Singapore
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Economy Detail
1. Laws of Metrology
- Weights and Measures Act, Chapter 349
- Weights and Measures Regulations 2005
- Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005
- Weights and Measures Fees Regulations 2005
- Weights and Measures (Defences under Section 19) Regulations 2005
- Weights and Measures (Sales of Goods in Metric Unit) Order
1.1 Legal requirements for traceability
The Weights and Measures Act, Chapter 349, requires the maintenance of national standard weights and measures, by reference to which all other standards of the same units or derived units are maintained.
2. Legal Units of Measurement
All units of measurement of length, area, volume, capacity, mass, or weight, used for trade in Singapore shall be in SI Units, except for the sale of any substance to be used in the preparation of traditional Chinese medicinal remedies, under which the use of the local customary weight (tahils) is permitted.
3. Structure of Metrological Control Authorities
3.1 National organization for legal metrology
The authority for legal metrology is:
SPRING Singapore, Consumer Protection, Weights & Measures Division
230 Victoria Street,
#09-00, Bugis Junction Office Tower,
Singapore 188024
Telephone: (65) 6279 3916
Fax: (65) 6250 1096
3.2 Custodian of National Standards
The National Metrology Centre (NMC) of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) serves as the custodian of the national measurement standards in Singapore:
National Measurement Centre
SPRING Singapore
1 Science Park Drive
Singapore 118221
Contact information available here.
3.3 National organizations responsible for maintaining primary standards
The NMC , A*STAR, is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of Singapore’s highest metrology reference standards traceable to the International System of Units (SI) established under the Metre Convention.
3.4 Regional and local verification organizations
Under the Weights and Measures Act 2005, SPRING Singapore may designate qualified private sector companies such as installers, manufacturers, and repairers of weighing and measuring instruments, as “Authorised Verifiers” to perform verification on weighing and measuring instruments for trade use.
Companies applying to become Authorised Verifiers have to fulfil specified requirements, such as:
The Authorised Verifier Scheme provides a bigger pool of Verifiers, allowing for faster turn-around time to the users of weighing and measuring instruments, without compromising the accuracy of the instruments.
3.5 Instrument calibration and evaluation systems
The Singapore Accreditation Council – Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAC SINGLAS) accredits testing and calibration laboratories in the country to ISO/IEC 17025.
SPRING Singapore and the designated Authorised Verifiers are responsible for the verification and stamping of weighing and measuring instruments which are used for trade.
The authority for legal metrology is:
SPRING Singapore, Consumer Protection, Weights & Measures Division
230 Victoria Street,
#09-00, Bugis Junction Office Tower,
Singapore 188024
Telephone: (65) 6279 3916
Fax: (65) 6250 1096
3.2 Custodian of National Standards
The National Metrology Centre (NMC) of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) serves as the custodian of the national measurement standards in Singapore:
National Measurement Centre
SPRING Singapore
1 Science Park Drive
Singapore 118221
Contact information available here.
3.3 National organizations responsible for maintaining primary standards
The NMC , A*STAR, is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of Singapore’s highest metrology reference standards traceable to the International System of Units (SI) established under the Metre Convention.
3.4 Regional and local verification organizations
Under the Weights and Measures Act 2005, SPRING Singapore may designate qualified private sector companies such as installers, manufacturers, and repairers of weighing and measuring instruments, as “Authorised Verifiers” to perform verification on weighing and measuring instruments for trade use.
Companies applying to become Authorised Verifiers have to fulfil specified requirements, such as:
- Certified to ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems; or
- Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
The Authorised Verifier Scheme provides a bigger pool of Verifiers, allowing for faster turn-around time to the users of weighing and measuring instruments, without compromising the accuracy of the instruments.
3.5 Instrument calibration and evaluation systems
The Singapore Accreditation Council – Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAC SINGLAS) accredits testing and calibration laboratories in the country to ISO/IEC 17025.
SPRING Singapore and the designated Authorised Verifiers are responsible for the verification and stamping of weighing and measuring instruments which are used for trade.
4. Range of Equipment Subject to Legal Metrology
The weighing and measuring instruments subject to legal metrology are as follows:
- litengs
- length measures;
- length measuring instruments;
- measuring systems for liquid other than water; and
- non-automatic weighing instruments
5. Type Approval
5.1 Legal and technical requirements for type approval
SPRING Singapore does not provide type approval services for weighing and measuring instruments used in trade. However, instruments meant for trade use in Singapore must be of an approved type and registered with SPRING Singapore. Only instruments with registered patterns will be allowed to proceed with verification. The following documents/materials would be required for all new instruments:
5.2 Authority responsible for issuing type approval
SPRING Singapore requires the OIML Certificates of Approval to be issued by an OIML appointed issuing authority, and that the testing has been conducted in accordance with the OIML Recommendations.
5.3 Recognition/acceptance of OIML certificates
The equipment must be certified by an OIML appointed issuing Authority the OIML and the tests must conform to the relevant OIML Recommendations.
