LEGAL METROLOGY-OTHERS - Label Review
Making your product label compliant with industry specific laws
Metrology refers to the science of measurement. It refers to the units and methodologies of weighing and measurement, governed by laws and regulations. Legal metrology provides regulations for the control of measurements and measuring instruments.
The Legal Metrology Act, 2009
The Legal Metrology Act, 2009 (“The LM Act”) is a consumer protection law which aims at safeguarding consumer rights. The main objectives of the LM Act are:
- Standardisation of weights and measures;
- Standardisation of packaging and labelling requirements on all pre-packaged commodities.
The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011
The Packaged Commodities (PC) Rules governs the packing and labelling of commodities. Chapter II of the PC Rules contains provision applicable to packages intended to be sold for retail sale. Before delving into the necessary declarations to be mentioned on the product label, it is crucial to understand the concept of “pre-packaged commodity”.
What is
Pre-Packaged commodity?
Section 2(l) of The Legal Metrology Act, 2009, defines a “pre-packaged commodity” as follows:
“Pre-Packaged commodity” means a commodity which without the purchaser being present is placed in a package of whatever nature, whether sealed or not, so that the product contained therein has a pre-determined quality.
Every “Retail Package” and “Wholesale Package” shall bear thereon or on a label securely affixed thereto, a definite, plain and conspicuous declaration made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter II of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
How
Mind Sync
Can Help?
Leveraging its profound industry expertise and up-to-date domain knowledge, Mind Sync has successfully delivered numerous legal metrology services to businesses, guaranteeing adherence to regulations and meticulous precision. Mind Sync caters to businesses across the complete spectrum of Legal Metrology, encompassing registrations, licensing, model approvals, stamping, verification, and ensuring product Label compliances.
Harness our experience to counter regulatory non-compliance, embrace opportunities and face the future with confidence.
QUICK ANSWERS
Retail package means the package which is intended for retail sale to the ultimate consumer for the purpose of consumption of the commodity contained therein and includes imported packages.
Wholesale Package means a package containing –
- a number of retail packages, where such first-mentioned package is intended for sale, distribution or delivery to an intermediary and is not intended for sale directly to a single consumer; or
- a commodity sold to an intermediary in bulk to enable such intermediary to sell, distribute or deliver such commodity to the consumer in smaller quantities; or
- 10 or more than 10 retail packages provided that the retail packages are labelled as required under the rules.
- Packages of commodities containing a quantity of more than 25 kilograms or 25 litres;
- Cement, fertilizer and agricultural farm produce sold in bags above 50 kilograms;
- Packaged commodities meant for industrial consumers or institutional consumers.
Rule 6 of Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 enumerates the various declarations that are to be displayed on a pre-packaged commodity. If any pre-packaged commodity is manufactured or sold without the statutory declarations, it may invite penalties under the relevant legal provisions.
Chapter V provides for exemptions as-
Rule 26 – Nothing contained in these rules shall apply to any packages containing a commodity if –
- The net weight or measure of the commodity is 10 gram or 10 millilitre or less if sold by weight or measure; [Provided that the provisions of this clause shall not be applicable for tobacco and tobacco products]
- Any package containing fast food items packed by restaurant or hotel and the like;
- It contains scheduled formulations and non-scheduled formulations covered under the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 2013 made under section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 [Provided that no such exemption shall be applicable to medical devices declared as drugs]
- Any thread which is sold in the coil to handloom weavers.
There are several industries who have laid down their industry specific labelling rules which are to be adhered to along with the Legal Metrology rules, some of which are listed below:
- Drugs
- Cosmetics
- Medical Devices
- Food products
- Organic products
- BIS certified products
- Jewellery
- Dangerous and Hazardous Goods
- E-waste
- Eco-mark, etc.
Do you have any queries?
This information is in summary form and is therefore intended for general guidance only. It is not intended to be a substitute for detailed research or the exercise of professional judgment. Mind Sync does not accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any information provided herein. On any specific matter, reference should be made to the appropriate advisor.