LMPC Certificate
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LMPC Certificate For Importers of pre-packaged commodities in India
The LMPC Certificate, or Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Certificate, is needed to import, sell, or distribute pre-packaged goods in India. Following the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules in 2011, it’s required for all packers as well as importers to have this certificate. Registration under rule 27 under these regulations ensures that the goods are measured correctly and that the consumer receives the correct amount of the product they pay for.
LMPC certificate for importers is an important obligatory certificate required by the importers of pre-packaged commodities in India. Apart from the importers of such products, all the manufacturers and packers of pre-packaged goods are also obliged to acquire LMPC Certificate under the Legal Metrology Act. This certificate serves as proof that the imported packaged commodities adhere to the relevant regulations, such as accurate labeling, weight, and measurement.
In addition, certain products are exempt from the requirement to have the LMPC certificate. For instance, packing companies that deal in products weighing below 10 grams, or 10 milliliters and agricultural products with a weight of more than 50 kilograms do not require this certification.
Let’s dive in to explore the significance of LMPC certificate for importers in India and understand its implications on the importation process and the importance of LMPC importers License.
Table of Content
- What is LMPC Certificate?
- Importance of LMPC Certificate
- Documents required for LMPC Certificate
- Registration Process for LMPC Certificate
- Responsibilities of LMPC-Certified Importers
- Product Eligibility Under the EFTA
- LMPC Certificate Registration Fees
- Benefits of LMPC Certificate
- Validity of LMPC Certificate Exemption made under LMPC Conclusion
- FAQS on LMPC Registration
What is LMPC Certificate?
LMPC is a law governing packaging in India that is designed to regulate the requirements for packaging of pre-packaged commodities sold and distributed within India. Food products, pharmaceuticals, and other items could be subject to specific requirements. For instance, pharmaceuticals are subject to additional requirements provided under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. If you are an importer who imports packaged goods to distribute or sell, you must register as an importer as per rule 27 of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules (LMPC Rules) in 2011. To be registered, the importer must notify the government what products they will import into India. The technical term for this LMPC Registration will be “Importer Registration under Rule 27” Some people refer to “Legal Metrology Certificate”, and some refer to it as “Importer Registration under Legal Metrology”. Because it is a requirement in the LMPC Rules, 2011 the customs authority is commonly referred to as the “LMPC Certificate”
Importance of LMPC Certificate
The Legal Metrology Pre-Packed Commodity Registration is required for importers of all pre-packed commodities. The conformity of the guidelines for packaging must be completed before the items are imported to India. According to these regulations, importers are required to make sure that obligatory declarations are made regarding the packaged commodities. According to DGFT’s notification No. RE-44 from the year 2000, the customs authorities were authorized by the Government to verify if the metrology legal requirements of importers were met or not. Any failure by the Importer to comply with Legal Metrology may lead to the suspension of the import shipment this is why importers need to secure the metrology registration that is legal before any import.
Documents required for LMPC Certificate
These are the list of document required for LMPC Certificate for pre-packaged goods
• DSC is mandatory for authorised signatory.
• Residential proof like Aadhaar, voter ID or Passport.
• PAN Card of the Busines
• MCD/NDMC/DDA License for trade / manufacture / Factory. In case an applicant doesn’t possess the MCD license, an undertaking in the form of an affidavit has to
be submitted confirming that the business premises is not located in a non- conforming area and is not likely to be sealed by the MCD.
• GST registration.
• Label / Packaging material / Slip /Sticker being pasted on the packaged commodity.
• Memorandum of Association of the Company, Partnership deed in respect of Partnership firms.
• Import-Export Code (IEC certificate).
• Passport size photograph (all Directors/all Partners/Proprietor)
• Proof of commercial area
• PAN Card of the owner.
• Receipt of Offenses for which challenged and whether it is compounded
Registration Process for LMPC Certificate
The registration process for the LMPC Certificate are as follows:
• Filling of application form:- Applicants are required to file an application with relative authorities.
• Documentation:- Provide duly signed and verified documents that are required by the authorities. Documents are required to attach during the application process.
• Submission of Fee:- Once the application is filled, submit the required Fee as applicable.
• Issuance of LMPC certificate:- The LMPC certificate will be issued within 7-10 working days once the verification is completed by the governing body.
Responsibilities of LMPC-Certified Importers
According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, you are not permitted to manufacture, market, sell, Import, pack, or distribute pre-packaged goods without mentioning certain information on the outer package.
1. Maximum Retail Price (inclusive of GST)
2. Date of manufacturing/packing/import
3. Generic name of the product
4. Date of expiry in case of food items
5. Net contents in terms of weights/volume/ length
6. Details of the consumer care
7. Country of origin for imported goods
8. Quantities in which packing is made, i.e., below 5g, 5g, 10g, 20g, etc
Declarations to be made in the LMPC certificate for import
Following declarations must be made by the importers while registering for a Legal metrology certificate. Importers who fail to declare the following are ineligible to apply for LMPC registration.
