Delhi Removes Periodic Licence Renewals Under Legal Metrology Rules

New Delhi, May 14 (KNN) In a move aimed at improving ease of doing business, the Government of Delhi has decided to eliminate periodic licence renewals for manufacturers, dealers and repairers operating under legal metrology rules and replace the existing framework with a self-declaration-based approval system.

The reform is part of Delhi’s Deregulation Exercise 2.0, which seeks to reduce compliance burdens and streamline regulatory processes across departments, reported the Economic Times.

Industries and Food Supplies Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the objective of the reform is to reduce procedural hurdles, improve trust-based governance and create a regulatory framework that supports business growth while maintaining accountability.

Delhi Shifts To Self-Declaration-Based Licensing 

Under the revised framework, the government has amended the Delhi Legal Metrology (Enforcement) Rules, 2011, removing the requirement for physical site inspections before granting licences. Businesses will now be able to obtain licences through a self-declaration mechanism.

The minister said the move is expected to significantly improve the ease of starting and operating businesses by reducing delays, cutting procedural bottlenecks and minimising unnecessary interactions with officials.

Currently, the Weights and Measures Department oversees more than 600 active businesses in the national capital, including 154 licensed manufacturers, 421 dealers and 24 repairers.

Lifetime Licences To Replace Periodic Renewals 

A key feature of the reform is the discontinuation of periodic licence renewals. Under the new system, licences issued after payment of the prescribed fee will remain valid indefinitely unless suspended or cancelled by the Controller or an authorised officer.

The lifetime approval mechanism is expected to reduce recurring compliance costs, save time for businesses and provide greater operational certainty for enterprises.

The reforms also include amendments to schedules, forms and registers under the rules to align the legal metrology licensing framework with the simplified approval structure.

(KNN Bureau)