Govt Invites Public Comments on Draft Amendment to Legal Metrology Rules

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has invited public comments on a proposed draft amendment to the Legal Metrology (Approval of Models) Rules, 2011.

The amendment seeks to prescribe a fixed validity period for approval certificates issued for models of weights and measures. According to the draft proposal, domestically manufactured models will have a validity period of 10 years, while imported models will be valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

The Ministry highlighted that the move is aimed at aligning Indian practices with those of international legal metrology bodies, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and compliance with evolving technological standards. “A fixed validity period will allow regular reassessment of models, helping manufacturers update designs and maintain consumer trust,” the notice stated.

For certificates already issued, the proposed rule specifies that they will remain valid for 10 years (domestic models) and 5 years (imported models). However, manufacturers and importers will be allowed a transition period — 2 years for domestic models and 1 year for imported models — to obtain fresh approvals.

The Ministry emphasized that the changes would harmonize Indian standards with global practices, promote fair trade, and strengthen consumer protection.

Public comments on the draft amendment can be submitted within 30 days of the notice to the following email addresses:

• js-ca@nic.in

• dirwm-ca@nic.in

• mk.naik72@gov.in

The notice was issued by Ashutosh Agarwal, Director of Legal Metrology, Department of Consumer Affairs.

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