5.4 Authority responsible for testing for type approval
There is no authority responsible for testing for type approval in Singapore.
5.5 List of major test facilities available
There are no major test facilities for pattern approval in Singapore.
5.6 Fee structure
The fees required for the testing and passing as fit for trade use of weighing and measuring instruments, as well as for the issuance of reports pertaining to such verification activities, are set out in the Weights and Measures (Fees) Regulations 2005.
SPRING Singapore does not provide type approval services for weighing and measuring instruments used in trade. However, instruments meant for trade use in Singapore must be of an approved type and registered with SPRING Singapore. Only instruments with registered patterns will be allowed to proceed with verification. The following documents/materials would be required for all new instruments:
- Copy of the endorsed OIML Certificate of Approval/ Pattern Evaluation Certificate
- Copy of the endorsed Pattern Evaluation/Test Report(s)
- Circuit Diagram (block diagram is acceptable) of the power supply (Supported with key component part list or descriptions)
- Photographs of external view, rating label/markings and internal view with key components
- Weights and Measures Sealing Provision (supported with diagrams or/and photographs)
- User or Service Instruction Manual (with safety and calibration/adjustment instructions)
5.2 Authority responsible for issuing type approval
SPRING Singapore requires the OIML Certificates of Approval to be issued by an OIML appointed issuing authority, and that the testing has been conducted in accordance with the OIML Recommendations.
5.3 Recognition/acceptance of OIML certificates
The equipment must be certified by an OIML appointed issuing Authority the OIML and the tests must conform to the relevant OIML Recommendations.
5.4 Authority responsible for testing for type approval
There is no authority responsible for testing for type approval in Singapore.
5.5 List of major test facilities available
There are no major test facilities for pattern approval in Singapore.
5.6 Fee structure
The fees required for the testing and passing as fit for trade use of weighing and measuring instruments, as well as for the issuance of reports pertaining to such verification activities, are set out in the Weights and Measures (Fees) Regulations 2005.
6. Verification (Conformity Assessment), Inspection and Reverification
6.1 Legal and technical requirements for verification and reverification
All new or repaired weighing or measuring instruments can only be used for trade purposes after they have been verified, approved and stamped by SPRING Singapore or an Authorised Verifier. The instrument which has been passed as fit for trade use will be sealed and stamped with a reference number.
The basic requirements for verification and certification are:
6.2 Range of equipment verified and reverified and any statistical information available
SPRING Singapore, as the authority for legal metrology, maintains registers of the following:
6.3 Fee structure
The fees required for the testing and passing as fit for trade use of weighing and measuring instruments, as well as for the issuance of reports pertaining to such verification activities, are set out in the Weights and Measures (Fees) Regulations 2005.
All new or repaired weighing or measuring instruments can only be used for trade purposes after they have been verified, approved and stamped by SPRING Singapore or an Authorised Verifier. The instrument which has been passed as fit for trade use will be sealed and stamped with a reference number.
The basic requirements for verification and certification are:
- The pattern of the instrument is registered with SPRING Singapore in accordance with requirements of the Weights and Measures Act
- The instrument should be free of anomalies
- The instrument is sufficiently strong to withstand the wear and tear of its intended use in trade
- The instrument is complete with all parts assembled
- The instrument is working within its specified Maximum Permissible Error
- The working standards available are suitable for verification of the instrument
6.2 Range of equipment verified and reverified and any statistical information available
SPRING Singapore, as the authority for legal metrology, maintains registers of the following:
- Weighing and measuring instruments that have been granted pattern approval in accordance with the Weights and Measures Act.
- Weighing and measuring instruments that have been verified and stamped
- Authorised Verifiers
- Registered Suppliers of weighing and measuring instruments to be used for trade purposes
6.3 Fee structure
The fees required for the testing and passing as fit for trade use of weighing and measuring instruments, as well as for the issuance of reports pertaining to such verification activities, are set out in the Weights and Measures (Fees) Regulations 2005.
7. Accreditation and Certification Systems
7.1 Accreditation systems for legal metrology, calibration and testing laboratories. Traceability to national, regional, international or foreign measurement standards.
The National Metrology Centre of A*STAR maintains the primary standards of measurement, while SPRING Singapore, Authorised Verifiers, and SINGLAS accredited laboratories and industries maintain their secondary, tertiary and working standards.
7.2 Legal and applied metrological activities in products certification
No product certification in Singapore.
7.3 Legal and applied metrological activities in ISO 9000 quality management systems
Singapore has adopted the ISO 9000 series of standards in its entirety as the national quality management standards. Quality certification to ISO 9000 is provided by certification bodies accredited by SAC SINGLAS.
The National Metrology Centre of A*STAR maintains the primary standards of measurement, while SPRING Singapore, Authorised Verifiers, and SINGLAS accredited laboratories and industries maintain their secondary, tertiary and working standards.
7.2 Legal and applied metrological activities in products certification
No product certification in Singapore.
