LMPC Certificate

LMPC stands for Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities. The LMPC Certificate is a mandatory registration required under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 for businesses that import or manufacture pre-packaged goods in India. It ensures transparency, standardization, and protection of consumer interests by regulating weights, measurements, labeling, and packaging. 

How to Apply for an LMPC Certificate (Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities)

If you are an importer, manufacturer, or packer dealing in pre-packaged goods, it is mandatory to obtain an LMPC certificate under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.

 Step-by-Step Process to Apply for LMPC Certificate

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Check if your business involves:

• Importing pre-packaged goods into India

• Manufacturing or repackaging goods in sealed packaging for sale

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

You’ll need the following:

• Import Export Code (IEC)

• PAN Card of the business

• GST Registration certificate

• Business address proof (e.g., electricity bill, rent agreement)

• Company incorporation documents (e.g., COI, MOA, AOA or Partnership Deed)

• Product label/sample packaging

• Declaration/undertaking as per Legal Metrology norms

Step 3: Submit Application

File the LMPC application with the Legal Metrology Department of your state. The application can be:

• Online (if your state has an e-portal)

• Offline/manual through the local Controller’s office

Step 4: Label Review & Verification

Authorities may review your label design to ensure it complies with packaging and declaration requirements. In some cases, an inspection may be conducted.

Step 5: Certificate Issuance

Once the application and documents are verified, the LMPC Certificate will be issued. This authorizes your business to legally import or package goods under compliance with Indian standards.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with LMPC Rules

Failing to comply with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 can lead to serious legal and financial consequences for importers, manufacturers, and packers of pre-packaged goods.

 Common Violations:

• Importing or selling pre-packaged goods without a valid LMPC certificate

• Non-compliant labeling (missing declarations like MRP, net weight, pack date, etc.)

• Incorrect or misleading information on labels

• Failing to register with the Legal Metrology Department before import or sale

Impact of Non-Compliance:

• Customs clearance delays

• Seizure or return of shipments

• Loss of brand credibility

• Legal prosecution and blacklist by authorities

• Ban on sale or distribution of goods

Validity of LMPC Certificate

The LMPC (Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities) Certificate is generally valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issuance.

Key Points:

• The certificate must be renewed before its expiry to continue legally importing or packaging pre-packaged goods.

• Renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the certificate’s expiration to avoid any compliance gaps.

• Failure to renew the LMPC certificate may result in penalties, suspension of import licenses, or seizure of goods.

Exemptions Under LMPC Rules (Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities)

Certain categories of goods and entities are exempted from obtaining an LMPC Certificate or complying fully with the packaging and labeling requirements under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.

 Common Exemptions:

1. Goods Packed and Sold within the Same State

   • Goods manufactured, packed, and sold within the same state without crossing state boundaries may be exempt from LMPC registration but still must comply with labeling norms.

2. Non-Packaged Goods

   • Loose or unpackaged goods sold by weight or measure at the point of sale are generally exempt from LMPC registration.

3. Exempted Commodities

   • Certain commodities notified by the government may be exempt, such as:

     • Newspapers, books, and periodicals

     • Certain agricultural produce

     • Goods packed in the presence of the purchaser (e.g., fresh produce)

4. Small Quantities for Personal Use

   • Packaged commodities imported or manufactured for personal use and not for sale or distribution.

5. Pre-packaged Commodities Below Specified Quantity

   • Some small quantity packs or free samples may be exempted, subject to specific state rules.

​​​​​​​Documents Required for LMPC Certificate

To apply for an LMPC (Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities) Certificate, you need to submit the following documents:

1. Import Export Code (IEC)

• Mandatory for importers of pre-packaged goods.

2. PAN Card

• PAN of the company, firm, or individual applying.

3. GST Registration Certificate

• Proof of GST registration of the business entity.

4. Address Proof of Business Premises

• Examples: Electricity bill, rent agreement, property tax receipt, or any official document showing the business address.

5. Company Incorporation Documents

• For companies: Certificate of Incorporation (COI), Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA)

• For partnerships: Partnership deed

• For proprietorship: Affidavit or declaration

6. Product Label Sample

• A clear sample or artwork of the product label showing compliance with Legal Metrology labeling requirements (MRP, net quantity, manufacturer details, etc.).

7. Declaration / Undertaking

• A signed declaration stating compliance with Legal Metrology rules and that the information provided is accurate.

​​​​​​​Benefits of LMPC Certificate

Obtaining an LMPC (Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities) Certificate offers several advantages for importers, manufacturers, and sellers of pre-packaged goods:

1. Legal Compliance

• Ensures your business complies with the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, avoiding legal penalties and fines.

2. Smooth Customs Clearance

• Mandatory for importing pre-packaged goods; helps avoid delays, seizure, or rejection at Indian customs.

3. Consumer Trust & Transparency

• Provides accurate and mandatory product information (MRP, net weight, manufacturer details) that builds customer confidence.

4. Market Access

• Enables you to sell your pre-packaged products legally across India without restriction.

5. Prevents Penalties

• Avoids heavy fines and legal action due to non-compliance in packaging and labeling.

6. Improves Brand Reputation

• Shows commitment to quality and regulatory standards, strengthening your brand credibility.

7. Facilitates Business Expansion

• Essential for growing your business into new markets, retail chains, or export sectors.

8. Protects Against Product Seizure

• Reduces risk of goods being confiscated by authorities due to improper packaging or documentation.

​​​​​​​Why Choose YKG GLOBAL for Your LMPC Certificate?

Choosing the right partner for your LMPC (Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities) Certificate application is crucial for smooth, hassle-free compliance. Here’s why YKG GLOBAL stands out as the trusted choice:

1. Expertise with 40+ Years of Experience

• Deep knowledge of the Legal Metrology Act and packaging regulations.

• Proven track record helping hundreds of importers and manufacturers nationwide.

2. End-to-End Support

• Assistance with document preparation, label compliance checks, and application filing.

• Handling all communication and follow-ups with legal metrology authorities on your behalf.

3. Fast & Hassle-Free Process

• Streamlined procedures to minimize delays and ensure timely issuance of your LMPC certificate.

• Avoid common pitfalls and rejections with expert guidance.

4. Customized Solutions

• Tailored support based on your product category, business scale, and state-specific rules.

• Guidance for importers, manufacturers, e-commerce sellers, and exporters.

5. Compliance Assurance

• Ensuring your labels and packaging strictly meet all legal metrology standards to avoid penalties.

• Ongoing compliance support and reminders for renewals.

6. Pan-India Presence

• Services available across all states and union territories of India.

• Local experts familiar with state-specific procedures and requirements.

7. Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Charges

• Clear, upfront pricing with no surprises.