LMPC License: How to Obtain?

Legal Metrology Act, 2009 mandates compliance by businesses dealing with prepackaged commodities in India. Obtaining a LMPC license (Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities) is one of the requirements under this act. A license will ensure that the packaging of your packaged goods is standardized, consumer-friendly, and compliant with the law, regardless of whether you’re importing them or manufacturing them for sale within the country.

Understand LMPC License

Meaning

LMPC License stands for Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities which is issued under the LMPC rules, 2011 governed by the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. It is compulsory license for the businesses engaged in importing pre-packaged commodities into India, Manufacturing goods meant for sale in pre-packaged form and selling or distributing packaged commodities. The LMPC License aims to ensure that packaged goods are appropriately labeled and meet all the regulatory standards. It also helps to protect consumers from misleading packaging and unfair trade activities.

Issuing Authority –

• For importers: It is typically issued by the Controller of Legal Metrology in the concerned State or Union Territory.
• For manufacturers: It is granted by the State Legal Metrology Department where the business is located.

Applicability:

The LMPC license is applicable to a wide range of commodities including food items, electronics, cosmetics, garments, and more.

Eligibility for LMPC License

The eligibility for getting LMPC License is as follow:

• Any business importing packaged commodities into India under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
• Any Manufacturing unit where goods are packaged for retail sale.
• Any Distributors and dealers who handles packaged commodities (even for e-commerce sellers)
• Any Business engaged in packing or repacking goods for retail or wholesale

Required Documents for LMPC License

For obtaining LMPC License, you must have these below mentioned documents –

• Applicant Address proof and photograph
• PAN card
• GST Registration/Number
• MSME
• Trade License and IEC certificate
• Rent Agreement/ Ownership
• Partnership deed
• Trademark Certificate
• Land Conversion Certificate
• NOC from PCB, WB
• Certificate under seed Act
• Food License (for food items)
• Liquor License ( for Liquor importing)
• Explosive License

Process for LMPC License

Stepwise process for obtaining LMPC License is as follow:

Step 1: At the initial stage of obtaining LMPC license is to determine the jurisdiction – whether state-level or central as per your business location and whether you are importing or manufacturing.

Step 2: Gather all the relevant documents. Assure accuracy in product details and labeling formats.

Step 3: Submit the application either offline at the controller of the legal metrology office, or online via its e-portal system. You will need to fill out Form LMPC-I or other designated forms depending on the jurisdiction.

Step 4: Once you are done with the application submission, it will go for the verification where the authorities may conduct a site inspection to verify the premises. The inspection can be optional which totally depends on the department.

Step 5: Upon successful review and verification, the Legal Metrology Department issues the LMPC License, typically in 15 to 30 working days.

Fees for LMPC License

Government Fees for LMPC registration is ₹500/- in India. If anyone wants to make changes in application, they must pay an additional amount of ₹100.

The professional fees can vary according to the expert experiences. Bizfoc offers transparent fees and hassle-free registration journeys.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is LMPC License Mandatory?

Yes. The LMPC license is mandatory under Rule 27 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.

• What is the validity for LMPC License?

The LMPC license is mainly valid for 1 to 5 years depending on the state authority issuing it. It is renewable upon expiry, and the renewal application must typically be filed before the license lapses to avoid penalties.

• What is rule 26 of the LMPC?

Rule 26 states that “no person shall import any packaged commodity for sale, distribution, or delivery unless such package complies with the provisions of the rules.” It ensures that imported goods meet Indian labeling standards and consumer protection norms.

• What are the fees for obtaining an LMPC License?

Government Fees for LMPC registration is ₹500/- in India. If anyone wants to make changes in application, they must pay an additional amount of ₹100.

• What is a packaged commodity?

A packaged commodity refers to any product that is pre-packed in a container, wrapper, or packaging of any nature without the purchaser being present.