The Weights and Measures Regulations 1963

• Citation: S.I. 1963/1710
• Sections: 157

Section 1

(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, these Regulations shall apply to all weighing and measuring equipment for use for trade of the following classes:—

(a) linear measures;

(b) liquid capacity measures;

(c) dry capacity measures;

(d) weights;

(e) beam scales;

(f) balances;

(g) counter machines;

(h) spring balances;

(i) steelyards;

(j) dead-weight machines;

(k) platform weighing machines;

(l) weighbridges;

(m) crane weighing machines;

(n) automatic weighing machines;

and such equipment is hereby prescribed for the purposes of section 11(1) of the Weights and Measures Act 1963;

Provided that, in so far as they relate to the material of which any such equipment shall be made, these Regulations shall not apply to equipment for use in the manufacture of explosives.

(2) Nothing in these Regulations shall apply to any weighing or measuring equipment of the following descriptions:—

(a) weighing equipment for use by the public for weighing a person;

(b) weighing equipment for use only for weighing coins or currency notes for the purpose of determining their number.

Section 2

Weighing and measuring equipment shall be submitted for testing and tested, in a clean condition.

Section 3

An inspector shall not test measures made of glass or earthenware on the premises of a maker of or dealer in such measures, or on any premises rented from such a maker or dealer, unless he is authorised by the Board so to do.

Section 4

Weighing or measuring equipment submitted for testing shall be complete in itself, and shall not bear a maker's mark or any trade mark which, in the opinion of the inspector, might reasonably be mistaken for the prescribed stamp.

Section 5

(1) No weighing or measuring equipment shall be passed as fit for use for trade unless—

(a) subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, it complies with the appropriate requirements of these Regulations:

Provided that any equipment falling within the prescribed limits of error which was first stamped prior to the 1st January 1908 may be passed as fit for use for trade until the expiration of the period of five years beginning with the date of the coming into operation of these Regulations notwithstanding that it fails to comply with the appropriate requirements of these Regulations: and

(b) in the case of—

(i) a dry capacity measure with more than one purported value in terms of units of capacity measurement and commonly known as a double measure;

(ii) weighing or measuring equipment presenting any novel feature;

(iii) a weighing instrument with removable hooks (other than the hooks or bearings of swan-neck beams, or the hooks at the end of the steelyard indicators on weighing instruments constructed on the compound lever principle);

(iv) a counter machine with sliding counterpoises;

(v) a steelyard which is of the reversible type and has three hooks, or is constructed on the accelerating weighing instrument principle, or is of the counter type, or is constructed without a zero graduation, or has a capacity of less than 56 pounds;

(vi) a price computing weighing instrument;

it is made in accordance with a pattern in respect of which a certificate of approval granted or deemed to have been granted under section 12 of the Weights and Measures Act 1963 is in force, or with such a pattern modified in accordance with an authorisation for the time being in force under the said section 12;

(c) in the case of a weight or a capacity measure, it is not marked with an indication of its purported value in units of both the imperial system and the metric system;

(d) it is sufficiently strong to withstand the wear and tear of ordinary use in trade.

(2) Nothing in paragraph (1)(a) of this regulation shall prohibit the passing as fit for use for trade of any avoirdupois weight of the bell type which was first stamped prior to the 1st January 1954 and which falls within the prescribed limits of error.

Section 6

(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, no weighing or measuring equipment shall be stamped unless it contains a plug or stud of soft metal for the reception of an inspector's stamp, such plug or stud being made irremovable by undercutting or otherwise.

(2) Paragraph (1) of this regulation shall not apply to:—

(a) linear measures;

(b) capacity measures made of glass, earthenware, enamelled-metal, plastic or vulcanite;

(c) liquid capacity measures made of metal;

(d) dry capacity measures made of material other than metal;

(e) avoirdupois weights made of stainless steel;

(f) metric weights other than weights made of iron;

(g) grain weights, troy weights, apothecaries weights or pennyweights;

(h) balances.

Section 7

Stamps shall be obliterated by an inspector, in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations, by means of punches or pincers of a six-pointed star design as shown in the following illustration:—

Section 8

(1) Subject to paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) of this regulation, an inspector shall obliterate the stamp on any weighing or measuring equipment which falls outside the prescribed limits of error or fails to comply with the appropriate requirements of these Regulations.

