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The importance of weights measurements and labelling
The Law The regulation of weights and measures is necessary for science, industry, and commerce. Trade measurement laws ensure Australian consumers get what they pay for. Trade measurement laws apply to all retail and wholesale transactions where measurement determines the price. Australia’s trade measurement laws cover: • the definition of the legal units of measurement
• the use of measuring instruments for trade
• testing and verification of measuring instruments
• transactions by measurement • pre-packed articles and their labels
mga.asn.au | September 2021 | Edition 5
• licenses that businesses require to verify measuring instruments
Equipment Measuring instruments used for trade include:
• scales (to determine weight) • rulers (to measure length) • petrol pumps (to measure volume) • utility meters • weighbridges • point of sale systems
The Authority The National Measurement Institute (NMI) administers Australia’s trade measurement laws:
• National Measurement 1960 • National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009
NMI also maintains measurement standards and provides the legal and technical framework for the standards. The NMI website has specific information about trade measurement laws for:
• alcohol • bread and bakery goods • firewood • fruit and vegetables • landscape materials • meat • seafood • fuels • precious metals/stones