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LMPC Certificate

Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Certificate commonly known among the masses as LMPC Certificate, is required for all those goods which are going to be in the market for pre packaged distribution or sale. If in any way you are interested in importing the pre packaged goods then be conscious about obtaining this certificate as it is mandatory for the import of the pre packaged goods. There are many kinds of goods like cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, food products etc., in their respective regulating laws it is clearly mentioned that they have to follow the extra rules which are applicable on them as per the other applicable laws. Hence all those who want to distribute or dale pre packaged goods must obtain this LMPC Certificate.

As per Section 27 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, it is mandatory for all the importers of the pre-packaged goods to obtain this legal metrology registration. If one is bringing any kind of pre-packaged product in India, then it's important that they should infirm the Indian government about the product. It is important for the safety of the country as well as the users of the products. LMPC Certificate works as a declaration by the importer about what they are importing. This is simply a document which allows the importers to bring the pre-packaged goods in the Indian market by following all the required applicable rules and laws of the country.

LMPC Registration

What are Pre-Packaged Commodities for LMPC Registration?

There are many pre-packaged goods which needs Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Certificate out of which some are given below:

  • Packaged food items (chips, biscuits, cereals, snacks)
  • Bottled water and beverages (juices, soft drinks, energy drinks)
  • Toiletries (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste)
  • Cosmetics (lipstick, face cream, foundation, etc.)
  • Detergents and cleaning agents (liquid cleaners, detergent powders)
  • Electronic items (headphones, chargers, mobile phones)
  • Kitchen appliances (toasters, mixers, grinders)
  • Packaged medicines and supplements
  • Packaged garments (t-shirts, jeans, innerwear in sealed packs)
  • Stationery items (pens, notebooks, staplers)
  • Toys and children’s items in sealed packs
  • Packaged hardware/tools (screws, nails, tool sets)

What is an LMPC Certificate for Import?

The LMPC Certificates is an obligatory approval issued via the department of legal Metrology under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, required for all importers, manufacturers, and packers dealing with pre-packaged goods in India. It guarantees compliance with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, with the aid of mandating vital declarations on product packaging consisting of producer/importer info, net quantity, MRP, manufacturing/import date, and patron care information. This certificate helps promote transparency, protects consumer rights, and avoids problems like customs delays, consequences, or seizure of goods at some stage in import.


LMPC stands for Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities. Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Certificate is a mandatory certificate in India.This certificate is applicable for sell, import or manufacturing of pre-packaged food, cosmetic and electronics. By ensuring legal standards of weight, measure or quantity, protect consumers rights against unfair practice. For example, if the packet of rice mentions that the packet contains 500g rice then it actually contains.

LMPC Certificate for Import
 LMPC Certification Required

Why is LMPC Certification Required for the Import?

LMPC Certification is mandatory for importers under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, to ensure that clients receive correct information and are protected from deceptive practices. While products are imported in pre-packaged shape, they need to comply with Indian labeling standards. LMPC certificate ensures that every package consists of important details like MRP, internet quantity, date of import, producer/importer call and address, and patron care contact. This transparency allows customers to make informed alternatives and prevents unfair trade practices.


For importers,the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Certificate is a legal requirement enforced by means of the department of legal Metrology, and non-compliance can bring about items being seized at customs, consequences, or legal action. The certification serves as a regulatory checkpoint to ensure that imported goods meet Indian standards before they input the market. It facilitates in maintaining uniformity in packaging declarations and upholds the interests of clients, stores, and the wider economy. In quick, LMPC certification is vital for lawful import, smooth customs clearance, and truthful trade practices in India.

Benefits of LMPC Certificate for Importers

Some of the key benefits of the LMPC Certificate for import are given below:

  • Consumer Protection: Protect consumers rights against unfair practice by seller, manufacturer or importer.
  • Proper Measurement of the Products: This certificate standardized the process of measuring and weighting pre-packaged commodities.
  • Simplify Operations: It is a one-time process that simplifies operations for manufacturers, packers, or importers.
  • Promotes Transparency: LMPC Certificate promotes transparency in the market.
  • Prevent Unfair Competition: This certificate prevents unfair competition by ensuring all businesses follow the same standards for quantity and labeling.
  • Credibility: By clear labeling, building trust among the consumers which ultimately helps the businesses to increase their business credibility.
Benefits of LMPC Certificate
LMPC Certificate for Importers

Different Types of LMPC Certificate for Importers

There are different types of Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Certificate under the Indian laws for the importers. They are:

LMPC Certificate for Importers

  • Mandatory for businesses importing pre-packaged commodities.
  • Ensures that all packages have proper declarations as per Legal Metrology Rules.
  • Required at the time of customs clearance.

LMPC Certificate for Manufacturers

  • For manufacturers who pack or repack goods and then import them for resale.
  • Helps ensure labeling compliance before goods are distributed in India.

LMPC Certificate for Packers

  • For businesses that pack goods on behalf of others and then import them.
  • Essential for private label brands or contract packaging units.

LMPC Registration for Wholesale Packaged Goods

  • For bulk imports not meant for direct retail (e.g., industrial supplies).
  • Requires specific declarations relevant to wholesale distribution.

