New Zealand
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Economy Detail
1. Laws of Metrology
Weights and Measures Act 1987 and Amendments
Regulations made under the Weight and Measures Act 1987 and issued as Orders-in-Council. The main regulations are the Weights and Measures Regulations 1999.
The Measurement Standards Act 1992 and the regulations made under this Act specify the New Zealand Units of Measurement of Physical Quantities.
1.1 Legal Requirements for Traceability
Traceability of measurement in relation to legal metrology is provided by Sections 5, 6, 7 and 7A of the Weights and Measures Act 1987.
Regulations made under the Weight and Measures Act 1987 and issued as Orders-in-Council. The main regulations are the Weights and Measures Regulations 1999.
The Measurement Standards Act 1992 and the regulations made under this Act specify the New Zealand Units of Measurement of Physical Quantities.
1.1 Legal Requirements for Traceability
Traceability of measurement in relation to legal metrology is provided by Sections 5, 6, 7 and 7A of the Weights and Measures Act 1987.
2. Legal Units of Measurement
The legal units of measurement in New Zealand are defined in the National Standards Regulations 1976 and are those of the International system (SI) Units.
3. Structure of Metrological Control Authorities
Trading Standards (TS) is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the trade measurement system that is provided for in the Weights and Measures Act 1987 and supporting Regulations. The intent of the Act is to establish a legal metrology infrastructure to ensure goods traded by reference to quantity are exchanged on the basis of recognised, informed and accurate weight or measure.
The Weights and Measures legislation provides for an Accreditation System for Accredited Persons (AP) who are under a duty to verify and certify weighing and measuring instruments in use for trade. AP also undertake installation, calibration and repairs on these instruments.
Trading Standards publishes a series of policy guides and pamphlets which are available on the Trading Standards website.
3.1 National Organisation for Legal Metrology
Trading Standards
Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment
PO Box 1473
Wellington, New Zealand
Telephone: 64 5 086 27774
Facsimile: 64 4 494 0290
Email: tradingstandards@mbie.govt.nz
Website: http://www.tradingstandards.mbie.govt.nz
Trading Standards (TS) is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the trade measurement system that is provided for in the Weights and Measures Act 1987 and supporting Regulations. The intent of the Act is to establish a legal metrology infrastructure to ensure goods traded by reference to quantity are exchanged on the basis of recognised, informed and accurate weight or measure.
The Weights and Measures legislation provides for an Accreditation System for Accredited Persons (AP) who are under a duty to verify and certify weighing and measuring instruments in use for trade. AP also undertake installation, calibration and repairs on these instruments.
Trading Standards publishes a series of policy guides and pamphlets which are available on the Trading Standards website.
3.2 Custodian of National Standards
The custodian of the national standards of measurement is the responsibility of the Measurement Standards Laboratory (MSL), who are a New Zealand Crown Research Institute at Callaghan Innovation.
The Chief Metrologist
Measurement Standards Laboratory
Callaghan Innovation
PO Box 31 310
Lower Hutt 5040
Telephone: 64 4 569 0000
Facsimile: 64 4 566 6000
Email: info@callaghaninnovation.govt.nz
Website: https://www.msl.irl.cri.nz/
3.3 National Organisation Responsible for Maintaining Primary Standards
The New Zealand Primary Standards are held by MSL (see 3.2).
3.4 Regional and Local Verification Organisation
TS is the regulatory body throughout New Zealand. Offices are located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
The Weights and Measures Act 1987 provides for an Accreditation System that allows Trading Standards to accredit private organisations who have a Quality Management System in place and have demonstrated the required skills and knowledge to become an AP. The duties of an AP are to verify and certify weighing and measuring instruments in use for trade. As of July 2015, there are 44 Accredited Organisations and 260 Accredited Persons.
3.5 Instrument Calibration and Evaluation Systems
TS has arrangements with testing laboratories for pattern approval testing of trade measuring instruments. All testing is carried out under direct supervision of TS.
The Testing Laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 for the relevant standards for pattern approval testing.
