NEW DELHI, March 17 -- Consumers will soon be able to check whether a shop is compliant with weights and measures or pricing norms by simply scanning a QR code at the outlet.

The Centre is preparing to make quick-response code (QR)-based digital certification of retail shops in the country mandatory to help protect consumers and push towards formalization of the retail sector, according to two government officials aware of the development.

The plan is part of a push to strengthen enforcement of legal metrology rules for weights and measures and ensure that businesses comply with standards through a foolproof verification mechanism. The tamper-proof QR codes must be prominently displayed by all retail shops.

Customers should be able to ...