CDSCO
LEGAL METROLOGY LABEL COMPLIANCE
CliniExperts regulatory advisers help to evaluate all aspects from legal metrology product and packaging compliances for weighing and measuring instruments and devices to meet all the requirements in the form directives, regulations and standards stated by Legal Metrology.
CliniExperts is backed by a dedicated and well-informed team who guides their clients through all the paperwork and ensures a speedy regulatory approval of the licenses. CliniExperts also provides the services for label compliance for the pre-packed commodities as per the guidelines of The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 and Amendment, 2022
What Is Legal Metrology Label Compliance?
Product compliance concerning pre-packed commodities refers to label compliance. It is a process that ensures the product label meets all relevant regulatory requirements under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities, Numeration and General) Rules. No person is permitted to pre-pack any commodity for distribution, sale, or delivery unless the package pre-packed bears a label as declared under Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 and amendment still 2022. This service aims to provide the label compliance license to the manufacturer and importer of pre-packed commodities. To apply for this service, the manufacturer and importer need to follow the following process:
- The labelling requirements, declaration formats and content must be validated per the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 and amendment still 2022.
- A manufacturer or importer, or brand owner must possess a label content or draft label along with a product and packaging key line diagram with dimensions, product format and consistency details.
- Make sure there are no misleading claims on the package label
- Ensure the font height requirement is as per product dimensions.
- Take the feedback of the brand owner/ manufacturer or importer for rectification.
- And final validation for correct incorporation of our comments.
- The time taken for obtaining the labelling license is about 3 to 5 days per label for pre-packed commodities.
Number of Check Points
There are approximately 150 checkpoints that need to be analysed before filing for the labelling license. The proper label format should be in accordance with the Legal Metrology Act, The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 and Amendments till 2022, Legal Metrology (Numeration)Rules, 2011 and Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011.
Below is the summary of basic checkpoints that need to be checked while analysing the details.
Manufacturing date
Name of the product
Batch no
Country of origin
Unit sale price
Manufacturer Details
Net Quantity/Net Weight/Net Volume
Importer details
Expiry date
SI unit declaration
Customer care details
GSTIN/QR code
Ingredients or product composition (if any)
PDP font size
Veg/ Non-veg logo
Maximum retail pricing inclusive of all taxes, etc.
Why Legal Metrology Label Compliance Is Important
Product labelling compliance plays a significant role in the product sale, distribution and delivery. The risk associated with non-compliance might affect the business and lead to loss of brand reputation, regulatory fines, or penalties. Not having validated systems and processes in place might terribly impact any business.
Essential Tips
CliniExperts has some essential tips that might benefit their clients. The applicant needs to ensure:
That format for numeration is as per the Legal Metrology (Numeration)Rules, 2011.
All the details mentioned on the product arethe same and inline across all the registration documents.
The formatting structure of net weight, expiration date, MRP, etc., is as per the Legal Metrology guidelines mentioned under The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 and Amendments till 2022. The applicant might receive a legal notice (show-cause notice) from the Legal Metrology Organization if-
The customer care information on the label is incomplete
The format of MRP, net quantity and unit sale price declaration if incorrect
The label compliance is incomplete without the correct font and height in the declarations
The font height requirements and a key line diagram for product/ packaging changes are not mentioned in the declarations.
Expert Advise
CliniExperts provides the three main advice to their clients:
Applicants should ensure that the spacing around the net quantity is appropriate; if not might get a show cause notice.
Labels must comply with labelling rules as mentioned in The Legal Metrology(Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 and Amendments till 2022.
Label declaration formats need to be appropriate; failing with compliance may face compounded penalties and legal notice will be sent by LMO to the business operator for non-compliance under 18(1) and section 31(1) of the Packaged Commodities Rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of MRP?
The format for MRP is MRP Rs. XX.XX (inclusive of all taxes) (Rs. XX.XX per g/ml/…)
In which context “When packed” statement is required?
As per the Third Schedule, the “when packed” statement may beadded to those commodities which are likely to undergo variations in weight and measures due to certain environmental or other conditions.
Which rule should be followed for label compliance?
The Legal Metrology Act and Rules 2009 and The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 and Amendment, 2022 are applicable for label compliance.
Does affixing stickers on labels acceptable?
No. Affixing stickers upon labels is not permitted. In case of reducing the MRP, a revised sticker may be affixed to the package label. It needs to be in the same format and should not cover the MRP declaration made by the manufacturer or the packer.
Which type of product requires a Veg/Non-Veg logo?
The pre-packed commodities containing toothpaste, shampoo, soap, toiletries and other cosmetics require a Veg/Non-veg logo. Every package should have at the top of its PDP a red dot or a brown dot for the on-vegetarian origin and a green dot for products of vegetarian origin.