Approved verification
Section 11A of the weights and measures act, introduced by, the deregulation (weights and measures) order 1999, makes it possible for manufacturers, installers and repairers of weighing and measuring equipment to conduct verification tests on their own work, enabling them to first place them on the market or to return them to the market after a repair. This area of the site contains information about the appointment of approved verifiers, installers and repairers as well as the ongoing maintenance of the systems that support their approval.
The deregulation order came into force on 29 March 1999, amending the weights and measures act 1985 "The Act". This allows manufacturers, installers and repairers of weighing and measuring equipment to apply to the secretary of state for approval to conduct their own initial and in-service verification under section 11A of the act. Verification of weighing and measuring equipment, under section 11 of the act, is the testing, passing as fit for use for trade within the UK and stamping the pass equipment with the prescribed stamp.
The legislative reform order 2008 (verification of weighing & measuring equipment) came into force on the 19 December 2008. The purpose of the order is to amend the weights & measure act 1985 in order to permit the verification of prescribed equipment by approved verifiers after the activity of adjustment. approved verifiers in possession of an approval issued by the secretary of state, may conduct their own testing, passing and stamping (verification) of weighing and measuring equipment which they manufacture, install, adjust or repair, as the case may be, as fit for use for trade, which previously under section 11 of the 1985 act had been required to be verified by an inspector of weights & measures.
The approval system is underpinned by a requirement that the approved verifier possesses and operates an acceptable quality system. The quality system must fully encompass the requirements of the legislation and the activities to ensure that the equipment is correctly verified and that the necessary protection is maintained. Once granted approval the approved verifier is subjected to regular audits and inspections from both the local weights & measures authorities and from NMO. Approvals are granted for a specified time, are limited to specific equipment types and can be suspended or withdrawn if the approved verifier is found to be in breach of their approval conditions.
