Legal Metrology Act, 2009 : FAQ

[Perfection]

What are Legal Metrology Act & rules ? What is the necessity of imposing these laws?

The Govt. of India has enacted :

(1) The Legal Metrology Act, 2009

(2) The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011
(3) The Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011
(4) The Legal Metrology (National Standards) Rules, 2011
(5) The Legal Metrology (Numeration) Rules, 2011
(6) The Legal Metrology (Approval of Models) Rules, 2011
(7) The Indian Institute of Legal Metrology Rules, 2011

It ensure uniform enforcement of Standards and connected matters in Weights & Measures through out the country.

[Perfection]

How the stamping is done in the Weights & Measures ?

On getting a request from the user or his agent/repairer, the Legal Metrology Officer collects the prescribed fee. Then every Weights & Measures is checked for accuracy and is if found satisfactory, the Weights & Measures stamped by the special seal indicating the identification of Inspector, year and quarter in which it is verified. A verification Certificate is issued simultaneously.

If a weight or measure is presented to the inspector for re-verification after expiry of the validity of the stamp, an additional fee at half the rates specified in Schedule X shall be payable for every quarter of the year or part thereof.

The validity of such stamped weights/measure/Counter/Beam scales is two years. In the case of Electronic Balances/Platform scale/Dispensing pump unit/weigh bridge it is one year.

[Perfection]

Is it necessary to display the certificate of verification ?

The certificate of verification of an instrument is the gurantee by the Government to the public that the instrument is working properly. So it is necessary to display every certificate of verification granted under the Act at a conspicuous place in premises where such weights or measure is being, or is intended or likely to be, used in any transaction or for industrial production or for protection (Sec 31).

[Perfection]

What is the penalty, if a person fails to get the weights or measure, verified in due time?

Whoever, being required to present any weight or measure for verification or re-verification, omits or fails without any reasonable cause to do so, shall be punished with fine which shall not be less than Rs 2000 and extends to ten thousand rupees and such weight or measure can be seized on inspection (Sec 24 r/w 33).

[Perfection]

What is the penalty if a person gives short / less deliveries?

He shall be punished with fine of Rs. 5 000, which may extend to Rs 10 000 (Sec 12 r/w 30).

In Petrol/Diesel pumps, if one is in doubt about the quantity, he may ask for a 5 litre quantity check.

[Perfection]

Is there any licence to manufacture, sale or repair W & M?

Yes, the State Department (Controller)issues licence to the manufacturer, dealer and repairer of Weights & Measures. The applicant can submit his application for grant of licence to the Assistant Controller (Flying Squad) of the concerned district. A licence issued or renewal under this Act is not saleable or otherwise transferable.

Licence fee : Rs 5000 per annum.

Under sec 23 of Legal Metrology Act, 2009, no person shall make, manufacturer, repair, sell any weight or measure unless he holds a valid licence. The violation is punishable under Sec 45 & 46 of the Act.