Legal Metrology Registration
LMPC registration and packaged commodity compliance for food labels and weights.
Legal Metrology Registration under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 is mandatory for manufacturers, importers, and packers of pre-packaged food commodities sold by weight, measure, or number. Every packaged food product must comply with mandatory label declarations: net quantity, MRP, manufacturer/importer name and address, date of manufacture/packing, best before/expiry date, FSSAI number, and customer care details. Importers must register under Rule 27 of LMPC Rules before importing pre-packaged goods. Manufacturers must register their packaging establishment and ensure weighing and measuring instruments used in production are verified and stamped by Legal Metrology Department. Non-compliance attracts penalties under Legal Metrology Act and FSS Act simultaneously. Complianceer handles LMPC importer/manufacturer registration, label compliance review, and packaged commodity declaration verification.
At a glance
- Timeline: 7–21 working days
- Government fee: ₹500–₹5,000 (varies by state and registration type)
- Professional fee: Starting from ₹2,499
Who needs this
- Food manufacturers packaging products for retail sale
- Importers of pre-packaged food products
- Private label and co-packing food brands
- E-commerce sellers repackaging food products
- Any packer declaring net weight, volume, or count on food packaging
Benefits
- Mandatory for selling pre-packaged food commodities in India
- Prevents penalties for short weight, misdeclaration, and non-compliant labels
- Required for retail listing (modern trade mandates LMPC compliance)
- Supports FSSAI label compliance alongside LMPC declarations
- Protects brand reputation against consumer complaints to Legal Metrology Department
Eligibility
- Any manufacturer, packer, or importer of pre-packaged commodities intended for retail sale
- Net quantity declarations must use standard units (g, kg, ml, L) per Legal Metrology Rules
- Maximum permissible error limits must be maintained for declared net quantity
- Weighing instruments used in packaging must be verified and stamped annually
Documents
- LMPC registration application (Form LM-1 for manufacturer/packer; importer registration form)
- Identity and address proof of applicant
- Business registration proof (COI, GST certificate)
- FSSAI licence copy
- Sample labels with mandatory LMPC declarations
- List of packaged commodities with net quantity declarations
- IEC certificate (for importers)
- Partnership deed / COI with packaging in business objects
FAQs
Is Legal Metrology registration different from FSSAI?
Yes. FSSAI governs food safety. Legal Metrology governs weight, measure, and packaged commodity declarations (net quantity, MRP). Packaged food needs both FSSAI licence and LMPC compliance.
What label declarations are mandatory under LMPC?
Net quantity (weight/volume/count), MRP inclusive of all taxes, name and address of manufacturer/importer, date of manufacture, and for food: best before/expiry date. Unit sale price required for multi-unit packages.
Do importers need separate LMPC registration?
Yes. Importers of pre-packaged commodities must register under LMPC Rules Rule 27 before import. Importer name and address must appear on label as "Marketed by" or "Imported by."