Why Legal Metrology & GST Certificates Matter

Introduction

In today’s business world, following legal rules is very important. It helps build trust with customers, keeps things transparent, and makes the business run smoothly. There are three main rules every business should know about first is Legal Metrology, it makes sure that weights and measurements are correct. Second Legal Metrology Certification ensure getting official approval for your weighing or measuring tools.
The third one is GST Certification helps you in registering your business to pay the right amount of tax.
These rules make sure that trade is fair, customers are not cheated, and businesses pay the correct taxes.

In this article, we’ll explain what these three certifications mean, why they are legally required and how your business can follow them easily.

1. What is Legal Metrology?

Legal Metrology is the science of measurement regulated by law in order to render measurements precise, just, and transparent in trade transactions. Legal metrology entails weighing and measuring instruments used in business, such as weighing balances, fuel dispensing units, electricity meters, and packaged goods.

Principal Objectives of Legal Metrology:

• Consumer protection: Prevents deception by ensuring accurate weight, volume, and quantity in transactions.
• Ethical Trade Practice: Mandates standardised measurements to avoid malpractice.
• Regulatory Enforcement: Is in favour of legislation under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and amendments.

Who needs Legal Metrology Compliance?

• Manufacturers, Importers Registration, and sellers of weighing & measuring devices
• Pre-packaged commodity enterprises (e.g., FMCG, pharma)
• Fuel pumps, measuring instrument-based factory units, and retailers

2. Legal Metrology Certification: Why is it Necessary?

Legal Metrology Certification is a statutory approval required for trade weighing and measuring equipment. The Department of Legal Metrology (Ministry of Consumer Affairs) governs this certification so that equipment meets requirements for accuracy.

Types of Legal Metrology Certifications:

1. Model Approval: Received before manufacturing or importing weighing/measuring equipment.

2. Stamp Verification: Equipment must be verified and stamped by a Legal Metrology Officer.

3 Licensing: Repairers and dealers of weighing instruments are required to obtain a license.

Penalties for Non-Conformity:

• Fines of ₹2,000 to ₹1,00,000
• Imprisonment upon repeated offences
• Seizure of offending equipment

How to Avail Legal Metrology Certification?

• Submit to the Controller of Legal Metrology.
• Get the device certified in an accredited laboratory.
• Obtain the verification stamp upon verification.

3. GST Certification: For Assuring Tax Compliance

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is India's one-tax system that has replaced various indirect taxes. GST Certificate is issued for those companies that have registered under GST as a documentation of being a tax-compliant firm.

Why is a GST Certificate necessary?

• Legal Requirement: Mandatory for companies whose turnover is above ₹40 lakh (₹20 lakh for certain states).
• Input Tax Credit (ITC): Allows businesses to claim back tax paid on purchases.
• Business Credibility: Enhances vendors' and customers' confidence.
• Who Needs GST Registration?
• E-commerce vendors
• Manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers
• Service providers (consultants, freelancers, etc.)
• Multiple state businesses

Documents Required for GST Registration:

• PAN card
• Aadhaa card
• Proof of business address
• Bank account details

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

• Penalty of 10% of tax payable (minimum ₹10,000)
• Cancellation of GST registration
• Prosecution under tax evasion charges

4. How Legal Metrology & GST Certification Work Together

While Legal Metrology ensures measurement accuracy, GST Certification ensures tax compliance. Both benefit businesses:

To avoid legal fines

To establish consumer trust

To streamline operations

Example:

The packaged foods business must:

·Be Legal Metrology compliant for accurate weight claims.

·Be GST compliant to ensure tax invoicing and returns filing.

5. Steps to Ensure Compliance

1. Identify Relevant Regulations: Check if your organisation needs Legal Metrology approvals or GST registration.

2. Obtain Certifications: Furnish documents as needed to the authorities.

3. Periodic Audits: Cross-verify measuring equipment periodically.

4. Remain Updated: Follow changes in legislation to avoid penalties.

Conclusion

Legal Metrology, Legal Metrology Certificate, and GST Certification are the prerequisites for legal business operations in India. Non-compliance will result in hefty fines, damage to reputation, and disruptions in operations. Adherence to these regulations enhances credibility, prevents legal issues, and helps in a fair marketplace.

Is your company completely compliant? Get the latest regulations to make operations smooth.

Read Related Blog: https://shorturl.at/y8Pev

How to Get an Import Export License in India: Step-by-Step Guide with Fees

India's economy is among the fastest-growing in the world, and commerce with other countries is essential to its growth. Getting an import-export license is the first need if you want to launch a firm that deals with importing or exporting items across international borders. This blog will provide you with a thorough overview of the steps, necessary paperwork, and expenses associated with obtaining an import-export license in India.

 

What is an Import Export License (IEC)?

The Import Export License, also known as the Import Export Code, is a 10-digit registration number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is a key business identification number required for the import or export of goods and services from India.

