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Under Section 22 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, the Legal Metrology Department issues a certificate approving models of weight and measurement instruments. This certificate ensures that the product complies with Indian metrological standards and is essential for both manufacturers and importers.
Without this approval, it is illegal to manufacture, label, sell, or import any kind of weight or measuring device in India. The Model Approval must be obtained from the Department of Legal Metrology, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, located in Delhi.
Model Approval in legal metrology is a mandatory process to validate the design and specifications of measuring instruments before they can be manufactured or sold. It ensures that the instrument meets all required legal standards after comprehensive testing of its design, accuracy, and functionality by authorized authorities.
As per the Legal Metrology Act of 2009, the manufacturer or importer must obtain model approval before dealing with any weighing or measuring instruments in India. This process includes documentation, submission, and approval by the government after proper technical evaluation.
If the prescribed authority is satisfied that the model of a weight or measure from outside India conforms to the legal metrology standards, it may grant model approval without further testing. This applies especially if the product has already been approved in another country under similar regulatory frameworks.
However, this is at the authority’s discretion. If deemed necessary, the authority can still mandate testing within India to ensure compliance. In case of any complications, consulting a trusted legal metrology service provider is advisable for a smooth experience.
Any individual or business planning to import or manufacture weighing and measuring instruments in India may apply for a model approval certificate. However, in many cases, a dealer license is also required to sell such products in the Indian market.
Whether you're a manufacturer or importer, seeking model approval is essential to comply with Indian metrology standards. Reach out to certified consultants for accurate and efficient registration support.
The Legal Metrology Department of India offers two pathways for obtaining model approval, based on whether the applicant is a Manufacturer or an Importer. The steps for each type are outlined below:
If the applicant is a manufacturer, product testing by the Directorate General of Legal Metrology is mandatory. The steps include:
Upon successful testing and compliance with legal standards, a Model Approval Certificate is granted to the manufacturer.
For importers, product testing is not always mandatory. The process involves:
Once documentation is verified and accepted, the importer receives the Model Approval Certificate without product testing.
The suspension of a Model Approval Certificate (MAC) is an official regulatory action undertaken when specific issues arise with a weight or measuring instrument. This administrative step is initiated by the concerned authority to temporarily halt the usage of a particular model until the identified concerns are addressed.
The reasons for suspension typically include non-compliance with applicable legal standards, detection of design or performance defects, and concerns related to the instrument’s accuracy, precision, or reliability. Additionally, if the model is found to be operating outside its approved usage conditions, suspension may be enforced.
Once issues are identified, the regulatory authority issues a notice to the manufacturer, distributor, or user of the instrument. The suspension becomes effective either immediately or within a specified period, as mentioned in the notice. This notice also outlines the reasons for the suspension and the specific conditions that must be met for reinstatement.
During the suspension period, the affected measuring instrument is prohibited from being used for commercial purposes. Continued usage can lead to legal penalties and enforcement actions. Moreover, such a suspension can negatively impact the credibility and reputation of the manufacturer or importer associated with the model.
To reinstate the suspended MAC, the manufacturer or distributor must submit updated documentation demonstrating that the concerns have been fully resolved. The regulatory authority will then review the submission and may require additional testing or product modifications. If the authority is satisfied with the corrections, the certificate will be reinstated.
The suspension process plays a critical role in safeguarding consumers and businesses from inaccurate or unreliable measurement instruments. It helps ensure fairness in trade practices, upholds the integrity of commercial transactions, and allows authorities to proactively mitigate potential risks related to faulty measuring devices.
The following items are generally exempted under Legal Metrology:
Model approval under the Legal Metrology Act is essential for both manufacturers and importers of measuring instruments. The Central Government provides two methods for obtaining this approval: one based on domestic testing and another based on foreign model approval, if compliant.
Every entity intending to market weights or measuring devices in India must obtain model approval from the competent authority. For expert assistance, Deenis Law Chamber Consultants of Legal Metrology provide reliable end-to-end support.