The Weights and Measures legislation provides for an Accreditation System for Accredited Persons (AP) who are under a duty to verify and certify weighing and measuring instruments in use for trade. AP also undertake installation, calibration and repairs on these instruments.
Trading Standards publishes a series of policy guides and pamphlets which are available on the Trading Standards website.
3.1 National Organisation for Legal Metrology
Trading Standards
Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment
PO Box 1473
Wellington, New Zealand
Telephone: 64 5 086 27774
Facsimile: 64 4 494 0290
Email: tradingstandards@mbie.govt.nz
Website: http://www.tradingstandards.mbie.govt.nz
Trading Standards (TS) is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the trade measurement system that is provided for in the Weights and Measures Act 1987 and supporting Regulations. The intent of the Act is to establish a legal metrology infrastructure to ensure goods traded by reference to quantity are exchanged on the basis of recognised, informed and accurate weight or measure.
The Weights and Measures legislation provides for an Accreditation System for Accredited Persons (AP) who are under a duty to verify and certify weighing and measuring instruments in use for trade. AP also undertake installation, calibration and repairs on these instruments.
Trading Standards publishes a series of policy guides and pamphlets which are available on the Trading Standards website.
3.2 Custodian of National Standards
The custodian of the national standards of measurement is the responsibility of the Measurement Standards Laboratory (MSL), who are a New Zealand Crown Research Institute at Callaghan Innovation.
The Chief Metrologist
Measurement Standards Laboratory
Callaghan Innovation
PO Box 31 310
Lower Hutt 5040
Telephone: 64 4 569 0000
Facsimile: 64 4 566 6000
Email: info@callaghaninnovation.govt.nz
Website: https://www.msl.irl.cri.nz/
3.3 National Organisation Responsible for Maintaining Primary Standards
The New Zealand Primary Standards are held by MSL (see 3.2).
3.4 Regional and Local Verification Organisation
TS is the regulatory body throughout New Zealand. Offices are located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
The Weights and Measures Act 1987 provides for an Accreditation System that allows Trading Standards to accredit private organisations who have a Quality Management System in place and have demonstrated the required skills and knowledge to become an AP. The duties of an AP are to verify and certify weighing and measuring instruments in use for trade. As of July 2015, there are 44 Accredited Organisations and 260 Accredited Persons.
3.5 Instrument Calibration and Evaluation Systems
TS has arrangements with testing laboratories for pattern approval testing of trade measuring instruments. All testing is carried out under direct supervision of TS.
The Testing Laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 for the relevant standards for pattern approval testing.
4. Range of Equipment Subject to Legal Metrology
The Weights and Measures Act 1987 controls equipment that is used for the trade purposes for determining the weight, volume or length of goods. The equipment used for trade must have type approval before they can be installed and verified. Automatic weighing machines and automatic volumetric liquid dispensing machines are exempted from type approval and verification requirements.
Electricity, gas, water and taximeter legislation is administered by other government or local authority agencies.
Electricity, gas, water and taximeter legislation is administered by other government or local authority agencies.
5. Type Approval
5.1 Legal and Technical Requirements for Type Approval
Type approval of measuring instruments follows OIML International Recommendations. The Weights and Measures Regulations 1999 are based on OIML International Recommendations.
Once an instrument type has been approved a Certificate of Approval is issued. The certificate number must be marked on each instrument submitted for verification as an indication to the verification personnel that the instrument has type approval.
5.2 Authority Responsible for Issuing Type Approval
Trading Standards
5.3 Recognition/Acceptance of OIML Certificate
The Weights and Measures Regulations 1999 provide acceptance of any Certificate of Approval issued by a full member of OIML. That approval must be issued in accordance with an OIML International Recommendation.
New Zealand is also a signatory to OIML-MAA agreement, and accepts the test results of issuing economies listed in the agreement.
In addition, New Zealand has mutual recognition agreements with National Measurement Institute, Australia and National Measurement and Regulation Office and the UK.
