Is Your Organization Ready to Become a Government Approved Test Centre?
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Synopsis
Are you ready to elevate your organization? The Department of Consumer Affairs invites applications for recognition as Government Approved Test Centres, a crucial step in improving India's verification ecosystem. This initiative ensures accuracy and fairness in trade, opening doors for private industries to contribute significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Online application process available until November 30.
- Qualified technical staff required for recognition.
- Inspection of facilities by regulatory bodies before approval.
- Standardized fees for verification ensure transparency.
- GATCs can verify a wide range of measuring instruments.
New Delhi, Nov 12 (NationPress) The Department of Consumer Affairs has officially launched an online portal for organizations seeking recognition as Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs). This initiative marks a pivotal advancement in enhancing India’s verification framework for weights and measures, aimed at fostering accuracy, transparency, and fairness in trade.
Private companies, laboratories, and testing facilities can submit their applications via the online portal until November 30, as stated by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
To qualify, applicants need to possess adequate testing and calibration facilities that comply with national standards, alongside a team of qualified technical personnel with a minimum of three years experience in Legal Metrology.
Before granting approval, inspectors from the Department and State Legal Metrology offices will evaluate the applicant’s facilities to assess infrastructure, staff qualifications, and calibration systems.
According to the Legal Metrology (GATC) Amendment Rules, 2025, candidates are required to remit an online fee of Rs 2 lakh for each category of instrument or equipment, which will also be applicable for annual renewal.
Authorized GATCs will be permitted to charge verification or re-verification fees as outlined in the newly established Fifth Schedule of the Rules, ensuring consistent and transparent pricing nationwide.
Recognized GATCs will be equipped to verify 18 different types of weighing and measuring instruments, including but not limited to water meters, sphygmomanometers, clinical thermometers, automatic rail weighbridges, tape measures, gas meters, energy meters, speed meters for vehicles, and breath analyzers.
“Organizations wishing to be recognized as GATCs can now apply online via the new portal by submitting the required form to the Joint Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs. The portal provides a straightforward, transparent process for application submission, fee payment, and status tracking, thereby facilitating quicker and more efficient approvals,” stated the Department.
The expanded mandate of GATCs encompasses essential instruments across the healthcare, transportation, infrastructure, and energy sectors, where precision in measurement is vital for consumer safety and economic effectiveness.
The engagement of private industries as GATCs is expected to enhance the capabilities of State Legal Metrology Departments.
Point of View
The initiative by the Department of Consumer Affairs to recognize Government Approved Test Centres is a commendable step towards bolstering the integrity of trade practices in India. It emphasizes the importance of accuracy in measurements that affect various critical sectors, ensuring consumer safety and fostering economic growth.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for applying as a Government Approved Test Centre?
The deadline for submitting applications is November 30.
What are the requirements to be recognized as a GATC?
Applicants must have proper testing facilities linked to national standards and qualified technical staff with at least three years of experience in Legal Metrology.
What is the fee for applying as a GATC?
An online fee of Rs 2 lakh is required per category of instrument or equipment, applicable annually for renewal.
What types of instruments can GATCs verify?
GATCs can verify 18 types of weighing and measuring instruments, including water meters, clinical thermometers, and energy meters.
How will applications be processed?
Applications will be processed through an online portal, allowing for fee payment and status tracking.