Without an IEC, you cannot legally import or export anything from India. It is valid for a lifetime and doesn’t require renewal, which makes it one of the most hassle-free government registrations.

 

Who Needs an Import Export License?

Whether you're a:

• Manufacturer looking to export your products,
• Trader wanting to source raw materials from abroad,
• E-commerce business selling internationally,
• Amazon or Flipkart seller looking to go global,

you’ll need an IEC registration to legally operate across international markets.

Even freelancers offering digital services internationally (in some cases) may require IEC if the payment crosses through foreign bank channels.

 

Key Benefits of Getting an Import Export License

1. Global Market Access: IEC opens doors to international markets, allowing you to expand your business beyond national borders.
2. Easy Registration: The registration process is online, simple, and quick.
3. No Renewals Required: IEC is valid for a lifetime unless cancelled or surrendered.
4. Government Incentives: Once you have an IEC, you can avail export promotion schemes like MEIS, SEIS, RoDTEP, etc.
5. Legal Compliance: It ensures your business complies with all DGFT and Customs requirements.

 

Documents Required for Import Export License in India

The following documents are required for IEC application:

For Individuals or Proprietors:

• PAN Card of the individual
• Aadhaar card / passport / voter ID
• Passport-size photograph
• Cancelled cheque of personal bank account
• Address proof (electricity bill, rental agreement)

For Companies/LLPs/Partnership Firms:

• PAN Card of the entity
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Partnership Deed (for partnerships)
• Director’s or partner’s identity and address proof
• Cancelled cheque of business account
• Company’s address proof

Ensure all details are consistent across documents to avoid rejection.

 

How to Apply for Import Export License Online (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the step-by-step process to apply for an IEC online:

Step 1: Visit the DGFT Website

• Go to https://www.dgft.gov.in
• Create a login with your business PAN and contact details.

Step 2: Fill Out the IEC Application Form (ANF 2A)

• Navigate to “Apply for IEC”
• Fill in details like applicant name, PAN, business details, address, bank details, etc.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

• Upload scanned copies of the PAN, photo, identity/address proof, and bank certificate.

Step 4: Pay the Government Fees

• Government application fee: INR 500 (as per DGFT portal)

Step 5: Submit and Verification

• Submit the application and wait for verification.
• After successful validation, IEC will be issued and downloadable from your DGFT profile.

Most applicants receive their IEC within 1–3 working days of submission.

 

Import Export License Fees in India (2025 Update)

Here is a breakdown of the potential fees involved:

Component	Cost (INR)
DGFT Government Fee	₹500
DSC (if required)	₹1,000 – ₹1,500
Professional Consultancy (optional)	₹1,000 – ₹3,000
PAN and Other Document Fees (if not available)	Variable

So, overall, the total cost for obtaining IEC could range from ₹500 to ₹5,000, depending on whether you apply yourself or through a legal consultant.

 

Do You Need a Digital Signature for IEC?

As per recent DGFT updates, a Class 2 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is not mandatory for individual proprietors but is recommended for companies and LLPs to digitally sign the application.

 

Things to Know After Getting an IEC

1. IEC Update Requirements: Any change in address, ownership, or contact info must be updated within 30 days on the DGFT portal.
2. Linking with PAN and GST: Your IEC is now automatically linked to your PAN. No separate renewal or update is needed unless your PAN details change.
3. Export/Import Reporting: Once you start importing/exporting, you’ll need to file your shipping bills, bills of entry, and GST filings accordingly.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mismatched information between PAN and application
• Uploading incorrect or blurry documents
• Applying with a personal bank account for business entities
• Ignoring post-registration compliance like GST or bank AD code registration

 

Is There Any Penalty for Not Having an IEC?

Yes. Importing or exporting without an IEC is illegal under Indian law and may result in:

• Seizure of goods by customs
• Heavy fines and penalties
• Loss of shipment
• Ban from international trading

Thus, it's highly recommended to complete your IEC registration before starting any import-export activity.

 

FAQs on Import Export License

Q1. How long is the IEC valid?

IEC is valid for a lifetime, unless voluntarily surrendered or cancelled by DGFT.

Q2. Can I have more than one IEC?

No, only one IEC per PAN is allowed.

Q3. Can an IEC be cancelled or modified?

Yes, you can request modification or cancellation by logging into the DGFT portal.

Q4. Is GST mandatory for IEC?

While not mandatory for IEC application, GST is required for most import/export businesses to avail tax benefits and avoid compliance issues.

Conclusion

Getting an Import Export License (IEC) is your gateway to entering the global trade ecosystem. The process is straightforward, and with minimal fees, it’s accessible to startups, individuals, and enterprises alike. With just a few documents and a one-time cost, you can unlock new growth opportunities and establish your business on a global platform.

If you want expert guidance, professional consultants like Legal Metrology India offer end-to-end IEC registration support, ensuring error-free filing, quick processing, and compliance with all legal norms.

