One mg Accuracy Mandated for Gold Trade to strengthen consumer protection through fair trade practices and reduce measurement discrepancies: Pralhad Joshi
NEW DELHI, MAY 20, 2025: The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, today commemorated World Metrology Day 2025, marking the 150th anniversary of the historic Metre Convention signed in Paris on 20th May 1875.
The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Mr Pralhad Joshi, during virtual address highlighted the Government’s vision to transform Legal Metrology into a pillar of economic growth and consumer confidence, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call to make Indian standards synonymous with global benchmarks.
The Union Minister also announced India is authorised to issue OIML Certificates. He said India has officially become the 13th country in the world authorised to issue OIML (International Organisation of Legal Metrology) certificates. This significant achievement enhances global trust in India’s measurement systems and positions the country as a credible player in international trade, allowing Indian manufacturers to gain wider acceptance in global markets.
Adding on, he said, the government also introduced the “One Nation, One Time” initiative under the Draft IST Rules, 2025, which is part of the broader Time Dissemination Project. This initiative aims to deliver Indian Standard Time (IST) with millisecond-level accuracy through five Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs). Such precise time synchronisation is crucial for critical sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and transport, ensuring national consistency in timekeeping.
To further protect consumers in high-value transactions, especially in the gold and jewellery sector, Shri Joshi said, the government proposed the mandatory use of 1 mg precision balances. This move will ensure greater accuracy and fairness in weighing gold, jewellery, and other precious metals, strengthening consumer rights and market accountability.
In a push towards digital governance, the eMaap portal was launched to streamline and digitize Legal Metrology processes. Currently integrating 18 States, the portal enables digital licensing, registration, and enforcement activities, the Union Minister apprised. This integration is expected to simplify compliance procedures, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance transparency in regulatory operations.
To foster better industry engagement, a Weekly Facilitation Helpdesk has been launched. This video-based helpdesk, held every Tuesday from 4–5 PM, will serve as a platform for businesses to raise queries and receive real-time assistance from officials, with active involvement from State Legal Metrology departments. The initiative aims to build a more responsive regulatory environment and promote ease of doing business, Shri Joshi added.
Mr B. L. Verma, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & Social Justice and Empowerment, in his keynote address, highlighted the important role of Legal Metrology in building a fair economy. He talked about achievements like simplifying processes and ensuring accurate devices like gas meters, breath analysers, etc. and stated that connectivity through the helpdesk has been set up for ease of doing business.
He announced key regulatory developments aimed at enhancing consumer safety and improving regulatory clarity. New Legal Metrology Rules for Speed Guns and Gas Meters have been formally notified, he said. These rules will help standardise and ensure the accuracy of critical devices used in law enforcement and utilities. Furthermore, upcoming regulations for Breath Analysers and Moisture Meters are in the pipeline, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening safety standards and consumer protection across sectors.
In addition, the Minister announced a reform in the implementation timeline for regulatory changes. Going forward, all amendments to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules will come into effect on either 1st January or 1st July. A 180-day transition period will be provided to allow industry stakeholders sufficient time to adapt, thereby supporting greater preparedness and smoother implementation of regulatory updates.
Mrs Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), Government of India, in her keynote address, highlighted the steady growth of Legal Metrology in India. She emphasised the need for hassle-free compliance, system improvements, and making regulations more industry-friendly through voluntary compliance by business associations. She reaffirmed India’s commitment to strict procedures and the adoption of modern technology to upgrade testing and measurement systems. She also released the poster on the occasion of World Metrology Day 2025, themed “Measurements for all times, for all people,”.
The celebration also paid tribute to India’s rich metrological heritage from the Indus Valley Civilisation to the Mauryan Empire’s regulated weight systems as described in the Arthashastra India’s future-ready approach with blockchain-backed traceability, software testing labs and inclusive policy reforms.
