Legal Metrology | Applications Open for Govt Approved Test Centre Recognition (Deadline Aug 31)

The Department of Consumer Affairs has invited online applications from eligible organisations seeking recognition as Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs) under the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013. Applications can be submitted until August 31, 2026, by 5:00 PM.

GATC Eligible Organizations

Industries, laboratories, engineering colleges, polytechnics, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and other eligible testing facilities can apply for recognition.

Applications are to be submitted through the Department's online portal, emaap.gov.in/gatc. The portal provides for online submission of applications, payment of fees, tracking of application status and communication with applicants.

According to the Department, the application period is from August 17 to August 31, 2026.

51 GATCs Already Recognised

The Department stated that 51 Government Approved Test Centres have already been recognised. The current application process is aimed at expanding the network of such centres.

The GATC framework enables technically competent institutions to undertake verification and re-verification of specified weights and measures used in trade and commerce.

Verification Scope Expanded to 23 Categories

Following amendments to the GATC Rules, recognised centres can undertake verification and re-verification of 23 categories of weights and measures.

These categories include:

Water meters
Sphygmomanometers
Clinical thermometers
Automatic rail weighbridges
Tape measures
Non-automatic weighing instruments of Accuracy Class III, up to 150 kg
Non-automatic weighing instruments of Accuracy Class IIII
Load cells
Beam scales
Counter machines
Weights of all categories
Gas meters
Energy meters
Moisture meters
Vehicle speed meters
Breath analysers
Multi-dimensional measuring instruments
Flow meters
Petrol and diesel dispensers
CNG dispensers
LPG dispensers
LNG dispensers
Hydrogen dispensers

The expanded categories include various fuel dispensing systems, including petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG, LNG and hydrogen dispensers.

Requirements for GATC Applicants

Eligible organizations seeking recognition are required to have the prescribed testing and calibration equipment traceable to national standards, qualified technical personnel and the infrastructure specified under the GATC Rules.

The GATC framework provides for participation by laboratories, industries, educational institutions and other testing facilities in the verification ecosystem, subject to the requirements prescribed under the applicable rules.

Role of State Legal Metrology Departments

The Department stated that the availability of additional GATCs will complement the work of State Legal Metrology Departments. With more centres available for verification services, State Legal Metrology Officers can focus on market surveillance, enforcement and consumer grievance redressal.

GATC Application Deadline

Eligible organizations interested in seeking recognition as Government Approved Test Centres can submit applications online through emaap.gov.in/gatc.

Application period: August 17–31, 2026

Last date: August 31, 2026

Deadline: 5:00 PM

Details regarding eligibility conditions, prescribed requirements and the application process are available on the online portal.