5.4 Authority Responsible for Testing for Type Approval
Trading Standards
5.5 List of Major Test Facilities Available
Used to test trade measuring instruments to OIML International Recommendations:
- Environmental Chamber situated at the Measurement Standards Laboratory -10°C to +40°C
- Equipment to test for voltage variations:
-Digital multi-meter
-Power supply
-Variable power adjuster
-Drop out/variation simulator
-Mainframe generator
-Fast transient/burst generator
-Electrostatic discharge generator
-Stepping motor
-Pulse generator
- Endurance testing machine
Other Arrangements
Arrangements exist to have electrical testing and testing for immunity to radiated electromagnetic fields conducted at EMC Technologies Auckland; an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory with an anechoic chamber.
5.6 Fee Structure
Fee for Applications for Type Approval of Weights, Measures and Weighing or Measuring Instruments is NZ $125 including GST. Reimbursable expenses are also charged.
Type approval of measuring instruments follows OIML International Recommendations. The Weights and Measures Regulations 1999 are based on OIML International Recommendations.
Once an instrument type has been approved a Certificate of Approval is issued. The certificate number must be marked on each instrument submitted for verification as an indication to the verification personnel that the instrument has type approval.
5.2 Authority Responsible for Issuing Type Approval
Trading Standards
5.3 Recognition/Acceptance of OIML Certificate
The Weights and Measures Regulations 1999 provide acceptance of any Certificate of Approval issued by a full member of OIML. That approval must be issued in accordance with an OIML International Recommendation.
New Zealand is also a signatory to OIML-MAA agreement, and accepts the test results of issuing economies listed in the agreement.
In addition, New Zealand has mutual recognition agreements with National Measurement Institute, Australia and National Measurement and Regulation Office and the UK.
5.4 Authority Responsible for Testing for Type Approval
Trading Standards
5.5 List of Major Test Facilities Available
Used to test trade measuring instruments to OIML International Recommendations:
- Environmental Chamber situated at the Measurement Standards Laboratory -10°C to +40°C
- Equipment to test for voltage variations:
-Digital multi-meter
-Power supply
-Variable power adjuster
-Drop out/variation simulator
-Mainframe generator
-Fast transient/burst generator
-Electrostatic discharge generator
-Stepping motor
-Pulse generator
- Endurance testing machine
Other Arrangements
Arrangements exist to have electrical testing and testing for immunity to radiated electromagnetic fields conducted at EMC Technologies Auckland; an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory with an anechoic chamber.
5.6 Fee Structure
Fee for Applications for Type Approval of Weights, Measures and Weighing or Measuring Instruments is NZ $125 including GST. Reimbursable expenses are also charged.
6. Verification (Conformity Assessment), Inspection and Reverification
6.1 Legal and Technical Requirements for Verification and Reverification
A measuring instrument can only be used for trade after it has been verified by a Weights and Measures Inspector (TS Officer) or an Accredited Person (see para 7 below).
Reverification (unless the instrument has had its accuracy affected or been rejected as incorrect) is not provided under the Weights and Measures Act 1987. Traders are required to maintain the accuracy of measuring instruments they use for trade. They can have the measuring instrument tested at least once a year by a TS officer or Accredited Person. If the instrument is found to be correct a Certificate of Accuracy is issued. This certificate may provide a defence to a charge of using an incorrect measuring instrument.
The basic requirements for verification and certification are that the instrument must:
a) measure in metric units
b) be of an approved pattern and meet the requirements as detailed in the Certificate of Approval
c) operate within the maximum permissible errors set out in the Weights and Measures Regulations 1987.
6.2 Range of Equipment Verified and any Statistical Information Available
The range of equipment subject to verification includes:
- Driveway Flowmeters for petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG
- Flowmeters fitted to vehicles for petrol, diesel, kerosene, LPG, milk and beer
- Milk Delivery Measures (farm milk tanks)
- Beer Delivery Measures (for delivery of beer to retailers)
- Oil Measuring Instruments
- Length Measuring Instruments
- Area Measuring Instruments for leather and various textiles
- Hopper Weighing Instruments
- Weighbridges
- Semi Automatic Weighing Instruments
- Belt Weighing Instruments
- Bottles for measuring oil, milk and cream
- Measures of Volume
- Measures of Volume for sales of firewood, bark, ballast earth and similar substances
- Masses
- Spirit Dispensers
- Direct Mass Flow Measuring Instruments
- Multi-dimensional Measuring Instruments
Total Certified Instruments in New Zealand
A survey was conducted to determine the number of Certificates of Accuracy's (COA) that were issued for weighing and measuring instruments that were in use for trade between 2013-2014.
