Explanatory note
England, Wales and Scotland
These Regulations prescribe measures of length, which do not bear the mark of EEC initial verification, for the purposes of section 11(1) of the Weights and Measures Act 1985, so that it is unlawful to use such measures for trade purposes unless they have been tested, passed as fit for such use and stamped by an inspector of weights and measures. They replace the provisions of Part II of the Weights and Measures Regulations 1963, under which measures of length were formerly prescribed. Measures bearing the mark of EEC initial verification have to comply with the Measuring Instruments (EEC Requirements) Regulations 1980.
These Regulations make provision as to—
the materials and principles of construction of measures of length and their marking (Regs 4–19);
their manner of use for trade (Reg 20);
their testing (Regs 21ash;23);
the prescribed limits of error (Reg 24); and
their passing as fit for use for trade, stamping and obliteration of such stamps (Regs 25–28).
The Regulations make the following changes of substance:—
the principles of construction have been revised and expanded;
the limits of error are now expressed by means of formulae, rather than a table, and those applicable on obliteration of the stamp are only twice, instead of four times, those applicable on passing as fit for use for trade; and
provision has been included to prohibit the use of a measure of length in such a manner that it is exposed to environmental or other influences which will adversely affect its accuracy or function.
Where a measure has been stamped under the provisions of Part II of the Weights and Measures Regulations 1963, it may continue in use for trade without the stamp being obliterated, provided it falls within twice the prescribed limits of error, even though it does not comply with the requirements of these Regulations.
Copies of British Standards (see Regulation 19(1)(c)) can be obtained from any of the sales outlets operated by the British Standards Institution (BSI) or by post from the BSI at Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6LE.