Businesses are turning to the Internet for a wide variety of purchases, including scales. Although convenient and sometimes less expensive, online purchases can be misleading. Knowing exactly what is being purchased from the Internet is essential— especially if the scale is going to be used in buying, selling or shipping applications. The scale may be falsely advertised as it may not meet regulatory standards for commercial scales in its country or state of use.

In order for a scale to be Legal for Trade, meaning it is used in any buying, selling or shipping applications, it must be approved as part of the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP), conducted by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM). NTEP Certification provides businesses a certain level of accuracy and performance, but it still does not mean the scale can be placed into service. In most states, even though a scale has been NTEP Certified, an authorized dealer still needs to calibrate and place the scale into service to comply with local regulations. In addition, a scale that is advertised as “factory- calibrated” in most states does not mean it can be placed into service upon arrival. The steps below can help businesses ensure the scale they are buying is NTEP Certified.

Advance Scale is a certified distributor of all scales and scale products with full support.

Source: Rice Lake