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Weights and Measures

Weights and Measures issues come under the responsibility of the Measurement and Standards Branch within Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading.

The Measurement and Standards Branch is responsible for the administration of the  Trade Measurement Act 1999. 

The Trade Measurement Act 1999 controls trade by reference to measurement and aims to ensure equitable trade, regardless of the trading partners.  As such it impacts on all levels of the Tasmanian community and industry.  Trade, worth billions of dollars, occurs annually.

Branch measurement related activities include:

• the custody and maintenance of the State measurement standards;
  
• the examination of measuring instruments for compliance with National Standards Commission approval documentation;
  
• the verification, re-verification and regular audit of weighing and measuring instruments in use for trade and monitoring of trade measurement practices;
  
• the calibration and traceability of measurements used for technical, scientific, trade, legal and quality assurance purposes as a Verifying Authority under the National Measurement Act 1960;
  
• the monitoring of packaged goods to ensure correct content, quantity, and compliance with packaging legislation; and
  
• the conduct of a sampling programme in Tasmania for various grades of fuel, under the Commonwealth Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000.

A field based Inspectorate operates state wide in the Tasmanian marketplace.

Complaints regarding alleged short measure or fraudulent measurement practices are investigated and, where appropriate, legal proceedings instigated.

The Measurement and Standards Branch also undertakes investigations and technical reviews, provides education and advice, interacts with other Government agencies, equipment manufacturers, distributors and owners, industry and the public on trade measurement.

For information on product safety related activities see Product Safety.