Consumer Affairs

Commodity Inspection Program
Fact Sheet No. 3

Commodity inspections are also known as "package" inspections or "net contents" inspections. Inspectors verify that labeled net contents of products (gross weight less the packaging is "tare" weight) are accurate by sampling packages. A sampling plan consists of identifying an inspection lot, choosing a random sample, weighing the tare sample, determining the net contents of each package in the sample, and calculating whether the lot passes. Packages must meet two requirements: the average net contents must equal or exceed the labeled contents, and not individual package weight may exceed the maximum allowable variation (MAV).

Applicable Laws:

Washington

• Revised code of Washington (RCW), Chapter 19.94 "Weights and Measures - 1969 Act" Sections 19.94.230 and 19.91.370

Seattle

• Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 7.04 " Weights and Measures Code", 7.04.155, 7.04.160, 7.04.205, 7.04.210, 7.04.215 and 7.04.220 Subchapter V "Packaging - Specifications", and VI " Sale by Net Weight

Standard Pack - packages with identical labels and sold by specific quantity size. Examples: goods that are canned, boxed, bottled and bagged.

Random Pack - packages of the same commodity with varying weights. Examples: meats, deli products.

Tare Weight - weight of container, or other material deducted from gross weight to determine net weight.

Net Weight - weight of product only.

Applicable Standards:

NIST Handbook 133 Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods, Third Edition - includes Supplement 4 (October 1994)

NCWM Publication 3 Policy, Interpretations, and Guidelines Second Edition (1989)
Subsection 2 "Packaging and Labeling" and Subsection 3 "Method of Sale of Commodities"

Stop-sale Order - written order from weights and measure inspector to take products off sale when packages fail commodity inspection.

Stop-removal order - written order from weights and measures inspector prohibiting disposal of off-sale product until it is released.