DoCA Invites Applications for Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs)

• 21 Aug 2026
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The Department of Consumer Affairs, operating under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, is inviting online applications from eligible organizations such as industries, labs, engineering colleges, polytechnics, ITIs and testing facilities. These organizations can apply for recognition as Government Approved Test Centres under the Legal Metrology Government Approved Test Centre Rules 2013. The application window is currently open. Eligible organizations are encouraged to submit their applications via Department's online portal @ emaap.gov.in/gatc. 

The deadline for submissions is 31 August 2026 @ 5:00 PM. The portal offers a fully digital process for GATC application submission, fee payment, application status tracking and communication with applicants. It makes process simpler, more transparent and business-friendly. 

Aim of GATC Initiative

The GATC initiative aims to enhance India's verification ecosystem by allowing technically skilled private sector institutions to engage in the verification as well as re-verification of specific weights and measures used in trade and commerce. 

Recognition of 51 GATCs Till Date

Currently, a total of 51 GATCs have gained recognition. Now, the Department is further expanding the network so as to provide businesses greater access to verification facilities closer to their areas. This initiative will ultimately reduce turnaround time and help in faster compliance.

Moreover, the initiative will complement the efforts of State Legal Metrology Departments. With more approved centers for verification services, State Legal Metrology Officers can concentrate on market surveillance, enforcement and addressing consumer grievances. 

Coverage to 23 Categories of Weights and Measures

Recent amendments to the GATC Rules now allow recognized GATCs to perform verification and re-verification of 23 categories of weights and measures. In the table below, we have listed all the categories:-

Partnership for Stronger Legal Metrology Services 

The GATC framework represents a collaborative approach in Legal Metrology. By involving technically capable laboratories, industries, educational institutions and testing organizations in the verification ecosystem, the Government is enhancing availability of reliable verification services while ensuring regulatory oversight as mandated by Legal Metrology framework. This approach aims to create a larger, more accessible and responsive verification network that benefits businesses and consumers alike. 

Faster Compliance, Reliable Measurements & Consumer Protection 

Accurate weights and measures are essential for fair transactions and consumer confidence. An expanded network of GATCs will make verification and re-verification services more accessible and timely, thereby supporting businesses in meeting their regulatory requirements while ensuring that measurements used in commercial transactions are accurate as well as reliable. 

The reform seeks to strike a balance between facilitating business operations and protecting consumers and make compliance easier for honest businesses. At the same time, it seeks to reinforce trust in the measurements used in everyday transactions. The Department's GATC reforms are also aligned with its broader initiatives towards digital governance, Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthening India’s quality infrastructure, which includes alignment with internationally accepted measurement practices. 

Applications remain open till 31 August 2026

Eligible organizations that wish to become GATCs can submit their applications online at emaap.gov.in/gatc. Application Period is 17 August 2026 to 31 August 2026 and Final Deadline is 31 August 2026 by 5:00 PM. Detailed eligibility criteria, requirements and the application process are available on the portal. Interested organizations are encouraged to complete their applications before the deadline. 

With 51 GATCs already recognized and the verification scope expanded to 23 categories, the Department is further enhancing India's measurement verification network. This expansion aims to provide industry with easier access to services, enable faster compliance and give consumers greater confidence in the accuracy of commercial measurements.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)