Keeping it legal: Comply with the Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 2006
Any business producing pre-packaged goods or materials may choose to establish a mid-weight system, involving the use of suitable weighing equipment, capable of weighing accurately and/or recording measurements in accordance with the latest requirements.
Ways to pack your products
There are basically two ways to weigh your pre-packed products (ie those that are sold/sealed and are between 5g and 25g, or 5ml and 25 litres, the same weight or volume as other products of the same type).
- Minimum system: you can pack your products to contain at least the amount shown on the label. Each package may contain more than the label says, but not less.
- average system: You can pack your products at an average size that is printed on the label.
The ‘average system’ applies to most prepackaged products in predetermined quantities, by weight or volume. This includes a wide range of products, including most food and non-food products, ie: rice, pasta, tea, coffee, etc.
You must check each batch you produce to ensure a random sample is packed to meet requirements.
These are known as the ‘three baggers’ rules:
These confirm that:
The content of the packages/lot must not be less, on average, than the weight printed on the label
Only a small number can fall below a certain margin of error. This is called the ‘tolerable negative error’ (TNE)
No package can weigh less than twice the TNE
Remember that if you are calculating the NER as a percentage of the total amount, you should round the weight or volume to the nearest 0.10 gram or milliliter as a general rule.
Click here: https://www.gov.uk/weights-measures-and-packaging-the-law/packaged-goods for full advice on current NET limits.
What kind of scale equipment?
The equipment you use to weigh, measure or control the weight of your pre-packaged products (to meet the average system requirements) must be fit for purpose/fit for purpose.
While current legislation confirms that there are no specific rules on what equipment you must use to establish an average weight, it is important that they are appropriate and capable of accurately handling and measuring the products you sell.
This equipment must have an advanced degree of sensitivity and accuracy and be suitable for the environment or atmosphere in which it is maintained and used.
Don’t forget that when weighing products for trade or sale, the equipment must also have a trade stamp or approval as ‘legal for trade’. If you are unsure of the actual condition of your scale equipment, ask your equipment supplier for advice.
Scale equipment must comply with all current legislation that regulates a class or type of equipment, so you should look for the scope of approval on the product packaging.
What do you mean by a package?
The most important aspect of taking the average weight is understanding what constitutes a product or products. Measurements must include all packaging (this is part of the package) and are subject to ‘system averaging’ if done at a predetermined weight or volume, if the customer is not present.
It also relates to materials whose quantity cannot be changed without opening or changing the packaging.
Whatever system you decide to operate when it comes to prepackaged products, it’s important that you stay within the law.
Understanding what equipment is capable of taking and recording average weight readings in the environment you work in is very important – take advantage of the experience and knowledge of your equipment supplier. You may be surprised at their level of experience.
