3.3 Weights and Measures Act 1987

Correct weights and measures have been important to consumers and businesses throughout history, and they remain relevant in modern societies. The Weights and Measures Act protects New Zealand's system of metric weights and measures, and prescribes their use in the market place. It is aimed at ensuring that goods sold by weight, measure or number are traded fairly and in accordance with internationally recognised principles. The Act ensures fairness for consumers and business domestically and underpins the credibility of goods traded internationally. Consumers and businesses need to know they are getting what they pay for.

The Act provides the means by which consumers are assured of the correct quantity of goods sold by weight, measure or number. The Act includes provisions ensuring that goods are exchanged on the basis of recognised and accurate weights and measures essentially through reference to standards and their enforcement, requiring businesses to be aware of their obligations, and for accredited persons to oversee and maintain accuracy of weighing and measuring instruments and their use.

The Act also includes a consumer protection component which regulates against traders selling goods less than their stated weight, measure or number and against incorrectly stated weight, measure or number. However, the Act is largely about standards and their enforcement.

A significant part of administering and enforcing the Weights and Measures Act involves complying with international standards. This enables consumers and businesses worldwide to have greater confidence that the products they are purchasing meet the same measurement standards, whether they are locally produced, exported or imported. Alignment with international convention makes it easier for New Zealand to work with other jurisdictions on weights and measures matters.

Enforcement

This Act is enforced by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. The enforcement work is undertaken by appointed inspectors; and verification and certification work is carried out by inspectors and third party verifiers known as accredited persons.