LMPC certificate

Misconceptions About The LMPC Certification Process

LMPC ideally refers to the legal metrology packaged commodities certificate which is compulsory for those trading in packaged products in India. Depending on your business type, whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or packer in the country, receiving an LMPC Certificate allows you to confirm with the Legal Metrology Act as well as Packaged Commodities Rules. However, several misconceptions about the process of obtaining the LMPC certification create confusion and can cause non-compliance. The following misconceptions will be discussed in this blog, thereby providing a clear understanding of the entire process.

What do you understand by LMPC Certification?

The LMPC Certificate is an obligatory certificate under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. It confirms that the packaged goods have certain labelling, weight, or even measurements to meet.

A few Common Misconceptions Related to LMPC Certification:

1. LMPC for the Large Corporate Entity

Some people assume that only the big companies require an LMPC certificate. As a matter of fact, firms irrespective of their size are mandatory to obtain the LMPC Certificate for Packaged Goods if they are involved in manufacturing, packing, or importing packaged commodities. Small businesses and startups have the same level of responsibility in this context.

For instance:

  • Manufacturers who pack their snacks in a pack must acquire an LMPC Certificate for Manufacturers.
  • An importer or packer of spices or grains must obtain an LMPC Certificate for Packers.
  • Any importer of electronic gadgets requires an LMPC Certificate for Importers to launch their products in the Indian market.

2. LMPC is Optional for a few Organisations

Another myth that has continued to circulate is that the LMPC Certificate Registration is a voluntary certificate. This myth is completely false. The Legal Metrology Act states that any enterprise involved in packaged commodities requires an LMPC Certificate for Packaged Goods to be legal in operation in India. There are certain consequences for not following and staying in compliance, one of which is fines as well as legal repercussions.

Essential Criteria for LMPC Registration:

  • Correct branding, including maximum retail price (MRP), the name of the manufacturer or importer or packer, and the quantity of the product net to the consumer.
  • Regulation in relation to dimensions and mass criteria.
  • Compliance to the packaging regulations and standards.

3. The LMPC Process is not a Simple Process

As depicted by the LMPC Certificate Registration process, although it contains a series of steps, it is as complicated as the common people visualize it to be. The process can be performed closely and effectively with the proper guidance of the companies. The steps typically include:

Application Submission: As the first and foremost step of LMPC Certification, submit the required application to the Controller of Legal Metrology.

Document Verification: Some of the necessary requirements for document verification are company registration details, a GST certificate, and product information.

Inspection and Approval: Before the authorities grant their approval of the application, they may visit the premises in order to physically assess it.

This could prove very cumbersome and time-consuming, however, getting the help of a LMPC Consultant can be of great help since all the work will be completed within a short time in the best possible way.

4. LMPC Certification Applies to all Products

There are certain products to which the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act do not apply. The LMPC Certificate Require IEC for Packaged Goods is particularly necessary for pre-packed commodities meant for sale in retail shops. This is not applicable for large volumes or loose merchandise that is not packed in some form or the other. Companies need to find out whether they deal in the products falling under the categories that require registration so that they don’t waste their time.

For example:

  • A packer involved with pre-measured bags of flour requires an LMPC Certificate for Packers.
  • If an importer deals with pre-packed electronic devices they must obtain an LMPC Certificate for Importers.
  • But for items that are sold in large quantities that are not packed such as grains which are not packed in bags or liquids in large drums this document is not obligatory for them.

5. The LMPC Certificate is Valid for a Lifetime

The LMPC Certificate for Packing is not valid for the whole lifetime. In fact, the certificate has a limited lifetime and its usability is periodically subject to renewal. LMPC Certificate for Travel Accessories, Organisations need to keep records of when their compliance deadlines are due so that they can renew them without let or hindrance since failure can lead to serious problems that affect the flow of the business.

6. This Certification is Solely Related to LMPC

Foreign businesses especially have the perception that the LMPC Certificate for Importers is not necessary for them. However, this certificate has to be obtained by every importer, whether Indian or international, to sell pre-packaged commodities in the country. Non-compliance leads to the confiscation of goods for custom and legal reasons.

7. LMPC Certification is a One-Time Process

To some, the process of obtaining an LMPC Certificate either for manufacturers or Packers implies they never have to deal with the Legal Metrology Department again. LMPC Certificate A Road To Global Trade, Any business must follow the latest regulations, modify the existing certificates reflecting the changes in activity, and refresh them from time to time.

For example:

When a packer opens another factory or introduces new products, it cannot use the same LMPC Certificate for Packers, it is required to register the new products.

An LMPC Certificate specifies that if an importer changes their supplier, they are required to make the necessary amendments.

Conclusion

This blog helps business people avoid pitfalls and future legal problems associated with the LMPC Certificate Registration. For any manufacturer, importer, or packer of commodities, obtaining the LMPC Certificate for Packaged Goods will be central to industry compliance with the Legal Metrology Act standards.

To help clients who are into different types of businesses, we at Legal Raasta provide guidance to ease the certification process. To find out how we can assist you with your Legal Metrology Certification as well as how to avoid violation of the law, please contact us today.