The Department of Consumer Affairs has issued a public notice to invite comments on a proposed draft amendment to the Legal Metrology (Approval of Models) Rules, 2011. The proposed change is to introduce a fixed validity period for the approval certificates of models for weights and measures. According to the notice, this measure is necessary to ensure that these instruments remain current with evolving technology and regulatory standards. Older models can become obsolete or incompatible with contemporary requirements, which can affect accuracy and reliability. By implementing a fixed validity period, the government aims to encourage regular reassessment and updates by manufacturers and to maintain market integrity and consumer trust.
The proposed amendment introduces a new rule that would set the validity of an approval certificate at 10 years for domestically manufactured models and 5 years for imported models. The Central Government, however, would retain the authority to extend these periods based on the Director of Legal Metrology’s recommendation if it is deemed to be in the public interest. For certificates that have already been issued, the same 10-year and 5-year validity periods would apply retroactively. To facilitate the transition, manufacturers and importers holding old certificates would have a two-year or one-year grace period, respectively, to obtain a new certificate of approval. The government is now seeking public feedback on these specific changes before finalizing the amendment.
I-9/6/2025-W&M
Government of India
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
Department of Consumer Affairs
Weights and Measures Unit
Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110001
Dated: 09.09.2025
Notice for inviting public comments on the proposed Draft Amendment in the Legal Metrology (Approval of Models) Rules, 2011
Subject: Draft proposal for amendment to the Legal Metrology (Approval of Models) Rules, 2011 to prescribe the period of validity of model approval certificates – reg.
The validity for the approval of models of weights and measures, as mandated by other international legal metrology bodies, ensures these instruments remain aligned with evolving technological and regulatory requirements. Over time, technological advancements and updates to metrology standards may render older models obsolete or incompatible with current requirements. A fixed validity period allows regular re-assessment to ensure models maintain accuracy, reliability, and compliance with contemporary practices, bolstering consumer trust and market integrity.
2. It provides a structured timeline for manufacturers to update or enhance designs, ensuring long-term durability and resistance to tampering or inaccuracies. This system harmonizes with international practices, promoting global trade while balancing administrative efficiency and the need for ongoing innovation in legal metrology.
3. Therefore, it is proposed that the period of validity of the approval of models certificates may be fixed by amending the Legal Metrology (Approval of Models) Rules, 2011. After sub-rule (9) of rule 8 of the said rules, the following sub-rule shall be inserted:
“(10) (i) No approval certificate issued under sub-rule (6) shall remain valid for a period exceeding 10 years from the date of its issue for the domestically manufactured models.
Provided that the approval certificate issued under sub-rule (6) shall remain valid for a period of 5 years from the date of its issue for the imported models.
Provided further that the Central Government may, if is satisfied, on the recommendation of the Director (Legal Metrology), it is necessary in the public interest so to do, extend the period of validity of the certificate for such period as it may think fit;
(ii) The approval certificates already issued shall be valid for a period of 10 years for the models domestically manufactured in India or for 5 years for the imported models.
Provided that the manufacturers and importers shall continue to work on these old approval certificates for 2 years for domestically manufactured models and for one year for imported models, to get the fresh certificate of approval of model within this period.”
4. Hence, public consultation is hereby solicited for considering the amendment in the Legal Metrology (Approval of Models) Rules, 2011 as stated above. The comments may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this Public Notice on following email ids: js-ca@nic.in; dirwm-ca@nic.in, mk.naik72@gov.in;
(Ashutosh Agarwal)
Director, Legal Metrology
Phone 011-23389489
Email: ashutosh.agarwal13@nic.in
