Measurement - Consumer Information

This Topic Includes:
Buying pre-packaged goods
Roadside stalls
Coal, firewood or garden supplies
What to do if you have been sold short
Penalties
Weigh in Measure up publication

When you buy goods by weight or measure, you want to know that you are getting what you pay for. In most cases you are. Weighing and measuring equipment used by traders must be checked regularly to make sure that it weighs or measures accurately.

Goods bought by weight or measure must be sold to you by net weight or measure. This means that the weight of any packaging must be excluded from the weight or measure statement.

Most modern weighing instruments have a tare button. This should be used to zero the weight of the packaging or container before the goods are weighed.

Goods weighed, measured or counted at the time of sale must be done so in front of you and you must be able to see the whole operation.

Where goods are pre-packed on the premises, you can request that they be re-weighed, measured or counted in front of you.

All goods must be sold in metric units, e.g. grams, kilograms, millilitres, litres, metres.

Buying pre-packed goods

Generally, packaged goods which are marked with their quantity must contain the amount stated on the package.

For pre-packed goods of the same kind and stated quantity e.g. 500g packs of butter, this means they must meet the 'average quantity system' rules. There are strict specifications which packers must abide by to control their filling and packing systems. You can be assured that on average the stated quantity is correct.

The checks carried out by Measurement and Product Safety Service officers at packers, importers and retailers are based on statistically random samples. This gives you greater assurance that you will receive packaged goods that comply with the regulations.

For other pre-packed goods of variable quantity, such as joints of meat, or for non pre-packed goods they must contain at least the stated quantity. The statement could be on a label, invoice, a scale display or whatever the trader tells a customer it is.

Roadside stalls

The same rules apply if you buy from a road side stall.

If the goods are weighed in front of you it is worth checking that the scales the trader is using are suitable.

You can look for a 'certificate of accuracy' sticker which shows the scales are checked annually. You should also find, often on the side or back of the scales, a small round lead plug with a crown or the letters "AP" and a number on it. Sometimes it may be lead seal and wire. This shows the scales are approved by the Measurement and Product Safety Service and were tested before they were first put into use.

Buying firewood, coal or garden supplies

Firewood may be sold to you either by volume e.g. 3 cubic metres, or by description e.g. a truckload, trailer load or sackful. It is accepted that firewood is sold as a 'thrown measure', rather than a stacked one.

If you do buy by volume, you should check whether the truck has been 'approved' by the Measurement and Product Safety Service. If it is it will have a stamped lead plug with a crown on it and should have a sign stating its size and that it is approved, eg "TSS approved 3m" or "TMU approved 3m". MAPSS can advise which traders in your area have a certificate of approval for their truck.

When you buy by volume the seller should also provide you with a written invoice that shows the quantity delivered.

Coal (or coke or carbonettes) must be weighed before the sale unless you are filling your own bags or trailer.

Coal can be sold in sacks or bags or loose. If sold in a closed bag, the weight must be shown on the bag itself or on an invoice or delivery note.

If the coal is sold in open bags the seller must provide a written notice showing the net weight of each bag and the number of bags delivered, or the total weight of the bags delivered.

If sold loose, the driver of the vehicle that delivers the coal must give you a written notice.

Garden and landscape supplies may be sold to you by weight or measure, by number or by description e.g. a scoop or truckload.

What to do if you think you have been sold a short amount?

• Ask the seller to re-weigh or measure the goods in front of you.
• Ask for a written statement of the goods if the quantity is not marked on a package.
• Tell the seller you believe they have sold you short weight or measure.
• Always check that the scale or petrol pump is on zero before you are served.
• Check to see whether the scale or petrol pump has a current certificate of accuracy. You can rely on scales and pumps that have a current certificate.

If the seller won't help, keep your receipt and contact your local Measurement and Product Safety Service (MAPSS) office as soon as possible.

MAPSS Officers from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs or Accredited Persons (people approved by the Ministry) regularly check weighing and measuring equipment.

MAPSS Officers also:

• test and approve new or novel weighing equipment to ensure it is suitable and accurate
• make checks on stores to make sure packaged goods contain the quantity stated on the package
• investigate complaints from the public who think they may have been sold short weight or measures goods.

To contact a Measurement and Product Safety Service Officer check out the Measurement main page for details.

Penalties for breaking the law

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs can seize short weight or measures goods, or inaccurate weighing or measuring equipment. Infringement Offence Notices for $500 can be issued for each offence.

The courts may impose fines of up to $10,000 for serious breaches, plus $250 a day for each day the breach continues.

Weigh In, Measure Up - publication

This publication is available in Adobe Acrobat format (388 kb) (instructions for obtaining the viewer). If you require a printed copy of the publication, single copies can be ordered from our Publications section.