[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/Legal Metrology India IndiaWeights & Measures # Legal Metrology in India: Packaged Goods and MRP Legal Metrology ensures accurate weights and measures in trade. If you sell pre-packaged goods in India, you must comply with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules — including MRP labeling, net quantity declarations, and registration requirements. Violations attract strict penalties including fines and imprisonment. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Flegal-metrology-india) At a glance Entity types 4 PC Rules 7 Registration steps 5 ## Who needs to comply? ### Manufacturer Registration, model approval for weighing/measuring instruments, compliance with packaged goods rules ### Packer/Importer Registration as packer, MRP labeling, net quantity declaration, compliance with LM (Packaged Commodities) Rules ### Dealer/Repairer License for selling/repairing weighing/measuring instruments, verification stamping ### E-commerce Operator Display of MRP, country of origin, consumer care info; platform liability for seller compliance ## Packaged goods declaration requirements Net Quantity: Must declare net quantity in standard units (weight in kg/g, volume in L/ml, length in m/cm) MRP (Maximum Retail Price): Inclusive of all taxes, in Indian Rupees, clearly printed on package Name and Address: Name and complete address of manufacturer/packer/importer Country of Origin: Mandatory for imported goods; 'Made in \[Country\]' Customer Care: Email/phone for consumer complaints or grievance officer details Best Before/Use By Date: For food and perishable goods; mandatory date marking Dimensions: For non-standard package sizes, dimensions must be declared ## MRP rules and pricing regulations 01MRP must be the maximum price at which product can be sold to consumer 02No retailer can charge above MRP; charging below MRP is allowed 03MRP must be pre-printed on package at manufacturing/packing stage 04Post-manufacture MRP stickers are generally prohibited (except specific exemptions) 05MRP must include all taxes (GST, etc.) - no additional charges beyond MRP 06Dual MRP (different prices for same product) is prohibited under section 36(3) 07E-commerce platforms must display MRP clearly before purchase ## Registration and compliance process 01 ### Determine registration type needed Manufacturer of weighing instruments: Model approval + Registration. Packer of goods: Packer registration. Dealer: Dealer license. 02 ### Apply through LM portal or State Legal Metrology Department Online applications accepted in many states. Submit company documents, product details, and applicable fees. 03 ### Model approval (for weighing/measuring instruments) Submit instrument sample to Legal Metrology Officer for testing. Approval valid for 10 years, renewable. 04 ### Verification and stamping All weighing/measuring instruments must be verified annually and stamped by Legal Metrology Inspector. 05 ### Maintain compliance records Keep records of manufactured/packed quantities, label specifications, and verification certificates. ## Penalties for non-compliance ### Selling above MRP Fine up to ₹25,000 for first offense; up to ₹50,000 for subsequent offenses ### Non-declaration of net quantity Fine up to ₹10,000; product seizure possible ### Manufacturing without registration Fine up to ₹50,000; imprisonment up to 1 year possible ### Using unstamped weighing instrument Fine up to ₹25,000; instrument seizure ### Dual MRP or misleading pricing Fine up to ₹2,000 per unit; product confiscation ## Frequently asked questions ### Does Legal Metrology apply to all products sold in India? Packaged commodities rules apply to pre-packaged goods for retail sale. Exemptions include: packages <10g or 10ml, food served in restaurants, medicines (regulated separately), industrial non-retail packages, and exports. Weights and measures regulations apply to any weighing/measuring instrument used for trade. ### Can I sell products without MRP if I'm a small manufacturer? No exemption based on manufacturer size. If you're selling pre-packaged goods to consumers, you must declare MRP. Small manufacturers/packers still need to comply but may have simplified registration processes in some states. Contact your State Legal Metrology Department for small business provisions. ### What is the difference between packer and manufacturer registration? Manufacturer registration applies to companies making weighing/measuring instruments. Packer registration applies to companies pre-packing goods for retail sale (even if manufactured by third parties). Many companies need both: registration as manufacturer of instruments AND as packer of their packaged products. ### How often must weighing instruments be verified? Weighing and measuring instruments used for trade must be verified and stamped annually by Legal Metrology Inspector. Electronic instruments may have different intervals based on type. Using an unverified instrument for trade is an offense. ### What are e-commerce specific requirements under Legal Metrology? E-commerce platforms and sellers must: display MRP prominently, show country of origin for imports, provide customer care contact, ensure package labels contain all mandatory declarations at delivery. The platform is responsible if seller information is not displayed correctly. **Disclaimer:** This guide reflects Legal Metrology Act 2009 and Packaged Commodities Rules 2011. State-level variations exist in implementation. Verify requirements with your State Legal Metrology Department. 🇮🇳 India roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇮🇳 India compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/34-india-legal-metrology-packaged-commodities-ecommerce-electronics)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/34-india-legal-metrology-packaged-commodities-ecommerce-electronics) Related guides * [Legal Metrology DocumentsComplete guide to Legal Metrology documentation: packer registration, MRP labeling, packaged goods declarations, weighing instr…](/guides/legal-metrology-documents) * [FSSAI Food LicenseComplete guide to FSSAI food business licensing: eligibility criteria, registration vs license, document requirements, and how …](/guides/fssai-food-license) * [India Market Compliance OverviewComprehensive overview of India's regulatory landscape: BIS, CDSCO, WPC, TEC, FSSAI, customs, and DGFT requirements for market …](/guides/india-compliance-overview)