Legal Metrology- Material Measures of Length (Quality Control) Order, 2023

Introduction: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has issued the Legal Metrology- Material Measures of Length (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This order, effective six months from publication, aims to regulate the quality of goods related to material measures of length.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Short Title and Commencement:

• The order’s short title is “Legal Metrology- Material Measures of Length (Quality Control) Order, 2023.”
• It comes into force six months from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

2. Conformity to Standard and Compulsory Use of Standard Mark:

• Goods must conform to the corresponding Indian Standard specified in the order.
• The Standard Mark is mandatory under a license from the Bureau, following Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
• Domestic goods for export are exempt from this order.

3. Certification and Enforcement Authority:

• The Bureau of Indian Standards is the certifying and enforcing authority for goods specified in the order.

4. Penalty for Contravention:

• Any person contravening this order is punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

5. Table – Goods or Articles and Corresponding Standards:

• The order lists specific goods or articles related to legal metrology-material measures of length.
• Corresponding Indian Standards are detailed, including titles such as “Legal metrology – Material measure of length – Woven metallic and glass fibre tape measures” and “Legal metrology – Material measures of length – Steel tape measures.”

6. Special Provisions for Micro and Small Enterprises:

• Micro enterprises have a twelve-month grace period from the publication date.
• Small enterprises have a nine-month grace period.

Conclusion: The Legal Metrology- Material Measures of Length (Quality Control) Order, 2023, establishes stringent quality control measures for goods related to material measures of length. Stakeholders must adhere to the specified Indian Standards, obtain certification from the Bureau, and comply with the enforcement provisions outlined in the order. The penalties for non-compliance underscore the government’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in the industry. Stay informed to ensure adherence to the regulations and contribute to a robust legal metrology framework.

****

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
ORDER
New Delhi, the 21st November, 2023

S.O. 5029(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by section 16 read with section 17 and sub-section (3) of section 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), the Central Government, after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards, is of the opinion that it is necessary or expedient so to do in the public interest, hereby makes the following order, namely:-

1. Short title and commencement.—(1) This order may be called the Legal Metrology- Material Measures of Length (Quality Control) Order, 2023.

(2) It shall come into force on the expiry of six months from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette.

2. Conformity to standard and Compulsory use of Standard Mark.—Goods or articles specified in the column (1) of the Table shall conform to the corresponding Indian Standard specified in column (2) of the said Table and shall bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018:

Provided that nothing in this order shall apply to goods or articles manufactured domestically for export.

Provided that in relation to micro enterprises, as defined in clause (h) and (m) respectively of section 2 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), it shall come into force on the expiry of twelve months from the date of publication of this notification.

Provided that in relation to small enterprises, as defined in clause (h) and (m) respectively of section 2 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), it shall come into force on the expiry of nine months from the date of publication of this notification.

3. Certification and enforcement authority.—The Bureau shall be the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods or articles specified in the column (1) of the said Table.

4. Penalty for contravention.—Any person who contravenes the provisions of this Order shall be punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

TABLE

Note.- For the purposes of this Table, the latest version of Indian Standards including the amendments issues thereof, as notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards shall apply.

[F. No. P-29026/33/2023-LEI]

SANJIV, Jt. Secy.