Rules 11 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Once a model is approved, the certificate has to carry certain particulars, the approved instruments have to bear the mark of approval, and the approval can be revoked or suspended if things go wrong. Rules 11 to 16 cover all of this, and rule 11 was changed in 2019.
These rules are as amended up to the Approval of Models (Amendment) Rules, 2019 (rule 11(2) omitted; rule 11(4) substituted); later amendments should be checked on the Department of Consumer Affairs website. If a certificate of yours is under show-cause notice, legal dispute resolution support can help you reply within the opportunity the rules give.
The certificate shows its number, a description of the model, the assigned mark, the category, a statement of test results, special conditions and the places for the seal or stamp (rule 11). Since 2019 the Director publishes the certificates on the website of the Department. The mark is IND, the last two digits of the year of issue, the laboratory code and the model code (rule 12). A certificate can be revoked by the Central Government on five grounds and suspended by the Director, in both cases only after a reasonable opportunity of showing cause. The penalty for lacking approval is in section 32 of the Act.
Rule 11: contents of the certificate
What the certificate contains (rule 11(1))
The certificate of approval contains:
- (a) the number of the certificate;
- (b) a brief description of the model;
- (c) the mark assigned to the approved model;
- (d) the category of weight or measure;
- (e) a brief statement of the results of the tests;
- (f) the special conditions, if any, to be complied with for the manufacture, verification and use of weights or measures conforming to the model; and
- (g) the place or places where the verification seal or stamp, or both, may be affixed.
Special use (rule 11(3))
Where a weight or measure is intended for a special use, the certificate indicates that special use.
Publication (rule 11(4) and (5), as amended in 2019)
Rule 11(2), which said the certificate became effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, was omitted in 2019. Rule 11(4) was substituted: the Director shall cause the model approval certificates issued under section 22 of the Act to be published on the website of the Department. Under rule 11(5) the Director may also have the information published in the journal, if any, published by the Central Government.
For a manufacturer, the practical result is that approved models and their certificates can be checked by anyone on the website; for a buyer or State officer, that is the place to look for a certificate.
Rule 12: the mark of approval
What the mark contains (rule 12(1))
The mark assigned to the model contains:
- the national identification letters IND;
- the last two digits of the year of issue;
- the code number assigned to the laboratory; and
- the code number assigned to the model.
The laboratory code is the number given in its certificate of recognition (see our article on rules 3 and 4), and the model code is the number assigned under rule 8(8).
Where it is affixed (rule 12(2) and provisos)
The mark is clearly and legibly affixed at the place specified in the certificate and also on each weight or measure produced by the maker or manufacturer in accordance with the approved model. Two provisos:
- If the mark cannot be affixed on the weight or measure (for example, where it is fragile or too small), the mark may be associated with the conditions specified in the certificate.
- Where the approval is of a limited character, the mark of approval is accompanied by a special mark indicating the limitations. Different special marks may be made for different limitations.
Rule 13: revocation
Grounds (rule 13(1))
The Central Government may revoke a certificate if satisfied that:
- (a) the model no longer complies with the units specified in the rules made under the Act;
- (b) the model has ceased to conform to the standards for the time being in force for it;
- (c) defects in reliability, accuracy or performance have generally been noticed in use of the products made to the model;
- (d) the manufacturer does not follow, wholly or partly, the conditions in the certificate; or
- (e) the manufacturer or any other person has significantly altered the approved design of the model or the circuit diagram.
The proviso: no certificate is revoked unless the holder has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the proposed action.
Consequences (rule 13(2))
After revocation, production of weights or measures to that model stops from the date specified in the order of revocation. Every weight or measure made between the revocation and the specified date is still subject to verification under the Act and the rules in force on the date of revocation. If that verification shows that the use of such an item is likely to cause errors beyond those permitted, the Director may by order prohibit its use.
Revocation also has a licence effect: the State licence to manufacture or import according to that model stands suspended (rule 20(2); see our article on rules 17, 18, 20 and 21).
Rule 14: suspension
The Director may suspend a certificate if the holder omits or fails:
- to make or manufacture weights or measures in accordance with the model;
- to conform to the rules or standards for any weight or measure made to the model; or
- to comply with the conditions specified in the certificate.
Again a reasonable opportunity of showing cause comes first. A suspension order is not vacated until the omission or failure has been made good (rule 14(2)). When a certificate is suspended, the Controller of Legal Metrology of the State concerned makes an inventory of the existing stock and ensures that no further sale is made until the Director revokes the suspension (rule 14(3)).
Rules 15 and 16: publication and deposit
- Rule 15: every order of revocation or suspension is published, as far as may be, in the manner specified in rule 11.
- Rule 16: the Director may call for any approved weight or measure, any component, or its dummy, when he considers it necessary in the public interest. What is deposited is kept for record and reference and is not open to public inspection.
Table: revocation and suspension compared
| Point | Revocation (rule 13) | Suspension (rule 14) |
|---|---|---|
| Who decides | Central Government | Director |
| Grounds | Five, (a) to (e) | Three: not making to the model, not conforming, not complying with conditions |
| Hearing | Reasonable opportunity of showing cause | Reasonable opportunity of showing cause |
| Effect on production | Stops from the date in the order | Stock inventory by the State Controller; no further sale until revoked |
| Lifting | Not applicable; a model may be approved afresh | Not vacated until the failure is made good |
| Publication | Rule 15 | Rule 15 |
A practical example
Orbit Scales approved a bench scale model. A buyer's complaint shows that Orbit has altered the circuit board in current production without telling the laboratory. Under rule 13(1)(e), significant alteration of the approved design or circuit diagram is a ground for revocation. Before any order, Orbit must be given a reasonable opportunity to show cause. If revoked, production to that model stops from the date in the order; the scales made until then are still verified, and the Director can prohibit the use of any that are likely to err beyond permitted limits. The State licence for that model stands suspended.
Common lapses
- Changing the design or circuit diagram after approval without going back to the laboratory.
- Omitting the mark of approval from production units, or using a mark that does not carry the laboratory and model codes.
- Selling during a suspension.
- Not responding to a show-cause notice.
For the penalty provision see our post on section 32 of the Act, and for the approval requirement section 22.
Need help with a show-cause or suspension?
If your certificate has been suspended or you have received a show-cause notice on revocation, a well-prepared reply matters. Our legal dispute resolution team can help you plan it.
Key takeaways
- The certificate states its number, model description, mark, category, test results, special conditions and sealing places.
- Since 2019 certificates are published on the Department's website; rule 11(2) was omitted.
- The mark is IND, last two digits of the year, laboratory code and model code.
- Revocation is by the Central Government on five grounds; suspension is by the Director; both need a reasonable opportunity of showing cause.
- During suspension the State Controller takes inventory and no further sale is allowed.
- Penalties are in section 32 of the Act.
Read next
- Rules 8, 9 and 10: issue of certificate, refusal and re-submission
- Rules 17, 18, 20 and 21: substitute materials, licence link and repeal
- Section 32 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009: penalty for failure to get a model approved
Disclaimer: Based on the Legal Metrology (Approval of Models) Rules, 2011 (as amended in 2019), the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013 (as amended up to 17 June 2026), the Legal Metrology (National Standards) Rules, 2011 (as amended in 2019), the Legal Metrology (Numeration) Rules, 2011 and the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology Rules, 2011, as published in the Gazette of India and consulted on 4 October 2026. Later amendments, current fees and the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 provisions referred to should be checked on the Department of Consumer Affairs website. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.