Businesses - Weight and Measures

Trading Standards regularly provide advice and guidance to Worcestershire businesses in respect of weights and measures legislation.

The Service conducts visits and inspections to businesses to test and verify weighing and measuring equipment used in serving or packing goods. The Trading Standards metrology unit can test a whole variety of equipment from the humble shop scale to fuel pumps at a filling station.

Verification Service, Calibration Laboratory and Weight Hire

In general, most types of weighing or measuring equipment must be tested and verified as correct before it can be used for trade purposes, either for the first time when new or after repair. Our laboratory is covered by ISO 9001 registration. We are also a notified body under the Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments (EEC Requirements) Regulations 2000 and the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID), in respect of liquid fuel meters and road tanker measuring systems.

Trading Standards can provide this verification service for you. We also provide a calibration and testing service  (46KB) of weighing or measuring equipment for accuracy and certification purposes at any time on request. We also have calibrated weights for hire.

If you would like us to arrange verification, use our calibration service or require further information please contact the Calibration Team on 01527 881391 or e-mail wrsenquiries@worcsregservices.gov.uk.

Fees

Public Weighbridges

We maintain an up-to-date list of public weighbridge premises  (41KB) available within Worcestershire. We would advise you contact the public weighbridge prior to travelling to confirm opening times.

Public Weighbridge Operator Certificates

Anyone who operates a weighbridge that is used by the public and for which a fee is charged must hold a certificate signed by the Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures to show that they have sufficient knowledge for the proper performance of their duties. Worcestershire Trading Standards Service is responsible for examining any candidates and issuing certificates under section 18 of the Weights and Measures Act 1985. Please follow this link for an online application form and for further information about Public Weighbridge Operator Certificates.

Leaflets

• Alcoholic drinks  (65KB) 
• Average quantity  (72KB)
• Bulk fuel - liquid fuel carried by road tankers  (54KB)
• Bakers (small)  (67KB)
• Greengrocers  (54KB)
• Measuring Instruments Directive (MID)
• Metrication & unit pricing requirements  (50KB)
• Pubs & restaurants
• Pubs & restaurants - dispense of draught beer
• Selling meat, fish & poultry by weight  (54KB)
• Weighing equipment in use for trade  (60KB)
• Weighbridges - general information  (51KB)