What is LMPC registration, and why does every importer of packaged goods need it?

LMPC registration is the registration of a packer's or importer's name and address with Legal Metrology. "LMPC" is shorthand for the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, made under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and in force since 1 April 2011^[1]. Rule 27 requires you to register your name, the complete address of the premises where you pre-pack or import, and the commodities you handle^[1].

It is a registration of the business, not an approval of a product. Nothing is tested. Its purpose is to make every pre-packed product on the Indian market traceable to a responsible packer or importer, whose name and address also appear on the package. The full guide is at LMPC registration.

In rule 27 of the Packaged Commodities Rules, read with rules 28 to 30. The rules have been amended often; the 29 May 2026 change, G.S.R. 418(E), was the Third Amendment of 2026, following G.S.R. 312(E) of 27 April 2026^[2].

Anyone who pre-packs or imports a commodity for sale. Rule 27(1) applies to every individual, firm, HUF, society, company or corporation that pre-packs or imports any commodity for sale, distribution or delivery^[1]. For an importer of consumer electronics sold in retail boxes, that means you.

Two groups fall outside the retail-package rules: packages over 25 kg or 25 litres, and packaged commodities for industrial or institutional consumers^[1]. A business importing components only for its own factory is usually in that second group^[5].

If you buy imported goods on the high seas, you become the importer; see high sea sales.

Rule 27 names both the central Director of Legal Metrology and the State Controllers as Registering Authorities^[1]. Commentators report that a business selling in one state registers with that state's Controller, and one selling in several states applies to the Central Government^[6]; we have not seen an official rule saying so.

For central registration, DoCA's Legal Metrology portal routes new applications through the National Single Window System and handles amendments on its own portal^[3]. States run their own processes; Delhi's form asks for warehouse addresses, the commodities imported with country of import, and every director's or partner's name and address^[7]. Step-by-step detail is on LMPC importer registration.

Proof of who you are, where you operate, and what you import, plus a sample label. Delhi's list is typical^[7]:

• trade or factory licence, or an affidavit for the premises;
• address proof and photographs of the proprietor, partners or directors;
• sales tax (GST) registration;
• the label used on the packages;
• MoA or partnership deed;
• the Importer-Exporter Code;
• a supplementary form.

West Bengal's list adds a photo or copy of the label and rent or ownership proof^[8].

Decide the authority, prepare documents and a compliant label, apply, pay Rs 500 and fix any deficiencies quickly.

The government fee is Rs 500^[1], and each later alteration costs Rs 100^[1]. Consultant help is optional: one consultancy advertises Rs 4,999 plus the government fee, with delivery in 7-10 working days^[9].

Timelines vary by state. West Bengal fixes a maximum of 75 working days for a registration certificate^[8]. Budget details are on LMPC registration costs.

The registered name and address plus the other mandatory declarations. Every pre-packaged commodity must declare the name and address of the manufacturer, packer or importer, country of origin, common or generic name, net quantity, month and year of manufacture, MRP, unit sale price and consumer care details^[5].

The consumer care line must include a name, address, phone number and email for complaints^[1]. Since 1 January 2024, unit sale price and month and year of manufacture are compulsory^[5]. For where the declarations go, see the principal display panel and our product label checklist.

A Mumbai company starts importing boxed power banks on 1 August.

1. Deadline: it must apply by about 30 October, within 90 days of starting^[1].
2. Fee: Rs 500^[1].
3. Label: each box carries the importer's registered name and address, country of origin, net quantity, month and year of manufacture, MRP and consumer care details^[5].
4. Labelling location: it may apply labels at an AEO Tier-2 or Tier-3 bonded warehouse, if every retail pack is fully labelled before it leaves^[2].
5. Next year: it updates its details online, including how many units it imported and from where^[2].

LMPC is one of several approvals; power banks also need BIS CRS and battery EPR. Our approval checker lists the rest.

Marketplaces must show your label declarations online. Since 2018, e-commerce entities reportedly must display the mandatory declarations for pre-packaged goods they sell^[10]. From 1 July 2027, they are reportedly required to give imported-product listings a searchable and sortable country-of-origin filter^[11].

The 2026 penalty for non-conforming packages expressly covers sellers on e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces^[4]. See compliance for Amazon sellers.

2026 brought the biggest changes since the rules began. Registration became permanent, companies must name a responsible Director, details must be updated every year, and penalties were rewritten.

The penalty change is large. Before 2026, a first offence under section 36(1) was reportedly punishable with a fine of up to Rs 25,000^[12]; now a first offence gets an improvement notice, but later offences can reach Rs 50 lakh^[4]. Other 2026 changes are tracked on new rules for 2026.

The Jan Vishwas Act, 2026 rewrote them: first-time label lapses now get an improvement notice, but repeat offences cost far more.

Ignoring an improvement notice can lead to suspension or revocation of your registration after a hearing^[4]. Many offences can be compounded^[4], and fines rise by 10% of the minimum every three years^[4].

Yes. Rule 29 requires the Director or Controller to keep a register of registered manufacturers and packers, open to public inspection free of charge^[1]. DoCA's Legal Metrology portal also publishes the list of issued and surrendered central certificates^[3].

Check your distributor or the importer named on goods you buy before you list them for sale; if the importer on the box is not registered, the box is not compliant. The Flipkart listing checklist covers the other documents marketplaces ask for.

• Confusing it with a product approval. LMPC does not replace BIS CRS, a WPC ETA or e-waste EPR. You may need all of them.
• Address mismatch. The address on the package should match the registered address. If you move, apply for an alteration^[1].
• Not knowing where to apply. Rule 27 names both central and state authorities^[1].
• Adding products without updating. In Delhi, adding new commodities means returning the original certificate for a revised one^[7].
• Missing the yearly update. The 2026 amendment requires annual updates online^[2]; the portal option was reported as not yet active in June 2026.
• Ignoring improvement notices. Registration can be suspended or revoked^[4].

Need a second pair of eyes on a label? Ask for a free compliance check.