Weights and measures
Many goods you buy, including food and drink, are legally required to display their weight or quantity. This includes both goods which are pre-packaged and those that have to be weighed and measured before buying.
Equipment used to weigh or measure goods to be sold must comply with specific standards and be tested before use.
We are responsible for enforcing the laws on the measuring and weighing of goods. We give advice to traders on how to comply with the law and provide calibration and evaluation of working standards and testing of weighing and measuring equipment used for trade within the county.
The following information provides guidance on the legal requirements:
- Business Companion: weights and measures
- Gov.uk: weights and measures - business guidance
- Gov.uk: weights and measures - the law
Weighbridge Operator's Certificate
To operate a public weighbridge in County Durham, you will need a Weighbridge Operator's Certificate from us. This is a legal requirement of Section 18 of the Weights and Measures Act 1985.