The Department of Consumer Affairs has granted 12 Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) certificates to 11 private entities, enhancing India’s legal metrology verification system through a public–private partnership. This move signifies a significant reform in the nation’s legal metrology by broadening verification capabilities beyond the public sector and involving qualified private entities.
The initiative aims to enhance accuracy and reliability in weights and measures utilized in trade and consumer transactions, while streamlining business operations and regulatory processes. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution highlighted that this step promotes efficiency and trust in the marketplace.
Pralhad Joshi, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, presented the certificates alongside BL Verma, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs. The recognition of private entities as GATCs follows the amendment of the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules in 2013, which was revised on October 23, 2025.
The amended Rules have significantly broadened the scope of GATCs, allowing private laboratories and industries meeting specific technical criteria to conduct verification and re-verification of weighing and measuring instruments, aligning with global best practices. This expansion now covers 18 categories of weighing and measuring instruments, catering to various sectors like healthcare, transport, energy, infrastructure, and consumer services.
Private GATCs’ recognition is anticipated to enhance access to verification services, reduce processing times, and facilitate quicker compliance for manufacturers, traders, and service providers nationwide. Regular and decentralized verification of consumer-oriented instruments such as weighing scales, water meters, and energy meters will minimize errors, ensuring consumers receive accurate measurements and fostering confidence in the market.
