Chapter III - Appointment and Powers of Director, Controller and Legal Metrology Officers
Section 19
Section 19: Registration for importer of weight or measure
An importer of a weight or measure must be registered with the Director before importing it. Section 19 leaves the manner and fee to Central rules; it does not itself approve the instrument model or certify its conformity.
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Need advice on Section 19?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
No person shall import any weight or measure unless he is registered with the Director in such manner and on payment of such fees, as may be prescribed.
Introduction
Registration under this provision is with the Director. A State Controller's registration certificate for manufacturing, repair or sale under section 23 is a different requirement.
Key takeaways
Core rule
An importer of a weight or measure must be registered with the Director before importing it. Section 19 leaves the manner and fee to Central rules; it does not itself approve the instrument model or certify its conformity.
Operational check
Identify whether the imported article is a weight or measure under the Act, including an instrument supplied with a larger machine.
Important limit
Registration under this provision is with the Director. A State Controller's registration certificate for manufacturing, repair or sale under section 23 is a different requirement.
When this section applies
An importer of a weight or measure must be registered with the Director before importing it. Section 19 leaves the manner and fee to Central rules; it does not itself approve the instrument model or certify its conformity.
Practical steps and records
Importer registration is an entry condition for the importer; classify the shipment first, then apply before import.
- Identify whether the imported article is a weight or measure under the Act, including an instrument supplied with a larger machine.
- Check the current Central registration procedure, applicant details and fee before import; retain the issued registration and import documents.
- Separately test sections 20 and 22 for standards conformity and model approval, and section 24 before a device is used for a transaction or protection.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical: A company plans to import retail weighing scales. It obtains the importer registration, then checks model approval and applicable technical standards; the registration alone is not treated as permission to sell an unapproved model.
How to read it with related law
Registration under this provision is with the Director. A State Controller's registration certificate for manufacturing, repair or sale under section 23 is a different requirement.
Primary sources
Read the original central Act with the enacted and commenced amendments listed here. Rules made under the Act and State enforcement rules supply details where the provision says 'prescribed'.
Practical checklist
Do
- Identify whether the imported article is a weight or measure under the Act, including an instrument supplied with a larger machine.
- Check the current Central registration procedure, applicant details and fee before import; retain the issued registration and import documents.
- Separately test sections 20 and 22 for standards conformity and model approval, and section 24 before a device is used for a transaction or protection.
Avoid
- Do not use a section 23 Controller certificate as proof of section 19 Director registration.
- Do not treat importer registration as proof that an individual model conforms to section 20 or is approved under section 22.
Illustrative example
Hypothetical application of section 19
A company plans to import retail weighing scales. It obtains the importer registration, then checks model approval and applicable technical standards; the registration alone is not treated as permission to sell an unapproved model.
Identify the duty
An importer of a weight or measure must be registered with the Director before importing it. Section 19 leaves the manner and fee to Central rules; it does not itself approve the instrument model or certify its conformity.
Check the evidence
Check the current Central registration procedure, applicant details and fee before import; retain the issued registration and import documents.
Resolve the issue
Separately test sections 20 and 22 for standards conformity and model approval, and section 24 before a device is used for a transaction or protection.
Outcome
- Registration under this provision is with the Director. A State Controller's registration certificate for manufacturing, repair or sale under section 23 is a different requirement.
Glossary
- Importer registration
- The section 19 registration with the Director required before importing a weight or measure.
- Prescribed
- Specified in rules made under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
Frequently asked questions
Does section 19 registration replace model approval?
No. Section 22 establishes a separate model-approval requirement, subject to its stated exceptions.
Does section 19 itself set the registration fee?
No. It requires registration with the Director in the manner and on payment of the fee prescribed by rules.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026