Custom Compliances
We believe in following all logistics and freight forwarding compliances to ensure you a smooth and hassle free service. The success of our business is owing to adhering to the following government compliances.
What is EPR?
EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility, and the EPR Certificate is compulsory for Indian Manufacturers or Importers for E-waste management. EPR Authorization is provided by CPCB or Central Pollution Control Board under MoEFCC, Government of India.
What is LMPC?
LMPC stands for Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity. According to Rule 27 of Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules enacted by the Department of Consumer Affairs, it is mandatory for companies in the business of importing pre-packaged goods to India
What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility, and the EPR Certificate is compulsory for Indian Manufacturers or Importers for E-waste management. EPR Authorization is provided by CPCB or Central Pollution Control Board under MoEFCC, Government of India.EPR compliance is a regulatory framework that mandates manufacturers and producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products. This includes the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of products once they reach the end of their useful life.EPR programs aim to reduce the environmental impact of products and packaging, promote recycling, and encourage sustainable practices.
By ensuring that producers bear responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, EPR programs help mitigate pollution, conserve resources, and foster a more eco-conscious approach to manufacturing and waste management.EPR compliance is apread across various domains like EPR e-waste, EPR batteries, EPR tyres etc.
It is therefore requested that all Importers must ensure compliance of EPR proviso for smooth customs clearance.
Where is EPR applicable?
EPR Authorization is mandatory for producers / importers of electrical items and single use plastics in India. The provisions regarding EPR Authorisation are mentioned under the E-waste management rules and plastic wastes management rules
As per the recent amendments to the Plastics Waste Management Rules, 2016, any person who imports a plastic packaging product or products with plastic packaging (carry bags, multilayered packaging, plastic sheets) is under an obligation to get registered on the centralized portal developed by the CPCB, without which the importers cannot clear their shipment/ consignment from customs.
Non-compliance can result in delays, cost escalation, unnecessary stress, supply chain disruption!
TYPES :
Types of ERP Certificate Authorization
- EPR Authorization for E-waste.
- EPR Authorization for Plastic Waste.
Category-I: Rigid plastic packaging. Category-II: Flexible plastic packaging of single or multi-layer plastic sheets, covers, and the likes. Category-III: Multi-layered plastic packaging. Category-IV: Plastic sheet and similar material used for packaging purposes as well as carry bags made of compostable plastics
- EPR Authorization for Battery Waste.
- EPR Authorization for Tyres Waste.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
BIS Logistics Compliance refers to adhering to the regulations and standards set forth by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in the realm of logistics and transportation within India.In the logistics sector, compliance with BIS regulations is crucial to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods. This includes adhering to standards related to packaging, labeling, and transportation of goods.
Failure to comply with BIS logistics regulations can lead to delays, fines, and even product recalls, which can have significant financial and reputational consequences for businesses.
Pre-Shipment Inspection
A pre-shipment inspection protocol is a crucial process for a shipping company to ensure the smooth and secure transportation of goods. Here are a few key aspects we follow:
Documentation Review: The protocol typically starts with a thorough review of all shipping documents, including invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
Physical Inspection: Before loading goods onto a vessel, a physical inspection is conducted to verify that the cargo matches the descriptions provided in the documentation.
Quality Control: Depending on the nature of the cargo, the protocol may involve quality control checks, such as examining the condition of perishable goods or assessing the integrity of packaging for fragile items. Any discrepancies or damage are documented
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
FSSAI Compliance refers to adherence to the regulations and guidelines set forth by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
What is LMPC?
LMPC stands for Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity. According to Rule 27 of Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules enacted by the Department of Consumer Affairs, it is mandatory for companies in the business of importing pre-packaged goods to India
Who is required LMPC certificate?
An LMPC certificate is mandatory for the import of all pre-packaged commodities except the following: Commodities with a net weight or measure of 10 grams or 10 milliliters or less. Agricultural produce in packages of more than 50 kg. Packages containing fast food items packed by a restaurant or hotel.
LMPC Certificate: Why Do Importers Need It?
