Finance and Administration Service - Consumer Affairs

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Consumer Affairs Unit

Taxicab Regulatory Program

For-Hire Vehicle Regulatory Program

Seattle Weights & Measures Program

SPD Impound Agreement (Public Impounds requested by Seattle Police Department)

Limousine Enforcement Program

Consumer Protection

Private Impounds (Private impounds requested by citizens or businesses)

Consumer Affairs

Requirements for Scales

Approved scales must be used when any commodities are bought or sold by weight [Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 7.04.165]. To be approved for commercial use, scales must meet the requirements of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44 Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices (1997) [SMC 7.04.140]. The scale nameplates must indicate that they are "Class III" devices. In addition, scales must pass inspections to verify that they are appropriate for intended applications, properly installed, and accurate [SMC 7.04.145]. When the scales are approved the inspector will apply dated seals that are visible to customers.

Scales in commercial use that are labeled "not legal for trade" will be condemned [SMC 7.04.165] and "stop use" orders will be issued [SMC 7.04.160]. Condemned scales that are used in commerce are subject to siezure and the users may be charged with criminal misdemeanors punishable by fines and/or imprisonment [SMC 7.04.690]. The presence of condemned scales in locations where buying and selling is carried on is considered presumptive evidence that they are being used [SMC 7.04.695].

Every scale placed in service on or after July 5, 1997 is required to be traceable to a Certificate of Conformance (COC) issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The COC is evidence that the scale complies with the provisions of NIST Handbook 44 Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices [Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 16-664 rev. 7/5/97]. The scale vendor is required to provide a copy of the COC to the scale user. All COCs are listed in National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) Publication 5 NTEP Index of Device Evaluations (Edition 9) which is available at the Consumer Affairs Unit.

The Consumer Affairs Unit is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the requirement to use approved scales. If you need assistance please contact us at: Seattle.consumer-affairs@seattle.gov or call us at (206) 386-1298.