Which License is Required to Import Pre-packaged Commodities?

The pre-packaged commodities are products that are packed without the purchaser being present. Such commodities are governed by the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. Under the Act, importers of pre-packaged commodities must obtain the LMPC license. However, this license alone is not enough. 

Importers also need Import Export Code (IEC) registration, GST registration and business registration. In this blog post, we shall discuss all the major licensing and registration requirements in a detailed manner.

What is a Pre-Packaged Commodity?

According to Section 2(l) of Legal Metrology Act 2009, the term pre-packaged commodity is described as a commodity which without the purchaser being present is placed in a package of whatever nature (whether sealed or not) so that the product contained in it has a predetermined quantity. 

Simply put, a prepackaged commodity is a product that is packed before it gets sold to consumers in a fixed quantity. Some common examples of pre-packaged commodities include the following:

• Packaged food items like chips and protein bars 
• Bottled water and sparkling soda
• Cosmetics and beauty products
• Herbal and Unani Medicines in bottles, jars, etc.

What isn’t a Pre-Packaged Commodity?

The High Courts of India, namely, the Madras High Court, Andhra Pradesh High Court and Bombay High Court, have said that goods packed only for transport or for the convenience of customers are not treated as pre-packaged commodities. However, the Supreme Court of India and the Kerala High Court have taken a different view on this issue.

In the case of Phillips India Ltd. v. Union of India, the Madras High Court said that televisions, video players, audio players and speakers packed only for safe transport, storage and handling would not be treated as pre-packaged commodities.

In Eureka Forbes Ltd. v. Union of India, the Andhra Pradesh High Court observed that a product does not become a packaged commodity just because the company prints details on it or keeps it in a box for storage and transport.

Table: Licenses and Registrations Required for Importing Pre-Packaged Commodities

List of Licenses and Registrations for Importing Pre-Packaged Commodities in 2026

Some of the most important licenses and registrations required for importing pre-packaged commodities, as of 2026, are explained below:

LMPC License

LMPC license is the primary license for import of pre-packaged commodities into India from other nations. This license is governed by Rule no. 27 of Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules 2011 read with Legal Metrology Act 2009. To obtain LMPC certificate, you must file an application with Legal Metrology Department. 

The application must be filed either online via official website or offline by visiting the Department. For assistance in obtaining this license in a simplified manner, you can get in touch with our legal metrology license experts.

Import Export Code (IEC) Registration

To export goods from India or import goods into India, getting an Import Export Code (IEC) is compulsory. It is a 10 digit code used for import and export business in India. For a business engaged in importing pre-packaged goods, it is one of the most important requirements. It is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). 

To apply for it, you must file an online application via the official DGFT portal. Once issued, the IEC remains valid for a lifetime. With that being said, all the Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) holders must update or confirm their profile details online every year between April 1 and June 30 to maintain the active status of IEC. 

GST Registration

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration becomes a mandatory requirement for businesses when their annual turnover exceeds the threshold limits, i.e., Rs. 40 lakhs for goods in most states or Rs. 20 lakhs for goods in special category states. 

However, GST registration is compulsory in the case of inter-state supply, regardless of turnover. Import of goods is treated as an inter-state supply. After successful registration, you will obtain a GSTIN to file your Bill of Entry, clear goods at customs and claim your Input Tax Credit (ITC).

Company/Business Registration

One of the most important requirements for a business dealing in the import of pre-packaged goods is choosing the right business structure. You can operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership firm, where registration is not mandatory at all. Alternatively, you may choose a limited liability partnership or pvt limited company depending on your business needs. Remember that, both LLPs and private limited companies require registration.

Business registration is important because it helps in opening a current bank account, obtaining GST registration and applying for IEC registration. It also allows businesses to legally carry out import-related activities in India. The type of business registration required may vary depending on the size as well as structure of the business.

For assistance in choosing the right business structure, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Registrationkraft team.

Conclusion

To import pre-packaged goods from other nations to India, it is mandatory to secure the LMPC license/certificate. Additionally, it is also mandatory to secure IEC, GST registration and business/company registration. Depending on the local laws and regulations of the state where the business is located, there may be additional requirements. 

Get in touch with Registrationkraft to secure the LMPC certificate for importing pre-packaged goods into India. We’ll help you to file the application for this certificate in the prescribed format while ensuring accuracy and completeness of the application form. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which legal metrology license do I require for importing pre-packaged commodities into India?

A. The LMPC license is the required legal metrology license if you want to import pre-packaged commodities into India from other nations across the world.

Q2. Do I require IEC registration if I want to import pre-packaged goods into India?

Yes, you require IEC registration to import pre-packaged goods into India.

Q3. What are examples of pre-packaged goods?

Examples of pre-packaged goods include packaged drinking water, canned seafood, milk cartons, sealed chips packets, etc.

Q4. Which Act is the primary act for governing weights and measures in India?

The Legal Metrology Act 2009 is the primary act governing weights and measures in India.