LMPC certificate: Why do importers need it?

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LMPC certificate Why do importers need it?

• Legal Metrology Registration Certificate (also
  called LMPC Certificate) is required for Indian
  importers who purchase pre-packaged products.
  Customs can seize goods if they are not
  registered.
• Do you import prepackaged goods to be sold and
  distributed? You cannot import pre- packaged
  goods to India without a Legal Metrology
  Registration Certificate (also known as a Legal
  Metrology Packaged Commodity or LMPC
  certificate). A LMPC is a requirement for import
  under the Legal Metrology Act (2009) and Legal
  Metrology Rules (Packaged Commodity), 2011. The
  Act regulates the trade of goods sold or
  distributed based on weight, measure, or number.
  The Act defines strict rules and regulations for
  pre-packaged products, among others, to protect
  consumers rights and promote fair trade.
• This article will examine the LMPC Certificate
  for Import in its entirety.
• What is pre-packaged commodities?
• What is a LMPC certificate?
• Why is it important for importers?
• Where and how can people apply?
• What is the cost?
• What are the repercussions if you dont have an
  LMPC?
• Lets start with a quick overview of prepackaged
  products and legal metrology.

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What is pre-packaged go ? According to the Act,
a prepackaged commodity is a commodity that,
without the buyer being present, has been placed
in a package, sealed or unsealed, with a product
inside, which contains a quantity
predetermined. Pre-packaged products include
paint, baby food, fuel and food products in
bags, chemicals, cable, wires, chemical, and
wool. Legal metrology Its importance The study
of measurement is called metrology. Legal
metrology is the study of measurements and
weights in relation to legal and technical
requirements. This is the official definition
for legal metrology. What is the relevance of
legal metrology in pre- packaged products? Here
is a simple explanation. We buy either loose
goods or packaged products at the market.
Weighing is done in front of us for loose goods
such as fruits, vegetables, flour, rice and
other grains. We can determine the quality of
their products. We know who the seller is. When
we purchase pre-packaged products, we are unable
to determine the weight, safety, or freshness of
the product. We also dont know who the
manufacturer is. Legal Metrology Act provides
the necessary information to the customer
(weight, quantity and price) in order for them
to make an informed purchase. Here you can also
read about the import challenges India faces and
how to solve them. What is a LMPC
certificate? To register their name and
addresses, traders who import prepackaged goods
to sell or distribute must submit a request to
the Controller of Legal Metrology or Director of
Legal Metrology of the Central government. The
registering authority will then register the
importers name and their address if the
application is approved. This is what an LMPC
Certificate looks like. The registration of an
LMPC is valid for a period of up to five
years. Read also this blog - How to Obtain an
FSSAI License for a Dhaba/Canteen. You must
contact the controller of that state if you plan
to sell pre-packaged products in one state. If
you intend to sell your pre-packaged goods in
more than one state, you will need to register
at the Centre through the local
controller. Note In addition to importers and
manufacturers of pre-packaged products, LMPC
certificates are also required by packers and
manufacturers. Where can I apply for a LMPC
certificate Online LMPC registration is
available in some states. You can, for instance,
submit your application along with the required
documents (described below) to the AP Industries
Department single desk portal in Andhra Pradesh.
Heres how to register online if you live in
Delhi.
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• If the online service is not available to you,
  then visit your local Legal Metrology Department
  in person and submit your application. You can
  also hire a consultant or lawyer to handle the
  paperwork for you, but they will charge a fee.
  Google can help you find a third party agent.
• What is the cost and how to apply ?
• You will need to fill out the following
  information when completing your application
• Your name (as a candidate)
• Address of the premises to which the product is
  imported
• Common or generic names of the commodity
• According to the rules, the application has to be
  submitted within 90 days from the date the
  import began. You will be required to pay INR
  500.
• Upon receiving a completed application form, an
  inspection of the importers premises will be
  conducted by the registering authority. If
  everything is in order, they will register the
  applicant, and issue them a LMPC certification.
  This can take up to 20 working days.
• The application will be returned if it is
  incomplete within 7 days after receipt.
• The importer can make changes to the certificate
  after paying INR100 at the registering
  authority.
• Importer responsibilities
• Importers who wish to receive an LMPC
  certification must make sure that their pre-
  packaged products carry a statement with the
  following details
• Name and address of importer
• Name and address of manufacturer

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• Why importers require LMPC certificates
• Customs can hold your imported goods if you do
  not have an LMPC or if you fail to follow the
  rules of declaration. Dont let a customs seizure
  cause you delays, costs, or other problems.
  Register as an importer before your goods arrive.
• Penalties for rule violations and violation of
  the rules
• A fine will be imposed for any violation of the
  Legal Metrology certificate Rules (Packaged
  Commodities)
• The fine for violating any of the rules 27 to 31,
  is INR 4,000
• The fine for violating other rules or provisions
  of the Act or Rules that are not punishable by
  law or rule is INR2,000

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• You will be charged a fee if you apply for a LMPC
  after 90 days from the date of import. (INR
  5,000 in Delhi).
• If its not the first time, there may be some
  kind of action in addition to the fine. In most
  cases, the manufacturer is responsible. If the
  words manufactured or packed are not
  included before the name or address, then it is
  assumed that the address and name belong to the
  manufacturer. This is important for importers to
  know as they may be held liable if there are any
  violations.
• Exemptions
• All pre-packaged products except for the
  following require an LMPC certificate.
• Commodities that have a net weight of less than
  10 grams or 10 milliliters
• Packages of agricultural produce weighing more
  than 50 kg
• Fast food packaged by a hotel or restaurant
• Packages containing formulations covered under
  the Drugs (Price Control) Order 1995
• The provisions of Chapter 2 (Packages intended
  for Retail Sale) in the Legal Metrology Act will
  not apply Packages containing commodities that
  weigh more than 25kg or 25litres (excluding
  cement and fertilizers sold in bags up to 50kg)
• Packaged goods for industrial consumers, (those
  who purchase the goods directly from
  manufacturers for use within their industry), or
  institutional consumers, (service institutions
  like hotels, hospitals, airlines, and railways).
• FAQS
• What does legal metrology mean?
• Legal metrology is defined by the Department of
  Consumer Affairs as that part of Metrology that
  deals with units of weightment, measurement,
  methods of measurement, and weighing and
  measuring devices, in relation to mandatory
  technical and law requirements, which have the
  object of ensuring public assurance from the
  perspective of security and accuracy of
  weighments and measures.

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Most people say it can take up to 20 working days
after the date the application is received.