Weights and Measures
The purpose of regulating weights and measures is to ensure that consumers have the information on quantity that they need to make informed purchasing decisions and that they can be confident that when they make a purchase they are not being sold short weight or measure. It also protects businesses from unscrupulous competitors.
In the UK most transactions in goods by weight or measure are regulated by the Weights and Measures Act 1985 and through secondary legislation, including the Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/659). A copy of these Regulations can be found here http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si2006/20060659.htm or a hard copy can be ordered from The Stationery Office by visiting www.tso.co.uk or by calling 0870 600 5522.
Who Does What
In April 2007 responsibility for all weights and measures issues passed to the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) including policy on those provisions of the Weights and Measures Act aimed at (i) protecting the consumer against being sold shortweight; and (ii) providing consumers with information about the weight or volume of goods before they commit themselves to a purchase. NWML also took over the sponsorship of the Hallmarking Council.
In June 2007 NWML became part of the newly created Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).
Trading Standards Departments of Local Authorities are responsible for enforcing weights and measures law.
Businesses or members of the public who have queries or complaints regarding the law on weights and measures should contact Consumer Direct at: www.consumerdirect.gov.uk (Tel: 08454 04 05 06). Consumers in Northern Ireland should contact Consumer Line on 0845 600 6262.
If you would like more information on these topics then please click on the following links:
Packaged Goods legislation click here
Units of Measurement legislation click here
Units of Measurement Directive - supplementary Indications click here
Hall Marking legislation click here
Alternatively for all other weights and measures legislation you can use the search facility below. Simply select type of document or subject, or enter a key word.
Automatic catchweighing instruments
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Automatic gravimetric filling instruments
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Automatic rail weigh-bridges
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Capacity measures & testing equipment
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Cold water meters
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Food Labelling
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Intoxicating liquor
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Liquid fuel & lubricants
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Measures of length
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Measuring Instruments Directive
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NMS Programme
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Non-automatic weighing instruments
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Prescription Review
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Regulatory Reform Order
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Review of the Old Approach Directives
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Sale of Goods by Quantity
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Supplementary Indications
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