Overview
Pre-packaged goods sold in India must carry accurate, standard information so that consumers know what they are buying. The legal framework is the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, administered by the Legal Metrology Division of the Department of Consumer Affairs at the centre and by the Controllers of Legal Metrology in each state.
Rule 27 of the Packaged Commodities Rules requires every manufacturer, packer and importer of pre-packaged commodities to register with the Director of Legal Metrology or the Controller of the relevant state. The registration is commonly called LMPC registration (Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities). The rules also prescribe the declarations that must appear on every retail package.
The Department of Consumer Affairs publishes the Act, rules and amendments on its website at https://consumeraffairs.nic.in. In December 2024 it launched a national Legal Metrology portal, e-Maap, for online approvals, licences and registrations. Many states also run their own online systems.
Note: The Packaged Commodities Rules are amended regularly, for example on label declarations and e-commerce listings. We check current amendments before reviewing your labels.
Who needs it
- Importers of pre-packaged goods for sale in India, including electronics, appliances, toys, cosmetics and consumer goods.
- Manufacturers who pack their own products for retail sale.
- Packers and contract packers who pack goods for brand owners.
- Brand owners whose name appears on the package as manufacturer, packer or marketer.
Products covered
LMPC applies to almost any pre-packaged commodity intended for retail sale, for example:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Electronics and IT | Mobile phones, chargers, laptops, accessories, LED lamps |
| Home appliances | Fans, mixers, water purifiers, kitchen appliances |
| Consumer goods | Toys, cosmetics, stationery, footwear, apparel |
| Industrial and DIY | Tools, adhesives, paints, cables in retail packs |
| Food and beverages | Packaged foods (alongside food-safety labelling rules) |
Certain packages are exempt or treated differently under the rules, for instance some packages for industrial or institutional consumers.
Documents required
- Application in the prescribed form under Rule 27, with fee
- Company incorporation certificate, PAN and GST registration
- Importer-Exporter Code (for importers)
- Proof of business premises and warehouse address
- List of products with codes (for importers, typically ITC-HS codes)
- Identity and address proof of the authorised signatory
- Sample label or packaging artwork showing the mandatory declarations
- Declaration and undertaking in the format the authority prescribes
Process
- Decide the authority. Choose registration with the Director (central) or a state Controller, based on where you operate and distribute.
- Review labels. Check packaging artwork against the mandatory declarations and any product-specific rules.
- Prepare the application under Rule 27 with supporting documents.
- File online or with the office concerned, as the authority requires, and pay the fee.
- Scrutiny. The authority reviews the application and may raise queries.
- Registration certificate. Once granted, keep the certificate available for customs, marketplaces and inspections.
Validity, renewal & surveillance
The registration certificate states its validity and conditions, which can vary by issuing authority. Any change in name, address or product categories should be updated with the authority. Legal Metrology officers check compliance through market inspections, e-commerce reviews and checks at import, and can compound or prosecute offences such as missing or incorrect declarations.
Note: Fees, forms and validity terms differ between the central and state authorities and change from time to time. We’ll share a current fee estimate for your registration.
How Aaditech helps
Aaditech was promoted in 2010 by former Directors of the Bureau of Indian Standards and works with importers and manufacturers whose products need several Indian approvals at once. LMPC is often the last step before goods can be sold, and a label error found late can hold up an entire shipment.
- Route selection: central or state registration, based on your distribution.
- Label review against every mandatory declaration, with marked-up artwork.
- Documentation and filing with the authority, and follow-up until the certificate is issued.
- Updates and amendments when your products, premises or rules change.
- Joined-up compliance: LMPC planned alongside BIS, BEE, WPC and EPR for the same products.
Our clients include Acer, KENT RO, Amazon and Flipkart. Contact us to review your packaging before your next import.
