The Department of Consumer Affairs has requested online applications for the recognition of Government-Approved Test Centers (GATC) in order to increase verification capacity and enhance service accessibility.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, eligible sectors, labs, engineering colleges, polytechnics, ITIs, and testing facilities can apply for accreditation as a GATC in accordance with the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013.
The measure is intended to help businesses comply more quickly while also providing customers with precise measurements.
Through the portal of the department, applications will be received between August 17 and August 31, 2026. The portal provides a fully digital application process, including online submission, fee payment, application tracking and communication with applicants.
The goal of the effort is to increase the involvement of technically skilled private organizations in India’s weights and measurements verification environment.
Government-Approved Testing Facilities are approved to conduct the verification and re-verification of certain weighing and measuring instruments used in trade and commerce.
The availability of verification services, turnaround time, and the quality of Legal Metrology services across the nation will all be enhanced by the increased network of these facilities.
After recent modifications to the 2013 Legal Metrology Rules, recognised GATCs are now permitted to inspect 23 different types of weighing and measuring equipment used in a variety of industries, including healthcare, energy, transportation, retail, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
The ministry stated that the extended network of GATCs will enhance the work of State Legal Metrology Departments.
The broadened GATC framework is also predicted to boost India’s quality infrastructure, encourage globally recognized measurement techniques, and assist Indian industry in adhering to global standards as the country keeps solidifying its position as an OIML Certification Authority, according to the statement.