The Government of India has amended the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013, to simplify the verification process for weighing and measuring instruments, aiming to enhance accuracy, transparency, and ease of doing business.
Key Reforms Under the Amended Rules
Announced at the National Controller’s Conference in Goa, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi said the reform marks a major milestone in modernising India’s legal metrology framework.
The revised rules allow Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs) to verify instruments across the entire state — rather than being limited to their districts — thereby expanding coverage and improving efficiency. A newly added Fifth Schedule harmonises verification fees nationwide, reducing inconsistencies and easing compliance for businesses.
Broader Instrument Coverage and Private Participation
The scope of instruments eligible for verification has been widened to include 18 categories, such as water meters, energy meters, gas meters, flow meters, breath analysers, and speed meters. This update reflects India’s intent to align with global standards and technological advancements.
The amendment also opens the door for private laboratories and industries to function as authorised GATCs, alongside government facilities. Recognising Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs) and National Test House (NTH) labs as deemed GATCs will further strengthen India’s verification network.
Strengthening Accuracy and Consumer Confidence
These reforms will improve the reliability of trade measurements across key sectors like healthcare, transport, and energy. Decentralised verification will help reduce the burden on state legal metrology departments, allowing them to focus on enforcement and consumer protection.
As an OIML Certification Authority, India can now issue internationally recognised certificates, empowering domestic manufacturers to gain global certification locally — supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and boosting India’s standing in international trade.
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