SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Institutions: Department of Consumer Affairs | Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
On 24 September 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs hosted a Round Table in New Delhi focused on reforms under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, anchored in the Jan Vishwas (public trust) reform agenda. The workshop discussed replacing the licensing regime with simplified registration, removing repairer licences, extending verification periods, and enabling manufacturer-led self-verification. The new eMaap portal was introduced to consolidate functions such as enforcement, compliance, and tracking of weighing & measuring devices. States are to be supplied 519 E2 class weights and 297 E1 class weights (~βΉ100 crore investment). Deep reforms include decriminalising minor provisions, introducing improvement notices, and moving inspections to a risk-based, tech-driven model with GPS/geotagging. The aim is to reduce business burden while protecting consumer fairness.
This initiative aligns with Indiaβs wider push for ease of doing business and regulatory reform. The Legal Metrology regime intersects commerce, quality control, and consumer protection - making it vital for many sectors (agriculture, retail, manufacturing). By digitising compliance (via eMaap), consolidating authority, and shifting to risk-based intervention, the reform can reduce overlapping state inspections, simplify trade across jurisdictions, and enhance transparency. This also embeds accountability in a sector that serves as the measurement backbone for standards, food safety, and trade fairness across the economy.
What is Legal Metrology?
Metrology is the science of measurement. Legal Metrology applies this science under law to ensure fairness, accuracy, and consumer protection in trade and commerce. In India, it is governed by the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
It regulates:
Weights & measures (scales, petrol pumps, electricity meters, water meters, BP monitors, etc.).
Packaged commodities (ensuring labels show MRP, quantity, date, manufacturer details).
Verification & calibration of measuring instruments used in markets and industries.
Why it matters:
Safeguards consumers from fraud.
Provides businesses with uniform standards.
Builds trust and transparency in trade and services.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders
How can states ensure coordination between their Legal Metrology departments and trade/industry regulators to fully leverage the eMaap portal, reduce compliance friction, and prevent loopholes that could harm consumer trust?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2170782