Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, developing National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) for ensuring fair trade, consumer protection and a centralized database of all stakeholders
Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, developing National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) for ensuring fair trade, consumer protection and a centralized database of all stakeholders
The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, is developing the National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) to integrate State Legal Metrology Departments and their portals into a unified National System. This initiative aims to streamline processes for issuing licenses, conducting verifications and managing enforcement and compliance. By creating a centralized database, eMaap eliminates the need for stakeholders to register on multiple State Portals, fostering ease of doing business and transparency in trade practices.
Presently, State Governments are using their own portals for registration of packaged commodities, issue of licenses and verification/stamping of weighing & measuring instrument. However, the enforcement activities and compounding of offences, etc. are not online. Therefore, Department of Consumer Affairs is integrating all the state portals in one as National Legal Metrology Portal ‘eMaap’ which will include all functions of Legal Metrology including enforcement and help to get a unified data base.
A series of consultations were held under the Chairpersonship of the Secretary (Consumer Affairs) to shape the portal’s development. On 30th August 2024, a hybrid meeting with Controllers of Legal Metrology and their representatives with NIC to discuss the initial framework. Another hybrid meeting under the Chairpersonship of the Secretary (Consumer Affairs) was held on 28th November 2024, involving key stakeholders such as Industries and Industry Associations viz. FICCI, CII, PHD, ASSOCHAM, etc., representatives of State Legal Metrology Departments and NIC team, focused on refining the portal to better serve traders, manufacturers, packers, importers of packaged commodities and manufacturers, dealers & repairers of weighing & measuring instrument. Suggestions received during these discussions are being carefully examined and incorporated to make the portal efficient and user-friendly.
eMaap simplifies critical procedures such as issuing, renewing, and amending licenses, as well as handling verification & stamping of weighing & measuring instrument, registration certificates, and appeals, etc. For traders and industries, it minimizes compliance burdens, reduces paperwork and ensures timely adherence to the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and Rules made thereunder, creating a transparent and conducive business environment. The portal is also expected to significantly boost manufacturing growth by fostering efficiency and accountability.
For consumers, eMaap ensures that trade instrument are verified for accuracy, enhancing confidence in market transactions. It provides a transparent legal metrology system, allowing easy access to certificates and promoting awareness of rights and responsibilities. For Governments, the portal enables data-driven decision-making, streamlines enforcement activities, and facilitates policy formation, ensuring a robust and efficient regulatory framework.