Become a Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules. We assist applicants in establishing GATCs for verification of weights, measures, and related equipment. Get complete support from documentation to approval—ensuring compliance, faster approvals, and professional consulting at every step.
A Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) is an entity authorized by the Central Government to conduct the verification of specified weights and measures under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. These centers operate in accordance with the GATC Rules, 2013 and the specifications provided in the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. They may also follow recommendations issued by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), as applicable. All verification processes are conducted under the guidance and directions issued by the Director of Legal Metrology.
The recognition process of a Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) begins with an application submitted to the Department of Legal Metrology. The applicant must fulfill the technical, infrastructural, and personnel criteria as outlined in the GATC Rules, 2013. The application is then evaluated for compliance with the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 and international standards if applicable. Once verified, an inspection may be conducted, after which the Director of Legal Metrology grants recognition. The GATC must ensure regular compliance and is subject to audits or withdrawal of recognition if non-compliance is observed.
The principal officer or employee of the Government Approved Test Centre must possess qualifications equivalent to those specified for a Legal Metrology Officer under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. Additionally, they must have at least three years of experience in the field of legal metrology.
Each GATC is assigned a mark that includes the national identifying letters "IND", the final two digits of the issue year (e.g., 11), and a unique GATC code number.
The Central Government, based on recommendations by the Director of Legal Metrology, may revoke the certificate if the GATC violates any rule or fails to comply. Before revocation, the certificate holder will be given an opportunity to present their case. Upon revocation, all verification activities must stop immediately and further action may be initiated for non-compliant items.
The Director of Legal Metrology can suspend a GATC certificate due to failure in performing duties, incorrect verifications, or not complying with certificate conditions. Suspension will not be revoked until compliance is ensured and any fines are paid.
The GATC certificate can be renewed for up to five years if the centre has maintained good operational standards and regulatory compliance, as assessed by the Director of Legal Metrology.
An application or renewal fee of ₹10,000 is required, paid via pay order. The same amount must be paid when adding new weights or measures to the GATC certificate.