In Australia, trade measurement is the legal framework that regulates any commercial transaction where the price of a product or service is determined by its weight, volume, length, or count. From a grocery store weighing fruit to a petrol station pumping fuel, or a manufacturer packing cartons of goods, trade measurement ensures that every quantity stated is precise and verified.This system is governed nationally by the National Measurement Institute (NMI) under the National Measurement Act 1960. It dictates that all commercial measuring instruments must be pattern-approved, regularly tested, and that consumers only ever pay for the net weight of a product - excluding any packaging.

If you use weighing or measuring equipment to determine the price of goods or services sold by measurement, your equipment may need to be trade approved and verified under Australian trade measurement requirements.

Verification is generally required when equipment is used for a regulated trade measurement purpose, such as:

Selling goods by weight – for example, weighing meat, produce or other products sold by the kilogram.

Selling goods by volume – for example, measuring liquids sold by the litre.

Determining a price from a measurement – where the measured quantity is used to calculate what a customer pays.

Measuring quantities for trade transactions – where accurate measurement determines the amount supplied or charged.

Trade approval means an instrument type has been approved for use in regulated trade measurement applications. Verification checks that an individual instrument meets the applicable requirements and is suitable for trade use.

Not every instrument used in a business needs trade verification. Requirements depend on how the equipment is used and the type of transaction involved.

PCS Precision can help you determine the appropriate requirements for your weighing or measuring equipment, including whether trade verification is necessary.

Contact our team for advice on trade-approved equipment and verification services.