Consumer Affairs

National Type Evaluation Program
Information Sheet No. 14

Every weighing and measuring devices placed in commercial use after July 5, 1997 must be traceable to a Certificate of Conformance (CC) issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The CC is evidence that the device conforms to the requirements of NIST Handbook 44 Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices. Vendors of weighing and measuring devices must provide copies of CCs to users at the time of purchase. The National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) establishes procedures for testing prototype devices and issuance of CCs. The State of Washington adopted the NTEP by rule on June 4, 1997 [Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 16-664].

A weighing and measuring device already in use prior to July 5, 1997 that does not have a CC may be used until repairs change its metrological characteristics or until it is remanufactured. Under NTEP, certain state metrology labs (e.g., California, Maryland) perform a series of tests contained in NIST Handbook 14 NTEP Administrative Procedures, Technical Policy, Checklists, and Test Procedures in order to verify that the prototype device meets all of the specifications and tolerances of Handbook 44. A list of CCs issued in available in National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) Publication 5 (series) National Type Evaluation Program: Index of Device Evaluations. Volume I is Scale Devices, Volume II is Liquid-Measuring Devices including LPG liquid meters and mass flow meters, and Volume III is Load Cells and Other Devices including length measuring devices and taximeters. There are numerous NTEP documents available by automatic fax from the National Conference on Weights and Measures. Dial toll free (800) 925-2453 and request the fax menu (2 pages) which is Document #101. NIST also intends to list CCs in its web site on the internet at www.nist.gov.

A Certificate of Conformance does not assure the user that the device will be suitable for its intended application. Users should consult with vendors on this or contact weights and measures inspectors at the Consumer Affairs Unit for assistance.