Overview
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, through the Department of Consumer Affairs, has launched an online portal inviting applications for recognition as Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs). This initiative aims to expand India’s verification ecosystem and infrastructure for weights and measures, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and fairness in trade.
Key Developments
Online Application Portal
An online portal has been launched for private industries, laboratories, and testing facilities to apply for recognition as GATCs. The portal can be accessed at https://doca.gov.in/gatc.
- Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
Legal Framework
This initiative is taken under the Legal Metrology Government Approved Test Centre Rules, 2013, which were amended on 23 October 2025. The amendment empowers private sector participation in the verification of weighing and measuring instruments.
Public-Private Partnership
The reform reflects a public-private partnership model aimed at improving verification capacity, reducing waiting time, and ensuring quality verification services for trade and consumers.
Scope of GATCs
Recognized GATCs will be authorized to verify 18 types of weighing and measuring instruments, including:
- Water meter
- Sphygmomanometer
- Clinical thermometer
- Automatic rail weighbridges
- Tape measures
- Non-automatic weighing instruments of Accuracy Class III (upto 150kg)
- Non-automatic weighing instruments of Accuracy Class IIII
- Load cell
- Beam scale
- Counter machine
- Weights of all category
- Gas meters
- Energy meters
- Moisture meters
- Speed meters for vehicles
- Breath analyzers
- Multi-dimensional measuring instruments
- Flow meters
Application Process
Organizations seeking recognition as GATCs can apply online through the new portal by submitting the prescribed form to the Joint Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs. The portal offers a transparent process for application, fee payment, and status tracking.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have proper testing and calibration facilities linked to national standards, along with qualified technical staff with at least three years of experience in Legal Metrology. Officials will inspect the applicant’s premises before granting approval.
Fees and Charges
As per the Legal Metrology (GATC) Amendment Rules, 2025, applicants are required to pay an online fee of ₹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. Standardized fees ensure uniformity and transparency.
- Rs. 250 for domestic water meters
- Rs. 1,000 for commercial water meters
- Rs. 2,500 for industrial water meters
- Rs. 100 per sphygmomanometer
- Rs. 50 per clinical thermometer
- Rs. 3,000 for non-automatic weighing instruments up to 150 kg
- Rs. 5,000 for flow meters up to 100 mm
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 3: Economy
This initiative directly relates to the economy by ensuring accurate measurements in trade and commerce. The involvement of private industries as GATCs will boost the capacity of State Legal Metrology Departments, allowing state officers to focus on inspection, enforcement, and consumer grievance redressal, improving overall regulatory efficiency.
GS Paper 2: Government Policies
The amendments to the Legal Metrology Government Approved Test Centre Rules, 2013, and the launch of the online portal are significant policy interventions aimed at improving governance and promoting public-private partnerships.
Atmanirbhar Bharat
This initiative aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, fostering domestic testing capability and self-reliance by leveraging the expertise of Indian industries.
OIML Standards
The amendments also align India’s system with global OIML standards. As an OIML Certification Authority, India can now issue internationally accepted certificates, helping Indian manufacturers obtain global certification within the country.