The Government of Andhra Pradesh on May 05, 2026, issued the Draft Andhra Pradesh Legal Metrology Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) Rules, 2026.
The following has been stated:-
•The draft of "The Andhra Pradesh Legal Metrology Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) Rules, 2026" issued under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, establishes a framework for third-party agencies, known as State GATCs, to verify weights and measures used in intra-state trade.
•These rules define the "Principal Agent" as the person in charge of a GATC and mandate that such centres must maintain working standards procured from the India Government Mint.
•Eligible applicants for a GATC must be graduates in Science or Engineering with at least three years of experience in Legal Metrology.
•Furthermore, GATCs must obtain NABL accreditation and third-party liability insurance to cover potential damages. The verification fees collected by these centres will be shared between the State Government and the GATC at a 50:50 ratio.
•Approved GATCs are authorized to verify specific instruments listed in the First Schedule, including water meters, weights, and energy meters.
•The Secretary of Consumer Affairs holds the authority to approve, renew, suspend, or cancel GATC certifications based on compliance with these rules.
•Finally, any person aggrieved by an order under these rules may prefer an appeal to the State Government within the specified format.
•The government has provided a 15-day window from May 05, 2026, for affected persons to submit objections or suggestions to the Commissioner in Vijayawada.
The detailed notification is given in the document below.
[Notification No.: G.O.Ms.No.4]
