EU trade standards clearly define the scope within which a scale must be verified. Electronic scales must therefore have an appropriate document issued by the Office of Measures, confirming the accuracy of the measurement. Requirements differ depending on the intended use of the scale—different requirements therefore apply to scales used for scientific, retail, agricultural, laboratory or pharmaceutical purposes.
What purposes require a verified electronic scale?
Verified scales are most commonly found in grocery stores, since only such equipment may be used to weigh food. The same applies to all commercial premises. In their case, the most common scale accuracy required by official regulations is approximately 5 g.
Facilities such as analytical laboratories, pharmacies, medical centers and all expert institutions must also have verified scales on their premises in order to provide services at all. The same applies to anyone who determines amounts due, taxes, fines, compensation or other officially regulated charges.
Verified scales—how long is the document valid?
Until 26 April 2019, verified scales approved for use in services were authorized for a period of three years from the date the document was issued. However, these regulations changed, and since then the verification period has been shortened to 25 months. This does not mean, however, that the new regulations apply to scales verified before the regulatory change. New documents for scales verified before 26 April 2019 should be issued after the previous verification expires, without concern about the new 25-month period.
Penalties imposed on users of unverified scales
The amount of the penalty is regulated in this case by the Law on Measures. Under Article 26, anyone who knowingly uses or possesses a scale without verification that is ready for use may face restriction of liberty, arrest and a fine of up to PLN 10,000. It is worth mentioning that the obligation to report the device to the Office of Measures and arrange an inspection for its re-verification rests with the owner.
How can you check whether a scale is verified?
The key item here is a sticker with the appropriate markings, which should be located on the scale. If it has been damaged or removed, the device’s approval can be considered expired. In addition to detailed specifications, the most important elements are the markings printed in the largest font: the symbol confirming compliance with EU standards (the familiar “CE”), the metrological mark “M,” the year the scale was manufactured and then the number of the notified body. The scale’s accuracy class (from IIII to I) is indicated somewhat to the side.