Discussion Paper Summary

May 2001

The Average Quantity System - Proposed Amendments to the Weights and Measures Regulations 1999

This paper sets out the Ministry’s proposals for changes to the Weights and Measures Regulations 1999 that must come into force in November 2001. They will provide for the practical implementation of a new system for checking compliance with quantity requirements for packaged goods. This system is known as the Average Quantity System (AQS).

The purpose of this paper is to seek comments from interested parties on the proposed regulations. Before the Minister makes any recommendation for putting in place new regulations, he is required to consult with such individuals or organisations, as he thinks fit, to ensure these new rules are acceptable to business and consumers.

Your comments are sought on any part or all of the regulations, especially if any part would not be clear and comprehensible to those using them or if there is any aspect which you feel is inaccurate, likely to cause hindrance to trade, or confusion to consumers, or is inequitable.

In addition to this consultation exercise the Ministry is required by Cabinet to set up a panel, made up of representatives from business, to review the final draft of the regulations before they can be implemented. This is an extra precaution the Government has put in place to ensure effective regulation.

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