Legal Metrology Packaging Compliance: A Complete Guide
Legal Metrology Packaging Compliance means any pre-packaged product (packed without the buyer being present) must follow the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 in India. It ensures transparency and protection for consumers.
Legal Basis
The key regulations are the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, also known as the LMPC Rules.
Applicability (Rule 3)
- All pre-packaged commodities sold to consumers
- Manufacturers, Packers, Importers, Dealers, E-commerce platforms
Exemptions (Rule 3 & 26)
- Packages > 25 kg or 25 liters (except cement/fertilizer up to 50 kg)
- Institutional buyers: hotels, airlines, hospitals, etc.
- Packages < 10g/ml (some exceptions)
- Fast food packed by restaurants
- Some drugs under Drugs (Price Control) Order, 1995
Mandatory Declarations (Rule 6 & 10)
| Required Declaration |
Rule |
Explanation |
| Name & Address |
6(1)(a) |
Postal address of manufacturer/packer/importer |
| Generic Name |
6(1)(b) |
Declare all items if multiple present |
| Net Quantity |
6(1)(c), 11 |
Exclude packaging |
| Manufacture/Packing Date |
6(1)(d) |
Clearly printed |
| Retail Sale Price (MRP) |
6(1)(e), 2(m) |
Inclusive of all taxes |
| Dimensions (if applicable) |
6(1)(f) |
Where size affects pricing |
| Customer Care |
6(2) |
Consumer complaint contact |
| Country of Origin |
6(1)(a) Explanation |
Mandatory for imported goods |
Principal Display Panel (PDP) & Font (Rule 7–9)
- Minimum font size per pack size
- Numerals must contrast background
- Area around quantity should be clutter-free
- Languages: Hindi or English
Standard Pack Sizes (Rule 5 & Schedule)
| Commodity |
Standard Pack Sizes |
| Baby Food | 100g, 200g, 400g, 1kg, 5kg, 10kg |
| Biscuits | 25g, 50g, 100g, up to 1kg |
| Edible Oil | 200ml, 500ml, 1L, 2L, 5L |
| Mineral Water | 100ml, 200ml, 500ml, 1L, 2L, 5L |
Sticker Prohibitions (Rule 6(3))
- No sticker to alter key declarations
- Reducing MRP via sticker allowed only if original remains visible
Wholesale Packages (Rule 24)
- Name & address
- Commodity identity
- Quantity or number of retail packs
Registration (Rule 27–30)
- Mandatory registration with LM authority
- ₹500 for new, ₹100 for updates
E-Commerce (Amended Rule 6)
- Declarations must be shown online before purchase
Inspection & Sampling (Rule 19)
- LM officers inspect at premises
- Fifth & Sixth Schedule define sampling/testing methods
Penalties (Rule 32)
| Violation |
Penalty |
Reference |
| Rules 27–31 | ₹4,000 | 32(1) |
| Other rules | ₹2,000 | 32(2) |
Deceptive Packaging (Rule 23)
Misleading packaging is prohibited. Violating packages may be seized or repacked.
Relaxation by Central Government (Rule 33)
Govt. may allow temporary relaxation in genuine hardship cases with conditions.