The Marking of Heavy Packages Act, 1951

The Marking of Heavy Packages Act, 1951 is an Indian law that aims to give effect to the International Convention drawn up in Geneva on the 30th day of May, 1929, for the marking of weight on heavy packages transported by sea or inland water-ways.

The Act defines a "heavy package" as one weighing not less than one metric ton, which is equal to one thousand kilogrammes or 2204.6 standard pounds or 26.8 standard maunds. It also provides for the marking of weight on heavy packages by every person consigning them for transport by sea or inland water-ways from any place in India.

The Act appoints inspectors for the purposes of this Act and assigns to each of them one or more areas to be specified in the notification. These inspectors have the power to enter, inspect, and examine any place or vessel, and also direct that a heavy package shall not be transported until it has been marked in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Penalties for contravening the provisions of the Act include fines which may extend to five hundred rupees, and wilful obstruction of an inspector can result in fines extending up to two hundred rupees.