(2) An inspector shall obliterate the stamp on—

(a) any weight or measure if, owing to its being broken, much indented or otherwise damaged, it does not, in the opinion of the inspector, admit of proper adjustment;

(b) any weight or measure which, since it was last stamped, has, in the opinion of the inspector, had its accuracy affected by reason of any alteration, addition adjustment or repair;

(c) any equal-armed weighing instrument which, since it was last stamped, has been altered, adjusted or repaired;

(d) any other weighing instrument which, since it was last stamped, has been so altered, adjusted or repaired that, in the opinion of the inspector, it has become necessary to ascertain that the indications of the instrument remain correct throughout its range.

(3) In the case of any weighing or measuring equipment found upon testing not to comply with the requirements of these Regulations by reason only that it falls outside the prescribed limits of error, an inspector may serve upon the person for the time being in possession of that equipment a notice requiring him to have the equipment corrected within a specified period not exceeding 28 days; and, without prejudice to the duty of the inspector under paragraph (1) of this regulation to obliterate the stamp on that equipment on other grounds, the inspector shall not obliterate the stamp on that equipment for the reasons aforesaid unless upon the expiration of the said period the equipment is found upon testing to fall outside the prescribed limits of error.

(4) Nothing in paragraph (1) of this regulation shall require an inspector, until the expiration of the period of five years beginning with the date of the coming into operation of these Regulations, to obliterate the stamp of any weighing or measuring equipment falling within the prescribed limits of error which—

(a) bears a stamp applied prior to 1st January 1908; or

(b) was first stamped prior to the 1st January 1908 and which bears a stamp applied pursuant to any Regulations in force immediately before the date of the coming into operation of these Regulations.

(5) Nothing in paragraph (1) of this regulation shall require an inspector to obliterate the stamp on any avoirdupois weight of the bell type which bears a stamp applied prior to the 1st January 1954 and which falls within the prescribed limits of error.

Section 9

(1) Linear measures shall be made of steel, brass, aluminium alloys, ivory, laminated bakelite, reinforced fibreglass, hard wood or woven tape, or of any other material approved by the Board.

(2) Such measures of a maximum purported value of 2 feet or more and made of wood shall have both ends tipped with metal and the tips shall be riveted through the wood.

Section 10

(1) Linear measures shall be straight and free from flaws.

(2) In the case of measures with sliding or calliper arms, such arms shall have no more play than is necessary for easy movement.

Section 11

(1) Linear measures which are subdivided shall be graduated clearly and indelibly, and the numbered graduations shall be marked by longer lines than the graduations which are not numbered;

(2) Linear measures which are not subdivided shall be clearly and indelibly marked with the words “not subdivided”.

(3) Linear measures shall have their maximum purported value conspicuously, legibly and durably marked at one and of the measure, either in full or by means of one of the following abbreviations only:—

yd

ft

in

m

dm

cm

mm.

Section 12

Linked measures and riband or tape measures shall be tested when subjected to a tension or pull as follows:—

and the measures under test shall be supported throughout its whole length on a plane and even base.

Section 13

Part I of Schedule 1 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to linear measures.

Section 14

(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, linear measures shall be stamped near one end or, in the case of sub-divided measures, near the beginning of the scale on each graduated side.

(2) In the case of linked measures and riband and tape measures, the stamp may be placed on a metal label or disc permanently attached to the measure or on the handle thereof.

Section 15

Liquid capacity measures shall be made of aluminium alloys, copper, copper alloys, earthenware, enamelled-metal, glass, nickel alloys, plated, tinned or galvanised iron or steel, stainless steel, tin alloys, urea formaldehyde plastic or vulcanite, or of any other material approved by the Board.

Section 16

(1) Liquid capacity measures made of pewter or of other tin alloys shall contain at least 80 per cent. by weight of tin, and shall not contain more than 10 per cent. by weight of lead.

(2) All such measures shall bear the name and address of the maker on the underside of the bottom of the measure.

Section 17

(1) Liquid capacity measures, made of copper or copper alloys shall be well tinned all over the inside; on plated measures the coating shall show no signs of peeling.

(2) On measures on which there are strengthening ribs or bands, such ribs or bands shall not take such a form as to show, by indentation or otherwise, any divisions on the measure which, in the opinion of the inspector, might reasonably be mistaken for graduations.