Documents Required for LMPC Online Import Certification

After submitting all documents and completing the premises inspection, it will take 7 to 20 days to receive the certificate.Some of the key documents which are required for the online import Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Certificate are given below:

  • LM-1 or LR-1 Form: Fill application form LM-1 or LR-1 with details (like:- business name, address, and product type), as per the Legal Metrology Rule, 2011. These forms are available on the National Single Window System or state-specific Legal Metrology portals.
  • Incorporation Documents: Like:- GST Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation (for companies), Partnership Deed (for partnership), Shop and Establishment License (for small businesses), Udyam Registration (for MSMEs, if applicable) proving business is legally registered.
  • Importer-Exporter Code: Importer-Exporter Code which is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (for Importers Only).
  • Identity Proof: Like, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card of authorized person.
  • Address Proof: Like, Utility bill, Rental agreement of authorized person.
  • Copies or Images of the Product: Copies or images of the product packaging showing all mandatory declarations ( Like:- Product name, Net quantity, Maximum Retail Price, Name and address of authorised person, Customer care contact details etc.) which is defined under the rule 6 of Legal metrology Rule,2011. Labels must be clear either in English language or in Hindi language or in both languages.
  • Premises Proof: Like, Rental Agreement, Property Ownership Document, Electricity Bill (last 3 months), Utility bill (recent within 3 months) of the business location where manufacturing, packing, importing happen.
  • Payment Receipt: Fee payment receipt (fee varies by state).
  • Other Documents: Some additional documents which are state-specific or case-specific. (Like:- FSSAI License, NOC, Calibration Certificate). These additional documents which are required in particular states, mentioned in state’s Legal Metrology portal.
LMPC Online Import Certification
Process of Obtaining LMPC Certificate

Process of Obtaining LMPC Certificate or Licence

Step by step process to get LMPC Certificate for importers in India are given below:

  • Step 1: Determine if your product qualifies as a pre-packaged commodity.
  • Step 2: Prepare required documents (Importer Exporter Code, GST, PAN, product details, etc.).
  • Step 3: Fill out the LMPC application form as per Legal Metrology Rules.
  • Step 4: Submit the application to the Legal Metrology Department of your state.
  • Step 5: Pay the prescribed government fee.
  • Step 6: Department may inspect premises or packaging labels if needed.
  • Step 7: On successful verification, you receive the LMPC Certificate.

Validity of Legal Metrology Certificate: LMPC License

In general, under the guidelines of most of the states legal metrology department this certificate is valid for 5 years. But in some cases, certain states or authorities may treat the certificate as having lifetime validity, provided there are no changes in business details. However, this is not uniform and depends on state-specific rules. LMPC certificate must renew it before it expires to continue selling or importing pre-packaged goods legally.

LMPC License
Legal Metrology Laws

Rule Violation and Penalties Under the Legal Metrology Laws

LMPC Certificate is governed by Legal Metrology rule, 2011 which is also governed by the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. Some relevant sections of these acts which are important or related to this certificate are given below:

  • Section 2(g) of Legal metrology Act, 2009 provides definition of Legal Metrology.
  • Section 2(l) of Legal metrology Act, 2009 defines “pre-packaged commodity”.
  • Section 18 of Legal metrology Act, 2009 talks about Declarations on pre-packaged commodities.
  • Section 23 of Legal metrology Act, 2009 talks about Prohibition on manufacture, repair or sale of weight or measure without licence. Also under this section LMPC Certificate provides.
  • Under Chapter V of Legal metrology Act, 2009,cover different types of offences and penalties. Example:- Penalty for manufacture or sale of non-standard weight or measure and Penalty for alteration of weight and measure.
  • Section 52 of Legal metrology Act, 2009, Power of the Central Government to make rules. By using this section the central government makes rules by the name of Legal Metrology rule, 2011.
  • Rule 27 of Legal Metrology rule, 2011 is talking about Registration of manufacturers, packers and importers.

The LMPC certificate i.e Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities is a mandatory compliance requirement under Indian regulation for any entity concerned within the import, manufacture, or packing of pre-packaged items. Ruled by way of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Regulations, 2011, this LMPC certificate ensures accurate labeling, truthful exchange practices, and consumer protection. It simplifies import operations, boosts market transparency, and helps avoid prison penalties or customs delays. Consequently, businesses coping with pre-packaged commodities ought to attain and preserve a valid LMPC certificate to function legally and responsibly inside the Indian market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pre-packaged goods for retail sale with a quantity claim (Like:- Food items, Cosmetics, Household goods) require this certificate.

Non-pre-packaged goods, Packages under 10g/10ml, Agriculture Products over 50kg, Goods for industrial/institutional use etc. these products do not require LMPC Certificate.

Manufacturer, one who makes pre-packaged goods, Packer, one who repack bulk goods into retail packets, Importer, one who brings pre-packaged goods into India and E-commerce sellers, one who sells pre-packaged goods online.

The LMPC Certificates is an obligatory approval issued via the department of legal Metrology under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, required for all importers, manufacturers, and packers dealing with pre-packaged goods in India.

Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Certification.