Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2025
iasparliament
October 31, 2025
Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Economy
Why in news?
The Government strengthens verification infrastructure through amendments to the Legal Metrology (GATC) Rules, 2025.
Amended –Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013.
Aim – To strengthen consumer protection, promote ease of doing business and align India’s system of verification with international best practices.
Under the –Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Key Amendments
Broaden the scope of GATCs –It covers 18 categories of weighing & measuring instruments - including water meters, energy meters, gas meters, moisture meters, flow meters, etc.
Inclusion of new categories –Such as flow meters, breath analysers, multi-dimensional measuring instruments, and speed guns.
Public-private partnership –The participation of private laboratories & industries as GATCs will increase verification capacity, improve accessibility and reduce waiting time for industries.
Decentralized Verification –Regular and decentralized verification will minimize the risk of inaccurate measurements and ensure consumers get full value for their money.
Streamlined jurisdiction –It introduces clarity regarding jurisdiction permitting GATCs to verify instruments within districts and across the state & harmonize verification fees through a newly inserted 5th Schedule.
Transparent & structured approach –They provide clear criteria for inspection, staff qualifications and technical requirements, along with digital payment options for fee submission.
Alings with international practice –India reinforces its commitment to scientific and transparent metrology systems that are aligned with the recommendations of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).
Authority to certify –India gains capability to issue globally accepted OIML certificates, reducing reliance on foreign bodies and boosting domestic competitiveness.
Boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat –It supports the Government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous testing facilities to expand the national verification network.
