How to get a Model Approval Permit for weight & measure products?

How to get a model approval certificate

Model Approval Certificate

Despite staggering development, the retail landscape in India is mostly unorganized and feebly regulated. Most sellers trick buyers into buying goods that aren’t weighed or measured justifiably, sparking confusion and mistrust among end-users. To bridge this gap, the Indian Metrology Act introduced the concept of the Model Approval Certificate. This certificate regulates how weights or measuring devices should be manufactured, used, and calibrated to preserve consumer welfare and prevent malpractices in trade. Manufacturers and importers fall under the ambit of this certificate. Notably,  Indian Metrology Act takes care of the accuracy and reliability of weighing products. If you wish to secure this registration without legal hurdles, this blog has got you covered.

What do you mean by the term “Model approval”?

A model approval refers to authenticating the particular model of weighing products or measuring equipment within the purview of the  Legal Metrology Act, of 2009. Weight and measuring products come in a variety of models depending on weight and measuring capacities. Each model requires separate approval from the respective Legal Metrological Department. The applicant, be it the manufacturer or importer of such products, must apply for this approval to validate their business.

Which authority grants the Model Approval Certificate?

The Legal Metrology Department grants this certificate to the manufacturer and importer of the weight and measurement products. The certificate ensures that the product abides by the Indian metrological standards and hence is ready to sell or use. The said department works under the aegis of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, located in Delhi. The use, production, importation, or labelling of weight and measurement products is an offence without the Model Approval permit.

Notably, not all measuring or weighing products fall under this approval. These include cast iron, bullion, brass, or carat weight, beam scales, length measures (excluding measuring tapes) widely used in retail trade tied to textiles or timber, and capacity measures (up to 20 litres) used in retail trade concerning kerosene, milk, or potable liquors.

If the product aligns with the required operational and design norms, the authority may approve the product without considering the testing requirements.

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What kind of paperwork does Model Approval attract?

To apply for the model certificate, the applicant must arrange the following paperwork without fail:

  • Application form
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Description of sealing provisions of the product
  • Two passport-size photographs of the applicant
  • Other business licenses pertaining to the applicant’s business

Process to Secure Model Approval: A 5 Steps Guide

Securing a Model approval permit requires filing an application with the competent authority, arranging supporting documents, testing products, etc. Let’s break down each step to scout the regulatory aspects and technical requirements.

Step 1: Application Submission:

The first step involves applying for the certification with the competent authority i.e. the respective Legal meteorological departments. The application must entail the product’s details, technical specs, and test report outcome. The inclusion of any inaccurate or misleading information may lead to the application cancellation.

Step 2: Documents vetting

The document inspection is the next step and perhaps the most crucial step in this process. It involves the detailed examination of the paperwork performed by the authority to identify potential flaws or misinformation. The authority also scouts compliances tied to the product in question. If the compliance level is satisfactory, the authority shall proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Testing and Calibration:

The authority shall take accuracy, linearity, repeatability, and other key parameter into account while testing and calibrating the product. This will help ascertain if the product has the potential to stay error-free in the long run.

Step 4: Type Examination:

This step involves all-encompassing testing of the product design and internal mechanisms against the applicable standards cited in the Legal Metrology Act.

Step 5: Certificate Issuance:

If the instruments meet all the requirements & rules, the authority issues a Model Approval Certificate to the applicant. The certificate contains information such as the instrument’s model number, serial number, approved range, and other relevant details.

Noteworthy Penalties under the Model Approval Registration

Legal Metrology Act 2009 entails stringent regulations to prevent non-compliance. Let’s take a closer look at what could happen to the defaulter in the event of a violation.

  • If any applicant is found guilty of intentionally sharing deceitful or misleading information with the authority’s officials, a fine worth INR 5000 shall be imposed for the first offence. The subsequent offence may attract an increased fine and imprisonment of six months.
  • The fine of Rs 5000 shall come into play for defaulters who fail to submit the timely return or maintain the records to ensure compliance. The said fine is for the first offence; the subsequent crime shall attract a jail term of 1 term and a monetary penalty.
  • The jail term ranging from 6 months to 1 year shall come into play for those found guilty of indulging in counterfeiting activities, including possessing counterfeit seals, selling or disposing of counterfeit seals, etc.
  • The importation of unregistered products attracts a penalty amounting to Rs 25,000. Additionally, a jail term (up to 1 year) alongside a monetary fine would be imposed for the subsequent violation.
  • The inspection of records and products is part of compliance. The authority officials may conduct uninformed inspections of the premises, products, and records to determine compliance. The license holders who fail to uphold the inspection or provide any record as sought by the inspectors shall be penalized with a fine of Rs 5000. The threshold of a fine would increase with every subsequent offence.
  • If any manufacturer involved with the production, selling, and labelling of weights or measures is found guilty of offences, including breaching production norms, mislabelling, etc shall attract a fine amounting to Rs 22,000 for the first crime. The subsequent offence shall be penalized with a jail term of 3 years and a monetary fine.

Conclusion

Model approval is a legal certificate mandatory for those who deal with weights and measuring products. The certificate encompasses manufacturers and importers of such products. The Indian Metrological Act governs this certificate and oversees the licensing and document requirements. Based on the role in the supply chain, the license attracts distinct application forms and supporting documents.

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