A measuring instrument can only be used for trade after it has been verified by a Weights and Measures Inspector (TS Officer) or an Accredited Person (see para 7 below).
Reverification (unless the instrument has had its accuracy affected or been rejected as incorrect) is not provided under the Weights and Measures Act 1987. Traders are required to maintain the accuracy of measuring instruments they use for trade. They can have the measuring instrument tested at least once a year by a TS officer or Accredited Person. If the instrument is found to be correct a Certificate of Accuracy is issued. This certificate may provide a defence to a charge of using an incorrect measuring instrument.
The basic requirements for verification and certification are that the instrument must:
a) measure in metric units
b) be of an approved pattern and meet the requirements as detailed in the Certificate of Approval
c) operate within the maximum permissible errors set out in the Weights and Measures Regulations 1987.
6.2 Range of Equipment Verified and any Statistical Information Available
The range of equipment subject to verification includes:
- Driveway Flowmeters for petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG
- Flowmeters fitted to vehicles for petrol, diesel, kerosene, LPG, milk and beer
- Milk Delivery Measures (farm milk tanks)
- Beer Delivery Measures (for delivery of beer to retailers)
- Oil Measuring Instruments
- Length Measuring Instruments
- Area Measuring Instruments for leather and various textiles
- Hopper Weighing Instruments
- Weighbridges
- Semi Automatic Weighing Instruments
- Belt Weighing Instruments
- Bottles for measuring oil, milk and cream
- Measures of Volume
- Measures of Volume for sales of firewood, bark, ballast earth and similar substances
- Masses
- Spirit Dispensers
- Direct Mass Flow Measuring Instruments
- Multi-dimensional Measuring Instruments
Total Certified Instruments in New Zealand
A survey was conducted to determine the number of Certificates of Accuracy's (COA) that were issued for weighing and measuring instruments that were in use for trade between 2013-2014.
Instrument Category |
Number of COA Issued |
bench scales, counter scales and platforms |
20,639 |
weighbridges, hoppers and bins |
1,613 |
on board weighing instruments e.g. class Yb |
139 |
driveway flowmeters |
20,125 |
fuel measuring systems on road tankers |
379 |
LPG dispensers |
611 |
milk measuring instruments e.g. milk tankers |
965 |
length measuring instruments |
17 |
volumetric measuring instruments |
42 |
farm vats |
17 |
bulk flow petroleum / LPG (gantry & proving meters) |
438 |
mass flow measuring systems |
22 |
Total |
45,007 |
6.3 Fee Structure
TS charges for verification and certification are on an hourly rate of NZ $125 including GST. Reimbursable expenses are also charged. Accredited Persons are allowed to charge on a contestable basis.
TS charges for verification and certification are on an hourly rate of NZ $125 including GST. Reimbursable expenses are also charged. Accredited Persons are allowed to charge on a contestable basis.
7. Accrediation and Certification Systems
7.1 Accreditation Systems for Legal Metrology, Calibration and Testing Laboratories. Traceability to National, Regional International or Foreign Measurement Standards
In 1991 an amendment to the Weights and Measures Act 1987 provided for private organisations, Accredited Persons, to carry out verification of measuring instruments used for trade. These Accredited Persons (APs) are permitted to perform the verification test, issue a Certificates of Accuracy in relation to verified measuring instruments in use for trade and found on testing to be correct. The Certificate of Accuracy is valid for one year.
To become an Accredited Person and operate under the Weights and Measures legislation, the business (either a company or person working as a sole operator) must operate a Quality Management System, which has been developed specifically for legal metrology in New Zealand. The elements of that system are stated in the Weights and Measures Regulations 1999. These elements are those contained in ISO 9000 series with modification and considered appropriate for legal metrology.