Section 18

Liquid capacity measures, if their maximum purported values are clearly defined, may have a top rim, lip or retaining edge to prevent spilling:

Provided that—

(a) in the case of measures made of metal for the sale of milk and in the form of churns, the top rim, lip or retaining edge shall not increase the capacity of the measure by more than 25 per cent. of its maximum purported value;

(b) in the case of other measures, the top rim, lip or retaining edge shall not increase the capacity of the measure by more than 10 per cent. of its maximum purported value.

Section 19

No liquid capacity measure shall be so constructed that—

(a) it has a false bottom; or

(b) it does not completely empty when titled to an angle of 120 degrees from the vertical.

Section 20

In the case of liquid capacity measures fitted with a tap, the tap shall completely empty the measure without tilting.

Section 21

Publicans' measures made of metal, glass, or earthenware may be provided with a spout or projecting mouth; they may also have a bottom rim but, in the case of measures of a maximum purported value not exceeding 1 pint, such rim shall not project more than half an inch below the bottom of the measure.

Section 22

Dipping measures made of metal of a maximum purported value not exceeding half a gallon for use for the sale of milk shall be of circular or elliptical section with vertical sides, and the height shall not be more or less by 10 per cent. than 1½ times the mean diameter of the section.

Section 23

Liquid capacity measures made of glass, other than apothecaries measures, shall have their maximum purported values defined either—

(a) by the brim of the measure; or

(b) by a line not less than 2 inches in length, and distant not less than half an inch nor more than 1½ inches from the brim.

Section 24

Liquid capacity measures made of earthenware shall have their maximum purported values defined either—

(a) by the brim of the measure; or

(b) by an indelible line marked on the inside of the measure, so that—

(i) in the case of measures of a maximum purported value not exceeding 1 quart, the distance from the bottom of the line to the brim does not exceed three-eights of an inch;

(ii) in the case of measures of other maximum purported values, the said distance does not exceed three-quarters of an inch.

Section 25

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this regulation, any liquid capacity measure (other than a measure made of metal of a maximum purported value of half a gallon or less or 2½ litres or less) may be used for trade by means of any division or subdivision marked thereon as a capacity measures of any lesser quantity.

(2) In the case of measures made of glass which are subdivided by graduations, the total number of graduations on the measure shall be marked thereon and all graduations shall be marked by clearly defined lines, which shall—

(a) in the case of measures of a maximum purported value of 1 gallon or less (other than an apothecaries measure), be not less than 1 inch in length; and

(b) be not less than one-twelfth of an inch apart.

(3) In the case of measures made of metal which are subdivided by graduations, all graduations shall be marked by clearly defined lines and, if such measures are for use for the sale of milk and are—

(a) of a maximum purported value not exceeding 5 gallons, the graduations shall be marked on two metal strips fixed opposite to each other inside the measure; or

(b) of a maximum purported value exceeding 5 gallons, the graduations shall be marked either on a metal strip inside the measure and extending to the whole depth of the measure or on metal tablets securely soldered to the measure.

Section 26

(1) Liquid capacity measures shall have their maximum purported value conspicuously, legibly and durably marked on the outside of the body of the measure (and not upon the handle, bottom, rim or edges) either in full or by means of one of the following abbreviations only:—

gal

qt

pt

fl.oz

fl.dr

min

l

dl

cl

ml.

(2) The maximum purported value shall be marked—

(a) on measures made of glass on which the said value is defined by a line, at the line;

(b) on measures made of enamelled-metal, in a distinctly different colour from that of the body of the measure;

(c) on measures made of metal for use for the sale of milk and of a said value exceeding 5 gallons, on the graduated strip or the topmost tablet as well as on the outside of the measure;

(d) on measures made of sheet metal, by means of embossing, engraving or impressing on the body of the measure or on a slip of tin or on a shield securely soldered to the measure.

Section 27

(1) Apothecaries measures which are subdivided shall be made of glass and shall be of the conical or cylindrical type.

(2) If such measures are marked with an indication of their equivalent purported values in terms of weight, the words “of water” shall also be marked on the measure in close proximity to the said indication.

Section 28

(1) Liquid capacity measures of maximum purported values between 8 gallons and one-sixth of a gill inclusive, shall be tested by transferring water from the local or working standard into the measure under test.

(2) Measures—

(a) with a lip or rim, shall be tested to the bottom of the lip or rim;

(b) on which the purported value is defined by a line, shall be tested to the top of the line by taking the level of the water at the bottom of the meniscus.

