Simple terms explainer
Local authorities can enter retail, trade, and medical premises within reasonable hours to inspect and check weighing and measuring equipment. This includes testing, verifying, and calibrating equipment such as weighing scales, fuel dispensers, and spirit measures to ensure they meet legal accuracy standards. They are responsible for ensuring that businesses use properly calibrated equipment when selling goods by weight or volume, helping to prevent inaccurate measurements and protect consumers. Local authorities can also requalify equipment following repair or adjustment and issue calibration certificates that provide traceability to national measurement standards.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Trading Standards
Duty type
Compliance
Social determinant of health
Economic Stability
Health and Social Care
Emerging policy and legislation
1
National bodies with shared interest
Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS)
National Measurement and Regulation Office (NMO)
Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)
Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS)
Standards and frameworks
3