About Legal Metrology Department

The Metric System of weights and measures was first introduced in Kerala in selected areas from 1-10-1958 and thereafter it was extended to the other areas in accordance with a phased programme.

Prior to the introduction of the Metric System and appointment of Inspectors exclusively for the work of verification and stamping of weights, measures, etc. used by the traders, such work as verification and stamping of weights, measures, etc. were being carried out in the Taluk Offices under the control of the Revenue Department, with the available staff. There were respective Weights and Measures Regulations for the areas comprised in the erstwhile Travancore and Cochin States and the Malabar area. But the enforcement of the regulations then existing was not as effective as it ought to be. In the year 1956 the Central Government enacted the Standards of Weights and Measures Act prescribing the metric units of weights and measures for the whole of India and the States passed their own enactments for the enforcement of metric system in their areas based on the Central Act. Rules were also framed under the Enforcement Act to implement the provisions of the Act effectively. In this State as in other States of India a Special Officer was appointed under the Board of Revenue for the adoption of metric system who was later designated as the Controller of Weights and Measures. Inspectors were also appointed for the enforcement of the Kerala Weights and Measure(Enforcement) Act, 1958 and the Rules made there under. This department was originally named as the Department Of Legal Metrology.

Mission and Vision of the department

Consumer Protection is the main motto of this Department. For this purpose Weights, Measures and Weighing and Measuring instruments used by traders are subjected to periodical verification and stamping. Surprise inspections are also being conducted at trade premises to check whether irregularities are done by the traders in weights and measures, packaged commodities etc.

• Organization chart (PDF)

Verification and Inspection of the Weights and Measures and Weighing Instruments for the protection of the consumers are the main function of the Department. Detection of irregularities with regard to packaged commodities is also being done by this Department.