Section 29

Part II of Schedule I hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to liquid capacity measures.

Section 30

The stamp shall be placed on liquid capacity measures as follows:—

(a) on measures made of glass, earthenware, enamelled-metal, urea formaldehyde plastic or vulcanite, it shall be etched or sand-blasted beneath or near to the indication of the purported value on the outside of the measure;

(b) on measures made of metal (other than enamelled-metal) which are subdivided, it shall be placed both on solder affixed to the inside strips or tablets near to the top-most graduation and also on the outside of the measure near to the indication of the purported value;

(c) on measures made of metal which are not subdivided and which have no lip or rim, it shall be placed near to the indication of the purported value on the outside of the measure;

(d) on measures made of metal (other than enamelled-metal) which are not subdivided but which have a lip or rim, it shall, as far as practicable, be placed on the bottom of the inside of the lip or rim;

(e) on measures other than those specified in the preceding sub-paragraphs of this regulation, it shall be placed on a plug or stud of soft metal provided for such use.

Section 31

(1) Dry capacity measures shall be made of aluminium alloys, copper, copper alloys, plated, tinned or galvanised steel or iron, stainless steel or well-seasoned wood, or of any other material approved by the Board.

(2) Measures made of wood shall not be turned from the solid nor made of sappy wood.

(3) Measures of a maximum purported value of half a bushel (4 gallons) or more shall be provided with handles.

Section 32

Dry capacity measures of a maximum purported value not exceeding 1 bushel (8 gallons) shall be of cylindrical shape, with the internal diameter approximately equal either to the depth or to twice the depth, the difference between the internal diameter and the depth being not greater than 5 per cent. of the depth or twice the depth respectively.

Section 33

(1) Dry capacity measures made of wood (other than measures made of wicker or other open material) of a maximum purported value of 1 gallon or more shall be bound or strengthened with metal or wooden straps or hoops.

(2) Such measures of a maximum purported value of 1 peck (2 gallons) or more shall have a metal band fixed around the rim.

Section 34

Dry capacity measures shall have their purported values marked thereon in like manner as they are marked on liquid capacity measures, except that—

(a) in the case of measures made of wood (other than measures made of wicker or other open material), the said values shall be marked by branding;

(b) in the case of measures made of wicker or other open material, they shall be marked on a brass tablet or plate fastened to the measure by means of copper wire, or by branding on a tablet of wood securely worked into the side of the measure.

Section 35

(1) Dry capacity measures (other than measures made of wicker or or other open material) shall be tested either with water or in the following manner with rape seed:—

(a) the local or working standard of corresponding purported value shall be filled with seed which has been passed through a hopper, a vertical distance of 6 inches being left between the bottom of the hopper and the top of the standard; if the seed has been lying unused prior to the test, it shall be passed at least 6 times through the hopper;

(b) all the seed contained in the standard shall then be replaced in the hopper and thence run from the hopper into the measure under test, which shall be so placed that the same vertical distance of 6 inches intervenes between the bottom of the hopper and the top of the measure;

(c) the seed shall be levelled by means of a strike (made of hard wood, circular in section and 1½ inches in diameter) being swept across both the standard and the measures as quickly and lightly as possible to prevent any undue settlement or vibration.

(2) Measures made of wicker or other open material shall be similarly tested by means of cereals of the smallest size practicable.

Section 36

Part II of Schedule 1 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to dry capacity measures.

Section 37

(1) Dry capacity measures made of metal shall be stamped near the brim in a vertical line with the indication of the purported value. Where necessary, such measures shall be provided with a plug of soft metal to receive the stamp.

(2) Measures made of wood (other than measures made of wicker or other open material) shall be branded on the outside in a line vertical with the indication of the purported value and, in the case of new measures, also in the inside angle at the bottom of the measure.

(3) Measures made of wicker or other open material shall be stamped on a tablet, plate or fastening affixed in such a manner that it cannot be removed without defacing the stamp.

Section 38

(1) Weights shall be made entirely of metal, other than lead or other soft metal or soft alloy:

Provided that lead may be inserted into a weight for the purposes of adjustment.

(2) No weight of a purported value of less than 4 ounces in the imperial system, or less than 100 grammes in the metric system, shall be made of iron.

(3) Avoirdupois weights shall not be made of aluminium or of any other metal or alloy of low density.

