Why We Have Weights & Measures

March 1 - 7, 2020 is Weights and Measures Week!
President John Adams signed the first U.S. Weights and Measures law on March 2, 1799.  Each year, the National Conference on Weights and Measures recognizes Weights and Measures Week to bring attention to the importance of accurate and honest weights and measures in commerce for consumers and businesses.

W&M regulatory officials set standards and enforce uniform procedures to verify weight, volume, length, or count, ensuring that consumers get the quantity that they pay for and that businesses sell the quantity that they advertise.  These standards create a comprehensive, impartial, and often invisible shield that protects equity in our marketplace. 
 
Device registration
The registration is analogous to other commercial businesses that are registered (licensed) as doing business; plumbers, electricians, restaurants, real estate, vehicle inspection, medical profession, lawn care companies, etc.

 The County Registration Ordinance No. 2006-9 (PDF):
  • W&M maintains a record of businesses which use weighing and measuring devices
  • Registration of these devices assures that an annual inspection is conducted
  • Inspections reaffirm that trust is built into every transaction between  businesses and the consumer
  • Documentation verifies that operating businesses are legitimate and correctly selling the product they are vending

 Variety of  Devices
 W&M officials at the state, county, and city level enforce weights and measures requirements by conducting performance tests and inspections of:
 

  • food scales
  • precious metal scales
  • gas pumps
  • parking meters
  • price scanners
  • package net weight 
  • product labeling
  • firewood
  • mulch & tanbark
  • home heating oil meters (state level)
  • truck scales (state level)
  • and many other types of weighing and measuring devices