Legal Metrology Rules Updated; More Measuring Instruments Now Need Certified Testing
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
Institutions: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution | Department of Consumer Affairs
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has notified the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Amendment Rules, 2025. These amendments broaden the scope of verification by government-approved test centres (GATCs) to cover 18 new categories of weighing & measuring instruments — including water meters, energy meters, gas meters, moisture meters, flow meters, sphygmomanometers, automatic rail weighbridges and tape measures.
The rules also:
Introduce clear criteria for GATC recognition, including jurisdiction, staff qualification, technical standards and digital fee payments.
Enable India, as an OIML certification authority, to issue internationally accepted certificates — reducing cost-barriers for domestic manufacturers to global accreditation.
This complements yesterday’s amendment to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2025 (which harmonised labelling rules for medical devices).
By strengthening measurement-verification infrastructure and aligning with international metrology standards, these reforms enhance trade-fairness, consumer-protection and industrial competitiveness. They significantly advance the government’s goals of Ease of Doing Business, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and a globally credible metrology ecosystem.
What is a Government Approved Test Centre (GATC)? → A Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) is an authorised facility under the Legal Metrology Act that tests and verifies weights and measuring instruments used in trade and public services. GATCs check devices like water meters, energy meters, fuel dispensers, weighing scales, moisture meters, and medical measuring devices to ensure accurate, fair, and tamper-proof measurements. Once an instrument passes, the GATC stamps it as legally compliant, protecting both consumers and businesses.
What is an OIML Certification Authority, and how is it related to GATCs? → The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) sets global standards for measuring instruments. An OIML Certification Authority is a national body authorised to issue globally recognised certificates confirming that a device meets international measurement standards. GATCs test and verify instruments within India for legal use in trade. The OIML Certification Authority issues certificates that allow Indian-tested instruments to be accepted in multiple countries without retesting.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can the DCA ensure the expanded GATC network is operationalised across states, with consistent enforcement and industry uptake, so that the benefits of accurate measurement translate into tangible improvements for both consumers and manufacturers?
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