Accredited Persons

This Topic Includes:
Certificates of accuracy
Who can be an accredited person?
Penalties
'measureUP' publication

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs' Measurement and Product Safety Service (MAPSS) oversees the Weights and Measures Act 1987 (which was amended in 1991). Under the Act all new and repaired weighing or measuring equipment must be verified as correct before being used. Verification is the stamping of a mark onto a lead plug fitted to the equipment.

Accredited persons (APs) can verify and certify weights, measures, or weighing and measuring equipment. An AP's mark consists of the letter AP with an identification number beside it.

MAPSS Officers (also known as Inspectors of Weights and Measures) from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs can also verify equipment. The MAPSS Officer's mark is a crown.

Certificates of accuracy

In addition to compulsory verification, owners can choose to get certificates of accuracy. These are valid for twelve months and re-examination is required before a replacement certificate can be issued.

It is optional for users of equipment to have certificates of accuracy. However, one advantage of having a certificate is that in certain situations it may provide a defence for users if they are prosecuted for short weight or measure.

An AP (or MAPSS Officer) can issue a certificate of accuracy on request. A fee is usually charged for this service.

The certificate of accuracy is a self-adhesive label which cannot be removed without being destroyed. The certificate shows the accredited person's number and expiry date of the certificate.

The label must be displayed in a prominent position on the instrument, in full view of the buyer. 

Who can be an accredited person ?

Only accredited companies/individuals have the power to stamp and issue certificates for equipment. To be accredited, they must provide evidence that they have a quality management system in place that meets all the requirements of the Weights and Measures legislation.

Where an AP declines to stamp or issue a certificate of accuracy for a weight, measure, weighing or measuring instrument, they must:

• supply the user with a non-compliance notice. This must state the time, place, description of the equipment and nature of the non-compliance
• supply the MAPSS with a copy of the non-compliance notice.

The user may request that another AP test the instrument for a second opinion.

An AP does not have the authority to enter premises or to seize equipment without the user's permission.

Penalties

MAPSS Officers will randomly check equipment, without charging a fee. If an instrument is found to be incorrect and it does not have a certificate of accuracy, an infringement offence notice of $500 may be issued.

For serious breaches of the Act the Courts may impose a fine of up to $10,000 plus $250 for each day the breach continues. Equipment and goods breaching the Act and Regulations may also be seized by a MAPSS Officer. A Court may later declare such items forfeited to the Crown.

'measureUP' publication

The Measurement and Product Safety Service Newsletter For Accredited Persons (APs)

The bi-annual publication 'measureUP' was launched to improve communication and give APs the opportunity to interact with the Ministry over issues they feel appropriate.

The Ministry intends to use this publication to keep APs and stakeholders informed of the latest issues within Legal Metrology as well as providing clarification and information on more technical matters.