India Simplifies Verification Process for Measuring Instruments to Support Businesses

India has taken a major step toward improving transparency and easing business operations by amending the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013. The revised rules aim to simplify the verification process for weighing and measuring instruments, ensuring accuracy in trade while reducing compliance burdens for businesses.

At the National Controller’s Conference held in Goa, the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, emphasised that the amendment marks an important milestone in modernising India’s legal metrology framework.

Expanding Verification Infrastructure

The Department of Consumer Affairs has notified the updated Legal Metrology (GATC) Rules to strengthen India’s verification network and align it with international standards. The new framework allows Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs) to verify instruments not only within their districts but also across the state. 

A newly introduced Fifth Schedule harmonises verification fees across states, reducing discrepancies and confusion for businesses. The Department stated that these changes will make the verification process more transparent and efficient, encouraging both public and private sector participation.

Inclusion of Wider Instrument Categories

The revised rules have expanded the scope of instruments that GATCs can verify to include 18 categories such as water meters, gas meters, energy meters, moisture meters, and non-automatic weighing instruments. New inclusions like flow meters, breath analysers, speed meters, and multi-dimensional measuring devices reflect India’s efforts to keep pace with technological progress and industry needs.

These instruments are crucial in sectors like healthcare, transport, and energy, where precision in measurement directly impacts safety, quality, and consumer trust. By broadening the verification list, the government ensures that both traditional and modern equipment undergo regular accuracy checks.

Empowering Private Participation

One of the key highlights of the amendment is the inclusion of private laboratories and industries as authorised GATCs alongside government facilities. This move will significantly boost verification capacity and decentralise the process. The recognition of Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs) and National Test House (NTH) labs as deemed GATCs will further create a nationwide network for verification and testing.

This collaboration between public and private entities supports the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by encouraging indigenous testing facilities and strengthening domestic capability in precision measurement.

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Supporting Accuracy, Compliance, and Consumer Confidence

Regular and localised verification of instruments such as weighing scales, energy meters, and water meters will not only ensure value for consumers but also reduce the burden on State Legal Metrology Departments. With GATCs managing verification, state officers can focus more on enforcement, inspection, and grievance redressal.

As an OIML (International Organisation of Legal Metrology) Certification Authority, India can now issue globally recognised certificates, enabling domestic manufacturers to obtain international-level certification locally. This reform aligns with India’s growing role in global trade and its commitment to consumer protection and business efficiency.

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