1. Whether the packing is made in standard quantities as specified in Rule 5 of Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011).
2. Whether the package is a combination package or group package, or a multi-piece package.
3. Whether the package is a retail package or a wholesale package
4. Whether the package contains perishable commodities or food items
5. Whether the packed items will also be exported out of the country
6. Whether the items are being packed for specific industries only as raw material.
7. Whether the package contains fast food items
8. Whether the package contains any schedule / non-scheduled formulations covered under the Drugs (price control) order or any agricultural farm products of 50 kg and above.
9. Whether the shop/factory/premises is owned/rented.
10. Have your premises been last inspected by the inspector of the W & M Department?
11. Whether your firm has been challenged during the last three years for violating Weights & Measures laws. If Yes, the date of challan etc.?
12. Offenses for which challenged and whether it is compounded or not
LMPC Certificate Registration Fees
The Government Fees for LMPC registration is ₹500 and the Professional fees for LMPC registration is ₹4,999. Once the payment is done, the registration authority will inspect the business premises before granting the LMPC certificate. The entire process is completed within 7-10 working days.
| Particulars | LMPC Certificate Fees |
|---|---|
| Government Fee | ₹ 500 |
| Professional Fee | ₹ 4,999 |
| Total Cost | ₹ 5,499 |
| On Urgent Basis/td> | ₹ 9,999 |
Note 1 : The above fees are applicable only to the importers of Delhi and Andhra Pradesh. The LMPC registration fees for other states of India varies state to state.
Note 2 : The validity of LMPC Certificate is up to the period of 5 years. License holders must renew their Certificate before its due date.
Looking for LMPC certification on Urgent Basis @ ₹9,999/-
Other Types of LMPC Certificate Registration
- AA Modification in LMPC Certificate
- LMPC Certificate for Importers of Pre- Packaged Goods
- LMPC Certificate for Repackers of Pre- Packaged Commodities
- LMPC Certificate for E-Commerce
- LMPC Certificate for Manufacturers of Pre-Packaged Goods
- LMPC Certificate for Weight and Measurement
Benefits of LMPC Certificate
Here are the key reasons why obtaining an LMPC certificate is essential for importers in India:
• Legal Compliance: Importers are legally required to obtain the LMPC certificate to ensure compliance with Indian legal metrology regulations. Failing to do so can result in penalties, delays in customs clearance, and even seizure of goods.
• Consumer Trust: The LMPC certificate signifies that the imported packaged commodities meet the necessary quality and measurement standards. This certification enhances consumer trust in the products and strengthens the reputation of the importer.
• Market Access:Many retailers and distributors in India require imported products to have the LMPC certification before they can be sold in their establishments. Having the certificate opens up opportunities for importers to access a wider market and establish partnerships with local businesses.
Validity of LMPC Certificate
The validity period for an LMPC Certificate is a minimum of 1 year (12 months) to a maximum of 5 years (60 months). Renewal of LMPC Certificate is required after every five years or after expiration of specified time period since its issuance. The LMPC import license must be renewed before the expiry period to avoid hassle and penalties during customs clearance.
Exemption made under LMPC
The following are not considered to be a legal compulsion for having an LMPC certificate for import:
• Commodities have a net weight of 10 gms or 10 ml or less.
• Agricultural products packed in weights greater than 50 kg
• Packages containing fast food items packed by a hotel or restaurant
Formulation-containing packages authorized by the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 1995
• Packaged goods targeted for institutional consumers(those who purchase the products directly from the manufacturer for use in that business) or service institutions such as airways, railways, hotels and hospitals
• Packages containing goods weighing more than 25 kg or 25 litres, with the exception of cement or fertilizer sold in bags weighing up to 50 kg.
Conclusion
The LMPC certificate is a regulatory requirement for Indian enterprises that sell pre-packaged products. It ensures that items meet exact measures, weights, and price norms, promoting transparency and protecting consumers’ rights. Obtaining an LMPC certificate is a simple procedure, and following its criteria is critical for organizations seeking to avoid penalties and remain lawful in India. Businesses that follow the regulations outlined in the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 will promote ethical trade practices, effective inventory management, and even government tax collection, all while preserving customer trust.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The govt fee for LMPC certificate is just ₹500 rupees.
- The validity of an LMPC certificate is up to 5 years.
The certification is categorized into 2:
• LMPC Importer Registration
• LMPC Packer & Manufacturer Registration
The LMPC certificate is required by importers, manufacturers, and packers of pre-packaged commodities.