Packaged goods
Packaged Goods
The Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/659) set out a complete regime for the average system of quantity control applied to packaged goods made up in a constant nominal weight or volume between 5 g or ml and 25 kg or l. The aim is to ensure that consumers have information on quantity and are protected against short measure whilst allowing businesses some flexibility in recognition of the nature of quantity control on a production line. Any packages made up in line with the requirements in the Regulations (that are between 5 g or ml and 10 kg or l) may apply an e-mark which acts as a metrological passport, allowing free access to all markets in the EU without having to comply with any further metrological controls.
These Regulations replaced Part V of the Weights and Measures Act 1985 and the Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 1986 (SI 1986/2049). They formed part of a programme of simplifying UK weights and measures law within the requirements of the relevant EC Directives. The Directives which are implemented through these Regulations are Directive 75/106/EEC and Directive 76/211/EEC, governing the quantity control of packaged goods under the 'average' system of quantity control and regulating use of the e-mark. This system was first introduced in 1980; before that, UK law required all indications of quantity to be minimum indications (that is, the quantity had to be at least equal to that indicated). The new Regulations represent a substantial simplification over the previous set and at the same time reflect more precisely the wording in the Directives.For more information on compliance with the Packaged Goods Regulations please see the the Packaged Goods Regulations guidance notes (PDF, 355 Kb)
Download a copy of the Packaged Goods Regulations 2006.
Poultymeat notice April 2010
Read the changes to the European legislation governing the marketing standards for poultrymeat, including quantity labelling and control which took effect from 1 May 2010. (PDF, 11 Kb)
Register of measuring container bottles
The National Measurement Office has published a register of approved marks in use by manufacturers in the UK for measuring container bottles. Should you wish to register a new mark, please contact us here at the National Measurement Office (paul.cole@nmo.gov.uk) so that it can be registered in accordance with legal requirements under UK and European law.
Download a copy of the mcb register (PDF, 1.0 Mb) .
