Commercial Quantity (NDPS)
Definition
The upper quantity threshold under India's NDPS Act 1985 above which the maximum punishment (10 years to life) applies. Example: 250 g for heroin, 20 kg for ganja.
- Jurisdiction
- India, NDPS Act 1985
- Effect
- Triggers maximum punishment band
- Punishment range
- 10 years to life
- Example threshold, heroin
- 250 g
- Example threshold, ganja
- 20 kg
Common questions
How does commercial quantity differ from small quantity under the NDPS Act?+
The Act sets two thresholds per substance, small quantity and commercial quantity, with an intermediate quantity band between them; small quantity carries the lightest punishment (up to one year), the intermediate band carries moderate punishment, and commercial quantity triggers the harshest range and stricter bail conditions.
Why does the exact seized weight matter so much in an NDPS case?+
Because the threshold quantities are set in the statute per substance, a small difference in measured weight can move a case across a threshold and change the applicable punishment range and bail standard, making accurate, defensible weighing and purity testing critical to the prosecution and defence.
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