Chapter II - Standard Weights and Measures
Section 7
Section 7: Standard units of weights and measures
Section 7 makes the section 5 base units and section 6 numeration unit the legal standards and provides for physical realisation and technical particulars by prescription.
On this page
Need advice on Section 7?
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
(1) The base units of weights and measures specified in section 5 shall be the standard units of weights and measures.
(2) The base unit of numeration specified in section 6 shall be the standard unit of numeration.
(3) For the purpose of deriving the value of base, derived and other units mentioned in section 5, the Central Government shall prepare or cause to be prepared objects or equipments in such manner as may be prescribed.
(4) The physical characteristics, configuration, constructional details, materials, equipments, performance, tolerances, period of re-verification, methods or procedures of tests shall be such as may be prescribed.
Introduction
Section 7 joins legal units to physical standards and technical specifications. Subsections (3) and (4) leave the manner of realisation, construction, performance, tolerances, tests and re-verification periods to prescription.
Sections 8 and 9 use these standards to decide conformance and validity.
Key takeaways
Scope and trigger
Section 7 joins legal units to physical standards and technical specifications. Subsections (3) and (4) leave the manner of realisation, construction, performance, tolerances, tests and re-verification periods to prescription.
Operational step
Identify the instrument class and its technical rule before testing. Record test procedure, permissible error, stamp or verification evidence and the next due date.
Limit
The Act text alone is not a calibration manual; a tolerance or verification cycle cannot be inferred from the broad section 7 wording. The relevant central rules must be checked.
Who and what it covers
Section 7 joins legal units to physical standards and technical specifications. Subsections (3) and (4) leave the manner of realisation, construction, performance, tolerances, tests and re-verification periods to prescription.
Sections 8 and 9 use these standards to decide conformance and validity.
How to apply it
Identify the instrument class and its technical rule before testing. Record test procedure, permissible error, stamp or verification evidence and the next due date.
Identify the relevant reference to standards, equipment specifications, tolerances and re-verification periods in the rules; retain the technical basis used for calibration.
Boundary and exceptions
The Act text alone is not a calibration manual; a tolerance or verification cycle cannot be inferred from the broad section 7 wording. The relevant central rules must be checked.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical: an equipment maker designs a new measuring device. Its test plan uses the prescribed tolerance and test procedure instead of a supplier’s informal standard.
Practical preparation
Identify the relevant reference to standards, equipment specifications, tolerances and re-verification periods in the rules; retain the technical basis used for calibration.
Primary sources
The statutory text is drawn from the official Act copy.
Practical checklist
Do
- Identify the governing base and derived unit.
- Find prescribed physical specifications and test procedures for the instrument.
- Calendar the prescribed re-verification period and keep results.
Avoid
- Do not treat section 7 as dispensing with its stated conditions, exceptions or prescribed details.
Glossary
- Tolerance
- A permitted technical variation under the applicable prescribed specification.
- Prescribed
- Set by rules made under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
Frequently asked questions
Are tolerance and re-verification periods fixed in section 7?
No. Section 7(4) leaves these particulars to prescription.
Who prepares objects or equipment to derive unit values?
Section 7(3) places that responsibility on the Central Government, acting directly or through another person.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026