7.3 Legal and applied metrological activities in ISO 9000 quality management systems
Singapore has adopted the ISO 9000 series of standards in its entirety as the national quality management standards. Quality certification to ISO 9000 is provided by certification bodies accredited by SAC SINGLAS.
8. Legal Metrology Practitioners
8.1 Numbers
The Group Director, Quality and Excellence Group of SPRING Singapore is the Controller of Weights and Measures. The Director, Consumer Protection, Weights and Measures Division, is the Deputy Controller of Weights and Measures. The Head, Consumer Protection, Weights and Measures Division is the Assistant Controller of Weights and Measures.
There are around 15 officers in the Consumer Protection, Weights and Measures Division of SPRING Singapore who are involved in various aspects (e.g. registration, enforcement, outreach, etc.) of Singapore’s Legal Metrology Programme.
8.2 Qualification/training
The minimum education qualification for an applicant wishing to carry out Authorised Verifier activities is a National Institute of Technical Education Certificate (Intermediate) in any electrical or electronic course for the repair of electronic instruments. Staff handling legal metrology matters are also be given on-the-job training pertaining to verification, inspection and the relevant laws on weights and measures.
8.3 Training organizations and courses organised
Staff from SPRING Singapore, Consumer Protection, Weights and Measures may attend relevant train-the trainer courses organised by the APLMF, and transfer the knowledge gained to industry in Singapore.
8.4 Range of functions
(Not Applicable)
The Group Director, Quality and Excellence Group of SPRING Singapore is the Controller of Weights and Measures. The Director, Consumer Protection, Weights and Measures Division, is the Deputy Controller of Weights and Measures. The Head, Consumer Protection, Weights and Measures Division is the Assistant Controller of Weights and Measures.
There are around 15 officers in the Consumer Protection, Weights and Measures Division of SPRING Singapore who are involved in various aspects (e.g. registration, enforcement, outreach, etc.) of Singapore’s Legal Metrology Programme.
8.2 Qualification/training
The minimum education qualification for an applicant wishing to carry out Authorised Verifier activities is a National Institute of Technical Education Certificate (Intermediate) in any electrical or electronic course for the repair of electronic instruments. Staff handling legal metrology matters are also be given on-the-job training pertaining to verification, inspection and the relevant laws on weights and measures.
8.3 Training organizations and courses organised
Staff from SPRING Singapore, Consumer Protection, Weights and Measures may attend relevant train-the trainer courses organised by the APLMF, and transfer the knowledge gained to industry in Singapore.
8.4 Range of functions
(Not Applicable)
9. Packaging
9.1 Legislative control for packaging
The Weights and Measures Act requires that the net quantity of any pre-packed goods for sale shall not be less than the declared net quantity. The Act also requires that any unit of weight or measure that is displayed on any package for the purpose of advertising, displaying, or exposing goods for sale, should be in a weight or measure of the metric system.
With regard to misleading or deceptive conduct in packaging, this is dealt with under the Consumer Protection (Trade Descriptions and Safety Requirements) Act, which is enforced by the Ministry of Trade and Industry
9.2 Organization responsible
SPRING Singapore administers the Weights and Measures Act, and will carry out relevant enforcement on its provisions.
The Weights and Measures Act requires that the net quantity of any pre-packed goods for sale shall not be less than the declared net quantity. The Act also requires that any unit of weight or measure that is displayed on any package for the purpose of advertising, displaying, or exposing goods for sale, should be in a weight or measure of the metric system.
With regard to misleading or deceptive conduct in packaging, this is dealt with under the Consumer Protection (Trade Descriptions and Safety Requirements) Act, which is enforced by the Ministry of Trade and Industry
9.2 Organization responsible
SPRING Singapore administers the Weights and Measures Act, and will carry out relevant enforcement on its provisions.
10. Sanctions
(a) Any person guilty of an offence under Section 11(1), 11(2), 14(1), 14(3), 19(1), 19(2), or 32(1) of the Weights and Measures Act shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or both.
(b) Any person guilty of an offence under any provisions of the Weights and Measures Act other than those mentioned in (a) above shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$2,000.
(c) Any person who makes available any weighing or measuring instruments for use for trade which is false or unjust, tampered with or unstamped, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months under the Weights and Measures Regulations.
(d) Any unauthorised person who engages in, or advertises himself as a person who is authorised to act as an Authorised Verifier shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both.
(e) Any Authorised Verifier who uses any working standard or testing instrument which he knows or has reason to suspect is false or unjust shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both.
(b) Any person guilty of an offence under any provisions of the Weights and Measures Act other than those mentioned in (a) above shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$2,000.
(c) Any person who makes available any weighing or measuring instruments for use for trade which is false or unjust, tampered with or unstamped, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months under the Weights and Measures Regulations.
(d) Any unauthorised person who engages in, or advertises himself as a person who is authorised to act as an Authorised Verifier shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both.
(e) Any Authorised Verifier who uses any working standard or testing instrument which he knows or has reason to suspect is false or unjust shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both.