The Legal Metrology Registration Certificate, also called LMPC certificate, is mandatory for Indian importers of pre-packaged goods. Failure to register can lead to the goods being seized by customs. Do you import pre-packaged goods for sale and distribution? If you do, then you need to know that you cannot import these goods into India without a Legal Metrology Registration Certificate, commonly called a Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity (LMPC) certificate. An LMPC certificate is an import requirement under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules, 2011. The Act governs trade in goods that are sold or distributed by weight, measure or number. By defining strict rules and regulations, including for pre-packaged goods, the Act seeks to promote fair trade practices and protect consumer rights. In this piece, we will explore the LMPC certificate for import in its entirety, touching on:
- What is a pre-packaged commodity?
- What is an LMPC certificate for importers?
- Why do importers need it?
- How and where can they apply for it?
- How much does it cost?
- What are the repercussions of not having an LMPC certificate?
First, a brief overview of pre-packaged goods and legal metrology.
What are pre-packaged goods?
The Act defines a pre-packaged commodity as “a commodity which, without the purchaser being present, is placed in a package of whatever nature, whether sealed or not, so that the product contained therein has a pre-determined quantity”. Some examples of pre-packaged goods include baby food, fuel, food products, paint, cement in bags, cables, wires, chemicals, wool and so on.
The importance of legal metrology
Metrology is the study of measurements. Legal metrology deals with the units and methods of weight and measurement in relation to mandatory legal and technical requirements. That is the official definition of legal metrology. But what exactly is its relevance in application to pre-packaged goods?
Here’s a simple explanation. When we go to the market, we buy goods that are either sold loose or pre-packed. The loose goods (fruits, vegetables, rice, flour) are weighed in our presence. We can personally determine their quality. We also know the identity of the seller. But when we buy pre-packaged goods, we cannot be sure of the product’s weight, freshness, or safety. Nor do we know the manufacturer. The Legal Metrology Act arms the customer with the information required (weight, quantity, price, expiry date, etc) to make a clear buying decision. You might also like to read ‘Import challenges in India, and ways to fix them’ here
What is an LMPC certificate for importers?
Traders who import pre-packaged goods for sale or distribution must make an application to the Director of Legal Metrology in the Central Government or the Controller of Legal Metrology in the state to have their name and address registered. If the application is accepted, the registering authority (Director/Controller of Legal Metrology) will register the importer’s name and address and grant them an LMPC certificate. Here’s what an LMPC certificate looks like. An LMPC registration is valid for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years. If you intend to sell your pre-packaged goods in a single state, you must apply to the controller in that state. If you plan to sell in multiple states, you’ll need to register with the director at the Centre, through your local controller.
Note: Apart from importers, manufacturers and packers of pre-packaged goods also require LMPC certificates.
Where to apply for LMPC certificate
Some states facilitate online LMPC registration. In Andhra Pradesh, for example, you can submit your application with the necessary documents (discussed below) on the AP Industries Department’s single desk portal. If you are in Delhi, here’s where you register online. If this online facility is not available in your state, visit the local Legal Metrology Department and submit your application in person. Or, you can hire a lawyer or consultant to do the legwork for you – for a fee, of course. You can find such a third-party agent with a simple Google search.
How to apply and what it costs
When filling up your application form, you will need to include the following details:
- Your (applicant) name
- Complete address of premises where the commodity is imported to
- Common or generic name of the commodity
The rules state that the application must be made within 90 days of the date of commencement of import. You will need to pay a fee of INR500. On receiving a complete application form, the registering authority will inspect the importer’s premises and, if everything is found to be in order, register the applicant and grant them an LMPC certificate. This usually takes up to 20 days. If the application is incomplete, it will be returned to the applicant within seven days of its receipt. The importer may make alterations to the certificate by paying a fee of INR100 to the registering authority.
Importer’s responsibilities
To receive an LMPC certificate, importers must ensure their pre-packaged goods carry a declaration with the following information:
- Name and address of the importer
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Common or generic name of commodity contained in the package
- Country of origin of the commodity
- Net quantity in terms of standard unit of weight, measurement, or number
- Month and year of import
- Month and year of manufacture
- Maximum retail price (MRP)
- Dimensions of the commodity, if relevant
- Name, address, and telephones number (and email address, if available) of person/office to be contacted in case of customer complaints
The declaration differs from product to product. It must be printed in Hindi or English. And, there are rules specifying how the declaration must be displayed on the packaging or affixed to it, as well as detailed instructions regarding each information point. To be compliant, read the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity)