LMPC Certificate for Import in India - Documentation, Online application procedure - All you Need to know

What is a LMPC Certificate?

LMPC certificate is an acronym to Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities certificate that is mandatory for the import of pre-packaged products. As per the Legal Metrology Act, 2009; all importers of pre-packaged items must register themselves under rule 27 of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011. Obtaining an LMPC certificate signifies that the pre-packaged goods are handled correctly, and their measurements are reliable and accurate.

The process of registration must be initiated within 90 days of commencement of import operations.

What are the benefits of LMPC Certificate?

Legal Metrology is a science of measurement that covers various aspects related to the trade of measuring instruments, such as weighing machines and thermometers, as well as the regulation of pre-packaged goods measured by weight, number, or measure. Legal metrology plays a significant role in ensuring fair trade practices by providing consumers with accurate information on the weight, price, and expiry date of pre-packaged goods.

Legal metrology has several crucial aspects that highlight its importance in modern trade:

• Removal of Disputes and Promotion of Trade: Legal metrology regulations ensure that consumers of the commodities receive the exact weight or measure of the product that they purchase. Additionally, LMPC Certificate confirms adherence to international standards and the use of authentic measuring instruments also contribute to the promotion of trade. This indeed promotes fair trade practices and eliminates disputes.
• Precise Inventory Management: Accurate measurement of commodities helps manufacturers / importers / packers maintain an exact structure of available inventory, leading to better stock control, lesser fraudulent activities, and higher efficiency in stock management systems.
• Collection of Government Revenues: The collection of taxes (GST) and customs duties is an essential source of government revenue, with taxes (GST) imposed on products manufactured within the country and customs duty applied to goods imported from other countries. The accurate weighing of goods also aids proper collection of these duties by the government.

 Which individuals or entities are qualified to request an LMPC Certificate?

Importers or Manufacturers or Packers who sell pre-packaged goods within a single state are required to apply to the Controller of Legal Metrology in that particular state. However, if they sell in multiple states, importers must register with the Director at the Center, as must local manufacturers who sell their products in several states.

What is the process for application of LMPC Certificate?

The process for applying for LMPC certificates can typically be completed through application with the department of legal metrology of the relevant State Government in most states. To complete the application, the following details need to be provided:

• Name of the Applicant
• Generic name of the imported or pre-packaged commodity
• Address of the premises where the commodity will be imported

After submitting the application, the registering authority will review the documents. This review takes around 20-35 days. After the application is reviewed, the authority will grant the certificate.

What are the compliances to be followed to obtain LMPC Registration?

Information to be declared on all pre-packaged commodities that include:

• Name and address of importer and manufacturer
• General name of goods contained in the package
• Country of import
• Total quantity with respect to standard units of measurement or weights
• Date of import and manufacture
• Maximum Retail Price (MRP)
• Size and dimension of the goods
• Contact details of a concerned person or office in case of any consumer complaints

Declaration can be printed in Hindi or English but it must follow a specific structure.

Consequences of Violation:

• Fines of up to Rs. 4,000 for violation of Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules, 2011.
• Late fine shall be imposed for delay if an importer applies for an LMPC certificate post 90 days of commencement of imports.

What is the list of documents required to obtain LMPC Certificate?

For Manufacturer/Packer of Packaged Commodities:

• PAN card of the firm/ Proprotor
• Registered Address: Certificate of registration of Industry/ Registration under Shops and Establishments Act/ Authentic document issued by Government or Local Body.
• Constitution Type: Authentic document regarding Proprietorship/ Partnership deed/ Certificate of registration of Company along with list of directors (in case of Pvt. Ltd or Ltd firm) / Certificate of registration of Company along with list of Partners ( in case of Limited Liabilities Partnership) /List of Committee member ( in case of Society) / Responsible Person (in case of Government).
• Manufacturing / Packing Premises: Authentic document issued by Government or Local Body

For Importer of Packaged Commodities

• PAN card of the firm/ Proprotor
• Registered Address: Certificate of registration of Industry/ Registration under Shops and Establishments Act/ Authentic document issued by Government or Local Body.
• Constitution Type: Authentic document regarding Proprietorship/ Partnership deed/ Certificate of registration of Company along with list of directors (in case of Pvt. Ltd or Ltd firm) / Certificate of registration of Company along with list of Partners ( in case of Limited Liabilities Partnership) /List of Committee member ( in case of Society) / Responsible Person (in case of Government).
• Import Premises: Authentic document issued by Government or Local Body
• Import Export Code (IEC) Copy