An application for TS accreditation (certification) system can be audited by:
- TS, and
- Certification bodies accredited i.e.
- Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Limited
- Standards New Zealand
- International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ)
The Weights and Measures legislation also allows any other body or organisation that satisfies the Secretary of Commerce that it is competent to assess quality management systems.
Traceability of national measurement standards to the New Zealand Primary Standard is achieved in both legal metrology and in scientific/industrial metrology.
Legal metrology compliments scientific measurement and facilitates the practical application of measurements within the economy.
Legal Metrology Hierarchy
INSERT TABLE HERE
Scientific/Industrial Metrology
INSERT TABLE HERE
7.2 Legal and Applied Metrological Activities in Products Certification
N/A
7.3 Legal and Applied Metrological Activities in ISO Quality Management System
New Zealand has adopted the ISO 9000 series of standards in their entirety as the New Zealand Standards (NZ 9000) for business wishing to meet standards of quality in New Zealand. They are published as NZ 9000 by Standards New Zealand.
Quality certification to ISO 9000 is provided by private organisations which may or may not be accredited by the Joint Accreditation Scheme for Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ). A number of certification companies have JAS-ANZ accreditation.
TS is accredited to ISO 9001 for all activities including surveillance and enforcement TS laboratories are accredited to ISO 17025 for the areas of mass, volume and length.
In 1991 an amendment to the Weights and Measures Act 1987 provided for private organisations, Accredited Persons, to carry out verification of measuring instruments used for trade. These Accredited Persons (APs) are permitted to perform the verification test, issue a Certificates of Accuracy in relation to verified measuring instruments in use for trade and found on testing to be correct. The Certificate of Accuracy is valid for one year.
To become an Accredited Person and operate under the Weights and Measures legislation, the business (either a company or person working as a sole operator) must operate a Quality Management System, which has been developed specifically for legal metrology in New Zealand. The elements of that system are stated in the Weights and Measures Regulations 1999. These elements are those contained in ISO 9000 series with modification and considered appropriate for legal metrology.
An application for TS accreditation (certification) system can be audited by:
- TS, and
- Certification bodies accredited i.e.
- Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Limited
- Standards New Zealand
- International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ)
The Weights and Measures legislation also allows any other body or organisation that satisfies the Secretary of Commerce that it is competent to assess quality management systems.
Traceability of national measurement standards to the New Zealand Primary Standard is achieved in both legal metrology and in scientific/industrial metrology.
Legal metrology compliments scientific measurement and facilitates the practical application of measurements within the economy.
Legal Metrology Hierarchy
INSERT TABLE HERE
Scientific/Industrial Metrology
INSERT TABLE HERE
7.2 Legal and Applied Metrological Activities in Products Certification
N/A
7.3 Legal and Applied Metrological Activities in ISO Quality Management System
New Zealand has adopted the ISO 9000 series of standards in their entirety as the New Zealand Standards (NZ 9000) for business wishing to meet standards of quality in New Zealand. They are published as NZ 9000 by Standards New Zealand.
Quality certification to ISO 9000 is provided by private organisations which may or may not be accredited by the Joint Accreditation Scheme for Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ). A number of certification companies have JAS-ANZ accreditation.
TS is accredited to ISO 9001 for all activities including surveillance and enforcement TS laboratories are accredited to ISO 17025 for the areas of mass, volume and length.
8. Legal Metrology Practitioners
8.1 Numbers
TS employs 14 officers, this includes field staff, Advisors and Managers.
8.2 Qualification/Training
Weights and Measures Trainee Inspectors are required to obtain a National Diploma in Public Sector Compliance (Weights and Measures) (Level 6). The training period will nominally last for 18 months</p>
8.3 Training Organisations and Courses Organised
This Diploma is issued by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and consists of successfully completing 14 Unit Standards with a total of 147 Credits. 10 of the Unit Standards are in the domain of Public Sector Compliance Management with the remaining 4 being in the domain of Public Sector Core Skills.
8.4 Range of Functions
The training programme is modular based containing the following elements:
- External training and assessment on some of the Unit Standards
- Standards Testing Procedures
- Inspection Procedures (including verification)
- External and Internal courses
- Legal Aspects
- Administrative Aspects
TS employs 14 officers, this includes field staff, Advisors and Managers.