 

Ready to take your business global? Start by applying for your IEC today!
For any assistance, feel free to contact our expert team or visit LegalMetrologyIndia.com.

 

International Organisation of Legal Metrology

Introduction

Legal Metrology is well known for the application of legal requirements to measurement and measuring instruments. We all are very much aware that legal metrology has a wide role in the entire world wherever we talk about the weights and measurement. It is always covered under Legal Metrology.

New Rules Which Have Been Framed Under the Legal Metrology Act

Rules under the Act

There are several rules have been framed under the act by the way of amendments and various changes, some of the amended rules we are going to discuss and given below:

Rules Related to The Package of Commodity 

Pre-packaged commodities defined under the act as a commodity without the purchaser being present are placed in a package of whatever nature whether it is sealed or not so that the product contained herein is a predetermined quantity.

As per the legal metrology packaging rules, there is a mandatory LMPC declaration that has to be made on every package which is given below:  

1. Country origin in case of imported packages.
2. Month and year of manufacture pack import.
3. Retail sale price in form of maximum retail price inclusive of all the taxes.
4. Customer care number.
5. Net quantity in terms of standard units of weight or measures or numbers.
6. Month and year of manufacture/ back/ or import of the commodity.

Rules Related to Model Approval

The new rules related to model approval legal metrology have been laid down which are as follows:

1. Some of the equipment like brass, bullions, or carat weight or any be midscale, length measure this should not be measuring tapes and which are ordinary use in retail trade for measuring textiles or timber capacity measures not exceeding 12-litre incapacity are not required to obtain model approval.
2. However, any manufacturer or importer of vain canned measuring equipment which is prescribed under the Act 2009 and rules made their render are required to take the approval of the Government of India before manufacturing or importing such measuring equipment.

Rules Related to the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology

Indian Institute of Legal Metrology having its branches in various states of India. All the Legal Metrology institutes is a training institute for providing training in the field of Legal Metrology to all the Legal Metrology officers of union territories, the union of India, states, under the administrative control of the legal metrology department.

However, under these rules provision regarding courses to be imparted at the institute has obligatory functions of the institute which includes the qualification of a person to be eligible for admission in the institute in a prescribed manner.

Rules Related to Government-Approved Test Center rules, 2013

The Government-Approved Test Center rules are framed for the approval of GATC establishment by the private person for the verification of some of the weights and measures in addition to the verification done by the state government officers. The weights and measures prescribed under rules for verification by GATC are as follows:  

1. Water Meter
2. Sphygmomanometer
3. Clinical thermometer
4. Automatic rail weighbridges
5. Tape measures
6. No automatic weighing measuring instrument of accuracy class three class 4, load sales, beam sales.
7. Counter machine.
8. Weights of all categories.
9. The state government is also framed there are state legal metrology enforcement rules for the implementation of Act 2009.

Read Related Blog: National Measurement System

National Measurement System

The wide application of measurement after World war was prompted by the development of electronic technologies and anti-physical measurement into a wide range of new applications with a proliferation of industry-based units for physical quantities. However, a major advance in bringing coherence to this highly diverse and fragmented system was the adoption in 1960 of the international system of units (SI) that established a single unit for each physical quantity fully.

Economic Analysis of National Measurement System

 

Introduction

An analysis of the total measurement system, especially in the quantitative benefit-cost is bound to fail since our modern society could not function without a systematic way of acquiring measurement data; the value of having a measurement system is incapable. In this article we are going to discuss the role of legal metrology weights and measures for economic analysis.

Legal Metrology Benefits to Indian Economy

There are various benefits to the Indian economy of legal metrology as protecting the rights of the consumer plays an important role in the market and if the consumer has confidence in the product and trusts the product it will ultimately increase the economic system of the country and have a positive impact on this thing. Here we are going to discuss a few of the major points where the Indian economy is getting the benefits of the legal metrology system in the country. 

What is not allowed on the Declarations under Legal Metrology?

  

Introduction

There are lots of declarations under legal metrology which play an important role and the same has been discussed by us earlier as well. In this article, we are going to discuss some important points and facts which are not allowed on the declaration made and which are important for every manufacturer, packer, importer, and dealer of the legal metrology packaged commodity rules to comply with.

Date Of Implementation Under Legal Metrology

Introduction

As we all are aware that there is a requirement for changes from time to time to make proper coordination with a world which is moving faster. 

Importance of Declaration on Packages

Declaration on packages is the most important part to check while purchasing the product. It is concerned with protecting the interest of the consumer. The importance of declarations on every packed commodity that is available in the market will help the consumer to know the followings:

Salient Features of Legal Metrology

The Legal Metrology system has a wider scope than we think, it plays an important role in our day-to-day lives and most people are not even aware of its vital role in their purchasing or dealing in the market. The salient features of the legal metrology act there as follows: