Government Caps GATC Verification Fees to Prevent: Key Update

When reading Government Caps GATC Verification Fees to Prevent: Key Update, the important part is to keep the core facts intact while presenting the context in a clearer way for readers.

What This Update Means

Readers should treat this as a tax and compliance update, not as personal advice.

Key Reader Takeaways

• The notification prohibits manufacturers acting as GATCs from charging fees for verifying their own products.
• It also caps re-verification charges and mandates disclosure of…
• The Department of Consumer Affairs, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, issued a clarification on 27 April 2026 regarding fees charged by Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs) under the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013, as amended in 2025.
• The circular reiterates that manufacturers designated as GATCs must not charge any fee for verification of weights and measures produced by themselves.

LAMORC DIGITAL Context

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The Department of Consumer Affairs, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, issued a clarification on 27 April 2026 regarding fees charged by Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs) under the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013, as amended in 2025. The circular reiterates that manufacturers designated as GATCs must not charge any fee for verification of weights and measures produced by themselves. For re-verification of such products, the fee specified in the Fifth Schedule is the maximum permissible limit, though lower fees may be charged and must be publicly disclosed on the GATC portal. Similarly, third-party GATCs are bound by the same maximum fee structure for both verification and re-verification and may charge reduced fees with mandatory disclosure. The clarification aims to ensure transparency, prevent overcharging, and standardize fee practices across all approved verification centres.

I-30/1/2025-W&M Section – Part (1) (E 39347) GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS WEIGHTS AND MEASURES UNIT

Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi Dated: 27.04.2026

All Government Approved Test Centres

Subject: Fees for verification of weights and measures by the Government Approved Test centres approved under the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013—reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to the subject mentioned above and to state that the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013 were notified to strengthen the verification infrastructure in the country by enabling qualified private laboratories and industries to undertake verification of weights and measures. These Rules were further amended on 23 October 2025 to expand the scope of Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs) by including additional categories of weights and measures for verification. The Department has approved eligible private industries and 3 rd party laboratories as GATCs and the updated list is available on the Department’s website https://doca.gov.in/gatc/.

2. In this regard, the following is clarified concerning the fees to be charged by GATCs:

(i) Manufacturers designated as GATCs: Manufacturers who have been notified as GATCs should not charge any separate fee for verification of weights and measures manufactured by themselves.

(ii) Re-verification by manufacturers: Further, in respect of re-verification of such weights and measures, manufactured by them, the fee prescribed in the Fifth Schedule of the Legal Metrology (GATC) Rules, 2013, shall be treated as the maximum fee that may be charged. Such GATCs may charge a fee lower than the prescribed amount; however, under no circumstances shall they charge more than the specified maximum. In cases where GATCs charge a fee lower than the prescribed maximum, the same shall be displayed on the GATC portal for information of all stakeholders.

(iii) Other GATCs (third-party GATCs): The fee prescribed in the Fifth Schedule of the Legal Metrology (GATC) Rules, 2013, as amended in 2025, is the maximum fee that may be charged for verification or re-verification. GATCs may charge a fee lower than this prescribed amount, but under no circumstances shall they charge more than the specified maximum. If GTACs are charging less than the maximum fees prescribed, they shall display the same on the GATC portal for information of all stakeholders.

(Ashutosh Agarwal) Director (Legal Metrology) Phone: 011-23389489 Email: dirwm-ca@nic.in

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Readers should treat this as a tax and compliance update, not as personal advice.

This article is for general information based on available source information. It should not be considered legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.