In-service verification must usually be performed regularly on measuring instruments
The company or other party using the measurement result is responsible for ensuring that the measuring instrument operates reliably throughout its service, and that the verification of the measuring instrument is valid.
Regular in-service verification of measuring instruments is usually required. The verification checks that
- the measuring instrument and system operate reliably
- no unauthorised changes have been made
- the structure of the measuring instrument and system conform to the approval
- the measurement error does not exceed the maximum permitted error limits.
The measuring instrument must also be verified whenever there is a reason to suspect its reliability or when its markings or seals are damaged.
The table shows examples of the requirements of different measuring instruments and the verification intervals.
An in-service verification must be performed on the measuring instrument every 3 years. Exceptions:
- 2-year verification interval
- liquid fuel measuring systems: liquid fuel and gas used as fuel in vehicles
- automatic line scales used to check the quantity contained in the package
- no in-service verification
- material measures and measures at open-air marketplaces, if the measure and its markings are not broken
- no detailed regulations available yet
- Consumption meters
Verification procedures for various measuring instruments
before and after commissioning
Requirements on |
Before commissioning | After commissioning | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type examination and verification (national or EC) |
In accordance with MID or NAWID | ||||||
Measuring instrument | Type examination | Initial verification | Declaration of conformity | In-service verification |
Verification interval
|
||
Ordinary shop scales (NAWI) | x | x | 3 | ||||
Automatic scales | x | x | 2/3² | ||||
Weight (>50 mg) |
|
x | _¹ | x | 3 | ||
Liquid fuel distribution meter | x | x | 2 | ||||
Compressed natural gas (CNG) or compressed biogas (CBG) measuring system for vehicles | x | x | _¹ | x | 2 | ||
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) measuring system | x | x | 3 | ||||
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) measuring system for vehicles | x | x | 2 | ||||
Lubricating oil meter | x | x | 3 | ||||
Road tanker meter (liquid fuel) | x | x | 2 | ||||
Milk tanker meter | x | x | 3 | ||||
Transport container | x | x | _¹ | _ | |||
Measure of length | x | _ | |||||
Height meter | x | x | 3 | ||||
Capacity serving measure (≤5 l) | x | _ | _ | ||||
Wooden potato measures and cylinder measures used at open-air marketplaces | x | _ | _ | ||||
Optic (non-drip) measure | _ | x | _¹ | x | 3 | ||
Meter for beer/cider | x | x | _¹ | x | 3 | ||
Consumption meters |
x | upcoming |
¹ These measuring instruments are not covered by MID, and national type approval and verification requirements still apply.
² Line scales used to check the quantity contained in the package are verified every 2 years, while other automatic scales are verified every 3 years.
MID = Measuring Instruments Directive
NAWID = Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments Directive
Legislation
Measuring Instruments Act 707/2011
Government Decree on Measuring Instruments 471/2014
Government Decree on Non-Automatic Scales 1431/2016
Government Decree on Essential Requirements, Demonstration of Compliance and Specific Technical Requirements of Measuring Instruments 1432/2016
Measuring Instruments Directive 2014/32/EU (MID)
Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments Directive 2014/31/EU (NAWID)
Council Directive 76/211/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making-up by weight or by volume of certain prepackaged products
Council Directive 75/107/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to bottles used as measuring containers
Council Directive 80/181/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to units of measurement
Directive 2009/34/EC relating to common provisions for both measuring instruments and methods of metrological control
See also
Website of the European Commission on legal metrology and pre-packaged products
The European Commission’s list on the harmonised standards of the MID
NANDO database Database of the European Commission on notified bodies
OIML International Organization of Legal Metrology
WELMEC (The body for the promotion of European cooperation in legal metrology)