Weighing and Measuring Equipment

This Topic Includes:
Keep scales and measures in good order
Penalties
Visits to your business

The Weights and Measures Act 1987 says that when you use weighing or measuring equipment it must:

• Be of an approved type. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs' Measurement and Product Safety Service (MAPSS) issues a certificate for each type to state that it will not facilitate fraud, and is suitable for trade use.
• Be verified and stamped. Before any equipment can be used, it must be tested and verified as correct by a Ministry Officer or an Accredited Person (AP). Nearly all equipment has a lead plug or seal which should be marked with either a crown or the letters AP followed by a number.

If equipment is tested and does not show the correct weight, it can be rejected. Only a Ministry Officer can reject equipment. Equipment cannot be used after it is rejected until it is repaired and then retested and verified by a Ministry Officer or AP. The use of equipment which does not comply may lead to prosecution under the Act.

Rejected equipment is marked with a six-pointed star. The Ministry advises traders NOT TO PURCHASE SECOND-HAND EQUIPMENT MARKED WITH A SIX-POINTED STAR.

Keep scales and measures in good order

Under the Weights and Measures Act traders must not use false or unjust equipment.

• Make sure the scale is on a firm surface.
• Check that your scale has a level bubble. To be level the bubble must be centred. Use the levelling feet to adjust the scales.
• After levelling, the scale should show zero. If fitted, use the zero button to zero the scale. If you cannot get it to show zero with the scale level, call your service person. Note: If a scale shows zero but is not level it will in most cases be inaccurate.
• Keep advertising signs and display stands away from the indicator and weigh plate.
• Keep all weights, scales, and measures clean.
• Do not use damaged weights or dented measures.

Penalties

People convicted for breaches of the Act or regulations may face fines of up to $10,000 plus $250 for each day the breach continues. Equipment may be seized by a Ministry Officer and may later be forfeited by a Court.

Visits to your business

Under the Weights and Measures Act (as amended in 1991) APs can:

1. verify new or repaired equipment
2. certify and issue certificates of accuracy for equipment already in use.

Accredited persons may charge for this work. They do not have rights of entry and can only carry out work at your request.

Ministry Officers will conduct random inspections of equipment. They do not charge for these visits. You may ask to see a Ministry Officer's certificate of appointment. It contains a summary of the Ministry Officer's powers.

On request the Ministry Officer can also:

1. verify new or repaired equipment
2. issue certificates of accuracy for equipment already in use.

This work will be charged for to recover the cost of time and actual expenses.