The Department of Consumer Affairs has introduced an Improvement Notice mechanism under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, allowing businesses to rectify specified first-time procedural or regulatory non-compliances before penal action is initiated.
The mechanism applies to manufacturers, importers, packers, dealers, repairers, traders, MSMEs and other regulated entities. It aims to promote Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) by encouraging voluntary compliance, reducing unnecessary litigation, and lowering compliance costs while maintaining strong consumer protection.
Under the new framework, Legal Metrology Officers can issue an Improvement Notice for specified first-time procedural lapses, giving businesses a reasonable period to correct deficiencies. Failure to comply within the stipulated time or repeated violations will continue to attract action under the Legal Metrology Act.
The government clarified that the reform does not dilute enforcement against fraud, repeated violations, tampering or other acts that adversely affect consumer interests. The initiative is intended to create a more transparent, predictable and trust-based regulatory environment while safeguarding consumer interests.