Guidance notes on
average quantity
This article provides information
about the Weights and Measures Act 1985 and the Weights and
Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 1986.
General
Goods which are sold in packages by weight or measure can be
packed either to minimum quantity or to average quantity.
For minimum quantity each pack must contain at least the
quantity marked on the pack (the nominal quantity). If you use
equipment to make up the packs then the equipment must be tested
and approved for trade use. You do not have to use equipment but if
you estimate the quantity incorrectly you will have no defence.
For average quantity there are certain rules which must be
followed - the Packers' Rules. To show compliance with these rules
checks have to be carried out using suitable equipment and records
of these checks kept.
The Packers' Rules
In a group of packages some packs may contain less than the
marked quantity but the group must comply with the following
rules:
(1) The actual contents of the group must on average be at least
the nominal quantity.
(2) No more than 2.5% (1 in 40) of the group may be
non-standard. A non-standard package is one which contains less
than the nominal quantity minus an amount known as the tolerable
negative error (T.N.E.). The T.N.E. varies depending on the nominal
quantity and can be calculated using the table shown below.
(3) No package in the group may be inadequate. An inadequate
package is one which contains less than the nominal quantity minus
twice the T.N.E.
Checks
You should carry out checks on the contents of packages to
ensure the above rules are being complied with. These checks can be
on a sample from the group. The number you need to check depends on
the number in the group and the accuracy of your packing process.
Please ask if you need further advice.
Equipment
The equipment used to carry out the checks must be suitable. You
can either use a scale which has been tested and approved for trade
use or you can use other scales as long as they have a suitable
scale division for the size of the packs and they are tested every
day using stamped weights to ensure they are accurate. Please ask
if you require advice on a particular piece of
equipment.
Records
You must make records of the checks you have carried out. These
records must show that you have complied with the rules. As a
minimum you should record the product, the batch number, the date,
the number of packs in the batch, the number checked and the
results of the check. The records must be kept for 12 months.
Markings
You must mark the packs with:-
- A statement of quantity. This statement must be in metric and
the size of the marking is prescribed eg for a 500g pack the
marking must be 4mm high.
- Your name and address. Alternatively you may give the name and
address of the person who arranged for you to make up the
packages.
Importers and Average Quantity
If you import goods from outside the EEC you are responsible for
ensuring that the packs comply with the Packers' Rules and that
they are marked correctly. However you may obtain suitable
documents from the packer instead of carrying out checks. Please
contact us for further advice.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions please contact us. Also you may like to
obtain a copy of the Code of Practical Guidance for Packers and
Importers which provides more details. (ISBN 011 5129227).
|
Nominal quantity in grams or
millilitres |
Tolerable negative error |
|
As a percentage of nominal quantity |
g or ml |
| 5 to 50 |
9 |
- |
| from 50 to 100 |
- |
4.5 |
| from 100 to 200 |
4.5 |
- |
| from 200 to 300 |
- |
9 |
| from 300 to 500 |
3 |
- |
| from 500 to 1,000 |
- |
15 |
| from 1,000 to 10,000 |
1.5 |
- |
| from 10,000 to 15,000 |
- |
150 |
| above 15,000 |
1 |
- |