The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, marked World Metrology Day 2025, celebrating 150 years since the historic Metre Convention was signed in Paris in 1875. The event emphasized India’s advancements in legal metrology and its growing role in global measurement systems, strengthening consumer protection and trade fairness.
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi announced India’s accreditation as the 13th country authorized to issue International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) certificates, enhancing global trust in India’s precision standards. This recognition is expected to boost India’s standing in international trade, giving manufacturers broader market acceptance.
The government also introduced the “One Nation, One Time” initiative under the Draft IST Rules, 2025, ensuring millisecond-level time accuracy across critical sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and transport through five Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs).
To improve accuracy in high-value transactions, 1 mg precision balances were mandated in the gold and jewellery trade, safeguarding consumer rights and reinforcing fair practices in weighing precious metals.
The eMaap portal was launched to digitize and streamline Legal Metrology processes, integrating 18 states for digital licensing, registration, and compliance. Additionally, a Weekly Facilitation Helpdesk, operating every Tuesday from 4-5 PM, was introduced to assist businesses with real-time regulatory queries.
Union Minister of State B.L. Verma outlined newly notified Legal Metrology Rules for Speed Guns and Gas Meters, standardizing accuracy in law enforcement and utilities. Regulations for Breath Analysers and Moisture Meters are also in progress, further strengthening consumer safety protocols.
To ensure smooth industry adaptation, all amendments to Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules will now take effect on January 1 or July 1, with a 180-day transition period to enable preparedness.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare emphasized regulatory simplification and voluntary compliance in her address, reiterating India’s commitment to modern measurement systems, including blockchain traceability and software-driven testing labs.
The event also honored India’s rich metrological heritage, tracing advancements from the Indus Valley Civilization and Mauryan Empire to India’s future-ready approach in precision measurement technologies.
India’s push toward a globally integrated, technology-driven legal metrology framework reinforces the nation’s leadership in consumer protection, trade integrity, and industrial innovation.
