Rules 17 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.
The closing rules of the Approval of Models Rules deal with four separate matters: what happens when an officer acquiring a weight or measure asks for a model to be tested (rule 17), what a manufacturer must do on changing to a substitute material (rule 18), how a State licence depends on a model approval (rule 20), and the repeal of the 1987 rules (rule 21). The testing fee for substitute material is in rule 19.
These rules are as amended up to the Approval of Models (Amendment) Rules, 2019, which substituted rule 19 (fees); later amendments should be checked on the Department of Consumer Affairs website. If you are thinking of changing materials or components in an approved model, a legal consultation before the change can avoid a revoked certificate.
A manufacturer who starts manufacturing with a substitute material must send it to the Director within seven days of starting; the laboratory decides whether it serves the purpose for which the model was approved, and if not the model is treated as a new model. The testing fee for a substitute material is half the model testing fee in rule 19. Before issuing a licence to manufacture or import, the State Government must satisfy itself that the Central Government has granted a certificate of approval; if a certificate is revoked, the licence for that model stands suspended.
Rule 17: weights and measures for which model approval is ordinarily not necessary
The procedure (rule 17(1) to (3))
Rule 17 is headed "Provisions relating to weight or measure for which model approval is ordinarily not necessary". Its mechanism runs as follows:
- For the purpose of approving any model required under section 22 of the Act, the officer acquiring the weight or measure intimates the Director that the model needs testing (rule 17(1)).
- On that intimation, the Director, if satisfied that the model needs testing, calls upon the manufacturer to produce the model for a test by the recognised laboratory he specifies.
- Proviso: where there is no model of the weight or measure acquired, the manufacturer must furnish one sample of that class from the manufacturing line and produce it for test by the laboratory specified by the Director.
- The laboratory reports the results to the Director as soon as may be practicable after the tests (rule 17(2)).
- If the Director is satisfied that the model or sample does not conform to the standards established by or under the Act, he calls upon the manufacturer to remove the deficiencies within the time he specifies. If the deficiencies are not removed within that time, the manufacturer's licence, so far as it relates to the weight or measure tested, is liable to be cancelled (rule 17(3)).
The rule does not print a time limit; the Director specifies it case by case. The rule also lists no weights or measures: it speaks of an item for which approval is "ordinarily" not necessary and gives the Director a route to test it when an acquiring officer so requests.
Section 22 of the Act is explained in our post on section 22.
Rule 18: substitute materials
Sending the material (rule 18(1))
A substitute material must be sent by the manufacturer to the Director within seven days from the date on which he starts manufacturing with it. The Director causes it to be forwarded to a recognised, appropriate laboratory for approval. The seven days run from the start of manufacture with the substitute, not from the purchase of the material.
The laboratory's test (rule 18(2))
The laboratory carries out the necessary tests and decides whether the use of the substitute material will serve the purpose for which the model was approved. If it considers that the substitute is not suitable, the model is treated as a new model. That means the manufacturer will need a fresh approval route under rules 5 to 10 for the changed model.
Findings to the Central Government (rule 18(3))
The laboratory forwards its findings to the Central Government through the Director.
Fee (rule 19(2))
The applicant deposits half of the testing fee in rule 19(1) for testing of the substitute material. Under rule 19 as substituted in 2019, the full fee is rupees ten thousand for a mechanical type and rupees twenty-five thousand for a digital or electronic type, so the substitute material fee is half of whichever applies. Details of the full fee are in our article on rules 5 and 19.
Rule 20: the licence link
Before the licence is issued (rule 20(1))
Before issuing a licence for manufacturing or importing any weight or measure, the State Government shall satisfy itself that a certificate of approval of the model has been granted by the Central Government under section 22 of the Act. For the licence provision in the Act, see our post on section 23.
On revocation (rule 20(2))
When a certificate of approval of a model has been revoked by the Central Government, the State licence for manufacturing or importing a weight or measure according to that model stands suspended. The proviso says the suspension is vacated if the model is subsequently approved by the Central Government. The grounds for revocation are in rule 13; see our article on rules 11 to 16.
Rule 21: repeal and savings
Rule 21 repeals the Standards of Weights and Measures (Approval of Models) Rules, 1987. The repeal does not affect previous operations under them, rights, privileges, obligations or liabilities acquired or incurred, penalties, forfeitures or punishments incurred, or investigations and legal proceedings in respect of them. Things done under the 1987 rules, such as approval letters, exemptions, fees collected, licences and registrations of manufacturers, dealers and importers, continue in force as if done under the corresponding provisions of the 2011 rules. Pending applications, proceedings and appeals under the old rules are carried over to the new ones. This matters now only for historical records.
Table: the four rules in one place
| Rule | Who acts | Trigger | Period as printed | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Acquiring officer, Director, manufacturer | Intimation that a model needs testing | Time specified by the Director to remove deficiencies | Licence for that item liable to be cancelled if not removed |
| 18 | Manufacturer | Starts manufacturing with a substitute material | Seven days from the start | Unsuitable substitute: model treated as a new model |
| 19(2) | Applicant | Testing of substitute material | Not applicable | Half the testing fee |
| 20 | State Government | Licence to manufacture or import | Not applicable | Licence stands suspended on revocation of the certificate |
| 21 | Not applicable | Repeal | Not applicable | 1987 rules repealed; savings apply |
A practical example
Vikram Weighing Works, an approved maker of table-top scales, switches to a different housing material for its pans and platforms. It starts manufacturing with the new material on a Monday. Rule 18(1) requires it to send the substitute material to the Director within seven days of that start. The Director forwards it to a recognised laboratory. The laboratory finds the material is not suitable for the purpose for which the model was approved. Under rule 18(2) the model is treated as a new model, so Vikram must follow the approval route again, and the State's licence cannot rest on the earlier certificate for the changed product.
Common lapses
- Starting manufacture with a substitute material and not informing the Director within seven days.
- Assuming a changed material is covered by the old certificate without a laboratory finding.
- Applying for a State licence before the certificate of approval is in hand.
- Continuing to make instruments after a revocation, when the licence stands suspended.
For the penalty provision see section 32 of the Act (no figure is given in the rules).
Need help with a material change or a licence application?
Whether you need to report a substitute material or sequence your licence with your certificate, our team can help you lay out the steps. Start with a legal consultation.
Key takeaways
- A substitute material goes to the Director within seven days from the start of manufacturing with it.
- An unsuitable substitute makes the model a new model.
- The substitute material testing fee is half the rule 19 fee.
- A State licence to manufacture or import needs a prior Central Government certificate of approval; revocation suspends the licence for that model.
- Rule 17 gives the Director a route to test a model on the request of an acquiring officer.
- The 1987 Approval of Models Rules are repealed with savings.
Read next
- Rules 11–16: contents of certificate, mark of approval, revocation and suspension
- Rules 1 and 2: commencement, definitions and who needs model approval
- Section 23 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009: licence to manufacture, repair or sell
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.