and declarations discourage unfair trade practices and protect fair competition among businesses.
8. Alignment with global standards: Compliance brings Indian packaging practice closer to international trade norms, strengthening competitiveness for businesses operating across multiple markets.

Exemptions:

Certain types of packaged commodities or specific circumstances are exempted. These exemptions are designed to simplify compliance where the standard provisions may not be practical or necessary which are as below:

1. Small Packages: Packages with a net weight or measure of 10 grams or 10 milliliters or less (if sold by weight or measure) are exempt.
2. Fast Food Packaging: Packages containing fast food items packed by restaurants, hotels or similar establishments are exempt.
3. Drugs: Packages containing scheduled and non-scheduled formulations regulated by the Drugs (Price Control) Order 1995, under the Essential Commodities Act 1955, are exempt.
4. Agricultural Produce: Packages of agricultural produce weighing more than 50 kilograms are exempt.

Documents Required for LMPC Certification:

The following documents are mandatory for LMPC Import License Certification for businesses involved in importing pre-packaged goods:

The document list usually depends on the applicant type and product category: but following documents are required for LMPC Certification, organised by category:

For the Authorised Signatory, Directors, and Partners:

• Certificate of incorporation or entity registration proof

• GST registration certificate

• Digital signature linked to the entity

• Self-attested Aadhaar and PAN cards of the authorised signatory

• Self-attested Aadhaar and PAN cards of all Directors or Partners

For the Entity:

• GST Registration Certificate, Importer-Exporter Code (IEC), and PAN card

• Certificate of Incorporation (for companies) or Partnership Deed (for partnership firms)

• Proof of premises ownership document or rent agreement

For Product Registration:

• List of products being imported, packed, or manufactured

• Sample MRP label for each product or, if unavailable, the following details per product: MRP, best-before date, net weight/quantity, country of origin, and contact number, email, and website details

• Product MRP details

• Net quantity details

• Country of origin details, where applicable

Should One apply for State or Center licence?

While the Legal Metrology framework allows for both state and central licenses, the choice to obtain the licence depends on the specific needs and administrative setup of the business. However, obtaining a central license is generally advisable as it provides nationwide coverage, eliminating the need for separate state-specific registrations for future growth.

A central license simplifies compliance and also facilitates business expansion across India which offers greater flexibility and access to broader market opportunities.

Fees:

For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact with your product details to Rekha Atri (+91 98118 03136) or Manju Laur (+91 9711994042).

Process to Apply for LMPC Certification:

03 simple steps can get you the LMPC Certificate:

1. Initial consultation: Confirm whether Importer Registration or Packer & Manufacturer Registration applies, based on your actual supply chain activity.

2. Document compilation: Gather signatory documents, entity proof, GST and IEC details, and complete product information.

3. Application preparation: Compile the application to match Legal Metrology Department requirements precisely, reducing the risk of queries or rejection.

4. Portal filing and fee payment: Submit the application through the designated government portal, along with the prescribed government fee.

5. Departmental review: The Legal Metrology authority reviews the application and supporting documents.

6. Registration and certificate issuance: On approval, your details are officially recorded and the LMPC Certificate is issued, permitting legal import, packing, or distribution of the registered goods - for the lifetime of the registration, with no renewal required.

Validity Period of LMPC Certification:

The LMPC License Certification has a lifetime validity.

Common Violations and Penalties:

1. Misleading Declarations:
   • Inaccurate weight, quantity or price labels.
   • Penalty: Up to ₹25,000 for first offense; up to ₹50,000 for subsequent offenses.
2. Failure to Obtain LMPC Certification:
   • Penalty: Up to ₹50,000 and prohibition on imports.
3. Tampering with Weights and Measures:
   • Penalty: Fines up to ₹1,00,000 and/or imprisonment.
4. Non-Renewal of Licenses:
   • Penalty: Prohibition on operations and potential fines.

Non-compliance with Legal Metrology laws not only leads to penalties but can also jeopardize the long-term viability of a business. Proactive adherence to the rules is essential for sustainable operations.

For assistance and customized quotes, you may contact Rekha Atri (+91 98118 03136) or Manju Laur (+91 9711994042) with product-specific details.