Metrology provides a solid framework for reliable measurements. It plays a vital role in the development of technology, industries, quality products, economy, trade, and sustainable society. Legal Metrology is the application of legal requirements to measurements and measuring instruments.

Incipiently, the Department of Weights and Measures used to function under the aegis of the Department of Civil Supplies. In 1990, after Goa attained Statehood, an independent Department of Weights and Measures was set up with the view to provide a uniform standard of Weights & Measures in the state. The nomenclature of “the Department of Weights and Measures” was later changed to “the Department of Legal Metrology”, as notified by the Government by issuing the Notification.

The Department of Legal Metrology is engaged in regulating the use of correct weighing and measuring instruments in production, trade, and commerce to ensure that the exact weight, measure, and number of any commodity is provided to any customer as contracted for or paid for by him. It also safeguards consumers’ interests by ensuring mandatory declarations on packaged commodities.

The Department carries out regular/surprise inspections in markets, fair price shops, industries, petrol pumps, gas agencies, and other public outlets to check whether measuring and weighing units bear valid verification stamps and deliver the correct weight, measure, or volume of commodities to consumers. Inspections are also conducted on receipt of complaints from any source either in writing or telephonically. Action is taken against short delivery and overcharging on packaged commodities, Non-declarations on packaged commodities, and, use of defective, non-standard weights and measures as per relevant Acts and Rules.

The Department of Legal Metrology is one of the important organs of Consumers Protection. The noble and bounden duty of the Department is to protect the interest of the people by preserving and defending the measurement standards essential in providing the citizens a basis of value comparison and fair competition in the marketplace. Consumer awareness is the cornerstone of this Department and the Department provides informational seminars to local organizations.