Govt sends notices to 63 firms selling kitchen scales to check compliance
New Delhi:
The government has issued notices to 63 manufacturers, importers and sellers of personal weighing and measuring instruments like kitchen scales on the e-commerce platform, asking whether they have complied with all regulatory norms.
The development comes in the backdrop of several consumer complaints regarding unauthorized sale of these products on the e-commerce platform.
Speaking to PTI, a senior consumer affairs ministry official said, “Based on consumer complaints and suo motu, 63 show cause notices have been issued between June and August 29.”
The official said that manufacturers, importers and sellers have been asked to provide details of model approval, manufacturing/importer/dealer license and verification of weighing scales.
The official said that suo motu action was taken as it was observed that some manufacturers/importers of weighing and measuring instruments were selling kitchen scales and personal weighing machines without complying with the provisions of the law.
As per the Legal Metrology Act 2009, manufacturers and importers are required to obtain the model, manufacture license, import registration and verification/stamping platform approval of their weighing and measuring equipment.
Compliance with these provisions is imperative in the interest of consumers and for regulating trade and commerce in weights, measures and other commodities.
In addition, the mandatory declaration of the product should be done on the pre-packaged commodity/e-commerce platform for consumers to make an informed choice.
The manufacturers/importers are required to keep records of the number of weighing instruments and their parts manufactured and imported, sold/distributed and the details of verification fee paid to the Government.
Under the Act, contravention of these rules can be punishable with fine and imprisonment or both.