(4) Subject to regulation 44(1), no weight shall be made of two or more different and unalloyed metals.

Section 39

Avoirdupois weights shall be of the flat-circular, bar, bell or ring type, and, if they are of octagonal shape, they shall only be of a purported value of 50 pounds, 20 pounds, 10 pounds or 5 pounds.

Section 40

Avoirdupois weights of the flat-circular type shall—

(a) if made of iron, only be made in purported values from 4 pounds to 4 ounces inclusive;

(b) if not made of iron, only be made in purported values from 4 pounds to half a dram inclusive, and the weights in each set shall be of similar shape and proportional dimensions.

Section 41

Every avoirdupois weight of the bell type of a purported value set out in column 1 of the table contained in Schedule 3 hereto shall be so constructed that—

(a) it is of such shape that a diagram of the figure of its vertical section taken through the centre from top to base would correspond to that contained in the said Schedule; and

(b) the height of the said weight is that set out in column 2(a) of the said table appropriate to a weight of that purported value, or approximate thereto within the appropriate limits set out in column 2(b) of that table.

Section 42

(1) Apothecaries weights and troy weights of a purported value of 1 ounce or more shall be made of stainless steel, brass, gunmetal or bronze and shall be of the cylindrical type and provided with carrying handles or knobs.

(2) Grain weights, apothecaries weights, troy weights and pennyweights of a purported value of less than 1 ounce shall be made of any of the metals aforesaid and may, in addition, be made of platinum, aluminium or aluminium alloys, and shall be of the flat or wire type.

Section 43

Metric weights (other than carat (metric) weights), including counterpoises—

(a) if made of iron, shall be of the hexagonal type;

(b) if not made of iron, shall be of the cylindrical, hexagonal, flat or wire type;

(c) if of the cylindrical type and of a purported value of 5 grammes or more, the height of the cylindrical portion shall be approximately equal to the diameter.

Section 44

(1) Weights made of iron shall be blacked, black-leaded, oxidised or protected by galvanisation or by any other process approved by the Board.

(2) No weight made of iron shall be fitted with removable or split rings.

Section 45

Weights shall be free from flaws and smooth on all their surfaces.

Section 46

(1) Weights shall have their purported values conspicuously, legibly and durably marked thereon, either in full or by means of one of the following abbreviations only:—

lb

oz

dr

gr

oz.tr

oz.apoth

dwt

kg

kilog

kilogram

gram

g

milligram

mg

C.M.:

provided that—

(a) during a period of 5 years from the date of the coming into operation of these Regulations, metric weights which were first stamped prior to the said date may be marked with one of the following abbreviations:—

grm

dg

cg

(b) apothecaries weights may be marked by means of one of the following symbols:—

iv (4 drachms)

ij (2 drachms)

i (1 drachm)

ij (2 scruples)

fs (1½ scruples)

i (1 scruple)

fs (½ scruples)

(2) If the maker's name is stated on any weight, it shall be in letters not exceeding half the size of the letters or numerals indicating the purported value of that weight.

Section 47

(1) Avoirdupois weights (other than those made of stainless steel) of a purported value of 1 ounce or more, shall be provided with one adjusting hole only.

(2) Avoirdupois weights made of stainless steel shall not be required to have an adjusting hole.

Section 48

The adjusting holes in all weights shall be in the under surface of the weight and shall not extend to the upper surface. They shall be undercut and plugged with lead, which shall cover the bottom of the hole and shall not project beyond the surface.

Section 49

No avoirdupois weight (other than one made of stainless steel) shall be adjusted otherwise than by means of an adjusting hole in accordance with regulations 47 and 48.

Section 50

(1) In the case of weights of the flat-circular type made of iron, the lead inserted for adjustment shall be not less than one-eighth of an inch in thickness; the approximate depth of the adjusting hole shall be equal to three-fifths of the centre thickness of the weight; and the approximate minimum distance of the lead from the surface of the weight shall, when new, be one-fifth of the centre thickness of the weight.

(2) The adjusting holes in such weights shall be circular and their smallest diameter shall be approximately—

(a) in the case of weights of a purported value of 4 pounds or 2 pounds, 1 inch;

(b) in the case of weights of a purported value of 1 pound, three-quarters of an inch;

(c) in the case of weights of a purported value of 8 ounces or 4 ounces, half an inch.