Weights and Measures Compliance: Who Qualifies and What You Get
If you sell goods by weight, you must ensure your scales are verified to comply with national trading standards.
This scheme ensures that all weighing equipment used in retail is accurate so that customers receive exactly what they pay for when purchasing goods by weight.
Who it's for
This scheme is required for any shop or retail business that sells loose goods by weight. If your business involves weighing out items for customers rather than selling pre-packaged goods with a fixed weight, you fall under these regulations.
What you get
By meeting these requirements, you receive the legal right to trade using scales in your business. Following these rules ensures that your shop operates within the law and provides customers with the confidence that the measurements they receive are truthful and consistent.
What it costs you
Compliance requires that your scales are officially stamped and verified. This process ensures that your weighing equipment meets the necessary accuracy standards required for trade. You must ensure that your equipment undergoes the necessary verification steps to confirm it is functioning correctly for your customers.
The catch to know
The most critical thing to remember is that using unverified scales is a criminal offence. It is not enough to simply own the equipment; the scales must have been officially checked and stamped to be considered legal for use in a retail environment.
How to apply
- Identify every scale and weighing device used to sell loose goods in your shop.
- Contact the relevant authorities to arrange for a formal inspection of your equipment.
- Ensure your scales are verified and receive the necessary official stamp to confirm accuracy.
- Regularly check your equipment to maintain compliance with trading standards.