Trading Standards

We aim to protect consumers and assist Western Isles based businesses by carrying out a variety of Weights and Measures (also known as Legal Metrology) activities.

Inspections

Our authorised inspectors of weights and measures regularly conduct visits across the area throughout the year to check the measurement of goods for sale by weight or measure within the Western Isles. They also check the accuracy of associated equipment being used for trade or retail.
Weighing and measuring equipment in use for trade has to be approved (sometimes called government stamped or verified), suitable for its intended use and be within defined legal limits of error. In most cases it will be more accurate than the equipment we use at home.
Pre-packed goods that declare a quantity have to be legally compliant and may have been produced under average quantity legislation which means there are permissible tolerable negative errors to consider upon testing them.

Our Inspectors of Weights and Measures are authorised to enter and inspect premises at all reasonable hours and specific sectors that are commonly checked by our inspectors may include:

• food and drink premises
• factories, shops, stores, markets and events
• farms and feed producers
• fuel stations
• weighbridges

Verification, testing and calibration services

We offer verification, testing, certain calibration and also loan of weights services to businesses and our equipment is traceable to national standards in most cases. We can also provide a certificate if required.

Cost

The current fee for an Inspector of Weights and Measures is £95 per hour and there may be a minimum charge. This will include the duration of visit, journey time and relevant administration. Please contact us at ts@cne-siar.gov.uk to discuss your specific requirements and also see our fees and charges page for more information.