8.2 Qualification/Training
Weights and Measures Trainee Inspectors are required to obtain a National Diploma in Public Sector Compliance (Weights and Measures) (Level 6). The training period will nominally last for 18 months</p>
8.3 Training Organisations and Courses Organised
This Diploma is issued by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and consists of successfully completing 14 Unit Standards with a total of 147 Credits. 10 of the Unit Standards are in the domain of Public Sector Compliance Management with the remaining 4 being in the domain of Public Sector Core Skills.
8.4 Range of Functions
The training programme is modular based containing the following elements:
- External training and assessment on some of the Unit Standards
- Standards Testing Procedures
- Inspection Procedures (including verification)
- External and Internal courses
- Legal Aspects
- Administrative Aspects
9. Packaging
9.1 Legislative Control for Packaging
The Weights and Measures Act 1987 provides the requirements in relation to the quantity of packaged goods.
The Fair Trading Act 1986 provides the controls for misleading or deceptive conduct in packaging.
9.2 Organisation Responsible
TS administer the Weights and Measures Act 1987.
The Commerce Commission enforces the Fair Trading Act 1986.
The Weights and Measures Act 1987 provides the requirements in relation to the quantity of packaged goods.
The Fair Trading Act 1986 provides the controls for misleading or deceptive conduct in packaging.
9.2 Organisation Responsible
TS administer the Weights and Measures Act 1987.
The Commerce Commission enforces the Fair Trading Act 1986.
10. Sanctions
a) A person pretending to be an Inspector or Trainee Inspector is liable to imprisonment for three months or a fine of NZ$10,000
b) A person obstructing an inspector or forging/counterfeiting verification stamps or altering measuring instruments without legal cause is liable to a fine of NZ$10,000 for an individual or NZD$30,000, for a corporate body.
c) A person is liable to a fine of NZ$10,000 if they:
- do not sell by net weight or measure
- fail to give an invoice showing the weight or measure when required to do so
- fail to weigh or measure goods in front of the purchaser when required to do so
- apply short weight, measure or number goods
- state an incorrect weight or measure if they buy goods by weight or measure and carry out the measurement
- use a non verified measuring instrument for trade
- use a false or unjust measuring instrument for trade
d) A person is liable to be issued with an Infringement Offence Notice (each notice carries a penalty of NZ$500.00) if they:
- supply short weight, measure or number packaged goods
- use a false or unjust measuring instrument for trade.
e) A person is liable to be issued with an Infringement Offence Notice (each notice carries a penalty of NZ$200.00) if they:
- advertise or expose for sale goods using any unit of measurement other than the metric system
- fail to give an invoice showing the weight or measure when required to do so
- fail to weigh or measure goods in front of the purchaser when required to do so
- use a non verified measuring instrument for trade.
b) A person obstructing an inspector or forging/counterfeiting verification stamps or altering measuring instruments without legal cause is liable to a fine of NZ$10,000 for an individual or NZD$30,000, for a corporate body.
c) A person is liable to a fine of NZ$10,000 if they:
- do not sell by net weight or measure
- fail to give an invoice showing the weight or measure when required to do so
- fail to weigh or measure goods in front of the purchaser when required to do so
- apply short weight, measure or number goods
- state an incorrect weight or measure if they buy goods by weight or measure and carry out the measurement
- use a non verified measuring instrument for trade
- use a false or unjust measuring instrument for trade
d) A person is liable to be issued with an Infringement Offence Notice (each notice carries a penalty of NZ$500.00) if they:
- supply short weight, measure or number packaged goods
- use a false or unjust measuring instrument for trade.
e) A person is liable to be issued with an Infringement Offence Notice (each notice carries a penalty of NZ$200.00) if they:
- advertise or expose for sale goods using any unit of measurement other than the metric system
- fail to give an invoice showing the weight or measure when required to do so
- fail to weigh or measure goods in front of the purchaser when required to do so
- use a non verified measuring instrument for trade.
