Brief Overview of Package Commodity Registration

An application in Rule 27 of Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011 to the Director or the Controller for all ore-package commodities meant for end customers. Under Rule 27, Package Commodity Rules (PCR), 2011, every manufacturer, Packer, or importer of the pre-packed commodity rules requires packaged registration. PCR does place the liability on every Packer to make compulsory declarations prescribed under the Package Commodity Registration. Usually, when you import the pre-packed commodity, you must ensure that the packaging of the imported item must comply with the Package Commodity Registration, 2011 in Legal Metrology Act, 2009.

The power of granting packaged registration is vested with the state government and the central government; however, it is relevant to note that if you are willing to sell your pre-packed commodities in exceeding one state, you have to go for packer registration by the central government mandatorily. Many people call it an LMPC registration as well.

Why it is essential Package Commodity Registration

According to Rule 6 of PCR, 2011, every Packer must make compulsory declarations under the Package Commodity Registration. Usually, when you import the pre-packed commodity, you must ensure that the packaging of the imported item must comply with the PCR, 2011 in the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.

What is the difference between the State & Central Packaging Registration?

Since the Legal Metrology Law is a consumer law which comes in the concurrent list of the Constitution of India, both the governments- State and Central have the powers to deal with the Legal Metrology matters. In India, the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 is centrally legislated wherein the powers of granting Legal Metrology certificates, licenses, or registrations are vested in both State & Central governments. Still, the Central Government exclusively holds the power of granting model approvals and the importer registration of the weight & management items. In the case of multi-state packaging actively, central registration shall be compulsory.

What is the validity period of the Legal Metrology Packaging Certificate?

The validity time of the various Licenses or Registration by Legal Metrology varies. Because each state in India has its place of Legal Metrology Enforcement Rules under which every state has elected its rules regarding the license's validity period, the license's renewal process, etc. The packaging obtained by the Central Government has whole-life validity. It will be a one-time procedure for you until & unless you get the requirement of any amendment in the Certificate.

What are the compliances which must do after packaged commodity registration?

Under the Legal Metrology pre-packed Commodity Rules (LM-PCR), 2011, every Packer of the pre-packed items needs to comply with the provision of Rule 6 read with other rules of the LM-PCR. You must always ensure that your items' packaging carries the required information as per the LM-PCR. Apart from the necessary information, there are specific rules regarding the font size & the numeral size of the details, along with the provisions of mentioning the product size in the standard unit as prescribed under the Legal Metrology Law. Further, must also update the e-commerce websites according to the requirements of LM-PCR.

Documents are required for apply Package Commodity Registration

Following are some vital documents for obtaining valid package commodity registration:-

• Copy of the local municipal license.
• PAN of the firm.
• PAN & Aadhar of the promoters.
• proof of Business Address
• List of names of items to be covered by the license.
• Samples of the Package products.
• Inspection may be there by concerned Authorities.
• Copy of the registration of the Business.

Note: the above list is suggestive; each state may have its specific requirement.

Details to be declared on the label of the packet of the product:

• Name and Address of the manufacturer
• Month and year of the manufacturer
• Generic name of products.
• Customer Care e-mail ID
• Customer Care Address
• Customer Care Phone number.
• Quantity of the products.
• Maximum Retail Price of the Products.
• Size of the Products.

Procedures for Package Commodity Registration

Following is the process for obtaining package commodity registration:-

• Register an account for an online Application
• Fill in the online application
• Submit all the required Documents
• A concerned officer will visit the premises for the inspection on the spot.
• After everything is in order, the register will have to pay a new registration fee.
• Obtain an electronic copy of the registration.

The items are exempted from the provisions of the packaged commodity registration.

Usually, any products you buy from the market are pre-packed commodities; as soon as your products fall under the category of pre-packed, the rules can apply to your Business automatically. However, for the following items, the provision of packaging rules does not apply:

1. Packages of commodities containing quality of more than 25 kilogram/25 litres.
2. Cement, Fertilizers and Agricultural Farm produce are sold in bags above 50 kilograms.
3. Packaged Commodities are indicated for industrial consumers or institutional consumers.

Penalties & Offences related to Packaged Commodity Registration

Whoever breaches the rules 27 to 31 is punished with a fine of 4000/- rupees. Each director or responsible person will be held differently if a corporation infringes.

It is important to remember that registration in Rule 27 is obligatory for all "pre-packed". Outside of the meaning provided within the Legal Metrology Act 2009, there is no clear explanation of the word. Although several High Courts & the Supreme Court have tried to clarify the term using various judicial precedents, a lack of clarity in this regard continues to prevail among businesses and entities that do not comply with the conditions in these rules.

SWARIT Advisors Support for Packaged Commodity Registration

SWARIT Advisors has a committed expert of regulatory & compliance professionals who can help you obtain a Packaged Commodity Registration. SWARIT Advisors have a team of expert professionals to ensure that our clients get top-line services regardless of lengthy compliance processes. SWARIT Advisors provide on-time delivery of government licensing and registration.

Frequently Asked Questions