The Government of Tamil Nadu has published a draft amendment to the Tamil Nadu Legal Metrology (Enforcement) Rules, 2011, aiming to modernize accuracy standards for weighing instruments used in commercial and sensitive transactions. The draft, issued through G.O. (2D) No. 40, Labour Welfare and Skill Development and notified as SRO A-26/2025, invites public objections and suggestions within 15 days of its publication in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette – OCTOBER 15, 2025.
⚖️ Key Proposed Amendment
The draft specifically proposes to substitute sub-rule (3) of Rule 9 of the existing Rules.
Existing Sub-rule (3), Rule 9:
Only beam scale of class A or class B category or a non-automatic weighing instrument of high accuracy class (Class II) or special accuracy class (Class I) shall be used in any transaction referred to in sub-rules (1) and (2).
Proposed Sub-rule (3), Rule 9:
Only beam scale of class A or class B or a non-automatic weighing instrument of high accuracy class (Class II) or special accuracy class (Class I) having a verification interval of 1 mg or less than 1 mg shall be used in any transaction referred to in sub-rules (1) and (2).
This change ensures greater precision and reliability in weighing instruments, particularly for bullion, precious metals, and other sensitive transactions, aligning state regulations with modern metrology standards, including BIS and OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) classifications.
🧩 Purpose of the Amendment
The amendment aims to:
- Enhance precision in weight-based commercial and laboratory transactions.
- Modernize standards to meet current international and national classifications.
- Strengthen consumer protection by ensuring accurate measurement in trade, avoiding disputes.
📜 Legal Authority
The draft amendment is issued under the powers conferred by Section 53(1) and (2) of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 (Central Act 1 of 2010), in consultation with the Central Government, as required under sub-section (4) of the same section.
🗣️ Public Consultation
Stakeholders are invited to submit objections or suggestions in duplicate to:
Address 1:
The Secretary to Government,
Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department,
Chennai – 600 009
Address 2:
Through the Commissioner of Labour,
Chennai – 600 006
Deadline: 15 days from the publication date in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette.
📊 Summary Table of Rule 9 Amendments
| Rule / Sub-rule | Existing Provision | Proposed Provision | Impact / Objective |
| Rule 9(3) | Beam scale of Class A/B or non-automatic weighing instrument (Class II/ I) | Same instruments but with verification interval ≤1 mg | Ensures high precision for sensitive transactions in bullion, precious metals, and laboratory use. |
| Rule 9(1)-(2) | Bullion and carat weights only for transactions in gold, silver, and precious stones | No change | Sets the scope of transactions to which the updated precision rules apply. |
| Rule 10 | Declaration of quantity in weight, length, area, volume, or number | No change | Confirms measurement units remain consistent; amendment only affects instrument accuracy. |
🧭 Background & Importance
- Rule 9(1) & (2) restrict the use of weights to bullion, carat, and precious stones, ensuring trade integrity in high-value commodities.
- Rule 10 provides guidance on units of measurement for different types of commodities.
- The proposed amendment strengthens enforcement by updating accuracy standards without altering the fundamental units of measurement.
By implementing this amendment, Tamil Nadu ensures fair trade practices, consumer confidence, and alignment with global measurement standards.
🗣️ Conclusion
The Tamil Nadu Government’s draft amendment represents a step forward in modernizing legal metrology standards.
It reinforces precision, transparency, and fairness in trade, particularly for high-value and sensitive transactions. Manufacturers, traders, and other stakeholders are encouraged to submit their feedback within the 15-day consultation period to help finalize the rules.