Sections 4 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.
These three sections are the foundation of Chapter II. Section 4 says every unit must follow the metric system based on the international system of units. Section 5 names the seven base units. Section 6 fixes the base unit of numeration and the decimal system. Everything later in the Act, from standard weights to the ban on quoting in other units, rests on them.
Every unit of weight or measure must be in accordance with the metric system based on the international system of units (section 4). The base units are the metre, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, candela and mole (section 5(1)), with specifications left to the rules (section 5(2)). Numeration uses the international form of Indian numerals in the decimal system (section 6). None of these sections is amended by the Jan Vishwas Acts of 2023 or 2026.
Section 4: the metric system
Section 4 is a single sentence: "Every unit of weight or measure shall be in accordance with the metric system based on the international system of units."
It sets a rule of content, not a penalty. The consequences come from other sections: section 11 bars quoting prices, issuing invoices or stating the net quantity of a pre-packaged commodity otherwise than in standard units, and sections 25 and 29 punish use and quotation of non-standard units. You will find the penalty sections in our articles on sections 28 and 29 and, for section 25, in the existing guide to the penalty for non-standard weights.
The Packaged Commodities Rules put the same idea into label language. Rule 13(5) says no system of units other than the International System of Units shall be used in furnishing the net quantity of packages, and rule 13(4) bars "the dozen, score, gross, great gross or the like" on a package. Those rules are quoted as amended up to March 2022; check later amendments. See our article on rule 13 of the Packaged Commodities Rules.
Section 5: base units
Sub-section (1) lists the base unit of each quantity:
| Quantity | Base unit under section 5(1) |
|---|---|
| Length | Metre |
| Mass | Kilogram |
| Time | Second |
| Electric current | Ampere |
| Thermodynamic temperature | Kelvin |
| Luminous intensity | Candela |
| Amount of substance | Mole |
Sub-section (2) adds that "the specifications of the base units mentioned in sub-section (1), derived units and other units shall be such as may be prescribed". So the Act names the base units but leaves their exact specification, and the list of derived units, to rules. The rule-making power is in section 52(2)(a), which refers to "the specification of the base units of measures and base unit of mass under sub-section (2) of section 5".
Two practical readings:
- The Act itself does not list derived units such as the litre or the newton. A trader cannot look to section 5 alone for them. Our existing guide on base units and derived units under Legal Metrology covers the topic at a general level.
- The standard units of weights and measures are the base units of section 5 (section 7(1)). So section 5 is also the source list for what counts as a "standard unit" later. See sections 7 and 8.
If you are unsure whether a unit on your packaging, invoice or price list is acceptable, a legal consultation can help you check it against the provisions that apply.
Section 6: base unit of numeration
Section 6 has three sub-sections:
- Sub-section (1): the base unit of numeration is "the unit of the international form of Indian numerals".
- Sub-section (2): every numeration must follow the decimal system.
- Sub-section (3): the decimal multiples and sub-multiples of the numerals must be "of such denominations and be written in such manner as may be prescribed".
Numeration here is about how quantities are counted and written. It matters because a price list, a bill or a declaration of number on a pack is a numeration. Section 7(2) then makes the base unit of numeration the standard unit of numeration, and section 8(2) calls a numeral that conforms to section 6 a standard numeral. Using any other numeration as a standard is barred by section 8(3), and section 25 covers using a numeration "otherwise than in accordance with" the standard.
The sources we hold do not reproduce a dedicated rule on the written form of decimal multiples under section 6(3). If your issue turns on it, check the rules and State rules before relying on this article.
How the three sections fit together
- Section 4 sets the system (metric, SI-based).
- Section 5 names the seven base units and leaves specifications to rules.
- Section 6 does the same for numbers: Indian numerals in international form, decimal system, prescribed denominations.
- Section 7 then turns these into standard units, and section 8 into standard weights, measures and numerals.
Examples
Example 1: a label. A pack states its content as "2 dozen". Rule 13(4) says no number called the dozen may be specified on a package, and rule 13(5) requires the International System of Units for net quantity. The declaration would not meet the Rules; a count in numbers with the prescribed wording would.
Example 2: a tank. A fuel dealer records volume in an old local measure. Section 4 requires every unit of weight or measure to follow the metric system, so the record and the quotation must be in standard units.
Common mistakes
- Reading section 5 as a complete list of units. It names only the seven base units; derived and other units are for the rules.
- Forgetting that mass is in kilograms, not grams, as the base unit. Grams appear in the Rules as the unit for quantities below a kilogram, not as the Act's base unit.
- Treating section 4 as only a technical provision. It supports later offences for using, quoting or publishing non-standard units.
Need help with units on your labels and records?
If your packaging, price lists or invoices use units you are not sure about, we can review them against the Act and the Rules with you. Begin with a legal consultation and share a sample of the documents in question.
Key takeaways
- Section 4: every unit of weight or measure must follow the metric system based on the international system of units.
- Section 5(1): the base units are the metre, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, candela and mole; section 5(2) leaves specifications, derived units and other units to the rules.
- Section 6: numeration uses the international form of Indian numerals and the decimal system, with multiples and sub-multiples as prescribed.
- Penalties for ignoring these standards sit in other sections, not in sections 4 to 6.
- The sections are not amended by the Jan Vishwas Acts of 2023 or 2026.
Read next
- Standard Units of Weights and Measures in India -- Chapter II
- Base Units and Derived Units Under Legal Metrology
- Sections 1 and 3 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009: Commencement, extent and overriding effect
- Sections 7 and 8 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009: Standard units and standard weights and measures
Disclaimer: Based on the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 (Act 1 of 2010) as enacted, read with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 (in force) and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 (in force only from the date the Central Government notifies); neither amends sections 4, 5 or 6. Rule references are to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 as amended up to March 2022. As on 30 September 2026. State Legal Metrology rules, later amendments and notifications change; verify the current position before acting.