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India Expands Verification Ecosystem: New Online Portal for Govt Test Centres

The Department of Consumer Affairs has launched an online portal for private entities to apply as government-approved test centres. This initiative aims to expand India's verification infrastructure for weights and measures. Private industries and laboratories can submit applications until November 30 through the new digital platform. The move will enhance measurement accuracy and transparency across trade sectors while boosting testing capacity nationwide.

Key Points: Centre Invites Online Applications for Govt Approved Test Centres

  • Applications open till November 30 for private industries and laboratories
  • Applicants need qualified staff with 3+ years metrology experience
  • Rs 2 lakh fee per equipment category applies for approval and renewal
  • GATCs authorized to verify 18 types of weighing and measuring instruments
2 min read

Centre invites online applications for recognition as govt-approved test centres

Private industries can apply online till Nov 30 to become govt-approved test centres for weights and measures verification, enhancing India's measurement infrastructure.

"The portal offers a simple and transparent process for application, fee payment, and status tracking, ensuring faster and more efficient approvals - Department of Consumer Affairs"

New Delhi, Nov 12

The Department of Consumer Affairs on Wednesday invited applications through online portal for recognition as government approved test centres (GATCs), in a significant step in expanding India’s verification ecosystem and infrastructure for weights and measures, which is aimed at ensuring accuracy, transparency and fairness in trade.

Private industries, laboratories, and testing facilities can apply through the online portal till November 30, according to Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Applicants must have proper testing and calibration facilities linked to national standards, along with qualified technical staff who have at least three years of experience in Legal Metrology.

Before granting approval, officials from the Department and State Legal Metrology offices will inspect the applicant’s premises to verify infrastructure, staff competence, and calibration systems.

As per the Legal Metrology (GATC) Amendment Rules, 2025, applicants are required to pay an online fee of Rs 2 lakh per category of instrument or equipment, which will also apply annually for renewal of recognition.

The recognized GATCs shall take verification or re-verification fees as specified in the newly introduced Fifth Schedule of the Rules. These standardized fees ensure uniformity and transparency across the country.

Recognized GATCs will be authorised to verify 18 types of weighing and measuring instruments, including water meter, Sphygmomanometer, Clinical thermometer, Automatic rail weighbridges, Tape measures, Gas meters, Energy meters, Speed meters for vehicles, Breath analyzers and more.

“Any organisation seeking recognition as a Government Approved Test Centre can now apply online through the new portal by submitting the prescribed form to the Joint Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs. The portal offers a simple and transparent process for application, fee payment, and status tracking, ensuring faster and more efficient approvals,” said the Department.

The expanded scope of GATCs covers key instruments across healthcare, transport, infrastructure and energy sectors, where measurement precision is critical for consumer safety and economic efficiency.

The participation of private industries as Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs) will boost the capacity of State Legal Metrology Departments.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Rs 2 lakh per category seems quite steep for small businesses. While standardization is important, the government should consider tiered pricing based on company size. Hope they review this aspect.
S
Sarah B
Great initiative! Standardized testing for medical devices like sphygmomanometers and clinical thermometers is crucial for patient safety. This will help prevent inaccurate readings in hospitals and clinics.
V
Vikram M
Finally, some progress in our verification infrastructure! The inclusion of energy meters and gas meters is particularly important given the recent billing complaints. Hope this brings more accountability.
A
Ananya R
The transparency in fee structure is commendable. No more hidden charges or different rates in different states. This will definitely boost consumer confidence in measurements across various sectors. 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
The 3-year experience requirement for technical staff ensures quality, but I hope there are provisions for fresh talent to get trained and certified. We need to build capacity for the future too.

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