Introduction
Metrology is the name given to the science of measurements. Legal Metrology may be briefly defined as the process of making measurements under conditions dictated by statutes.
In this age of rapid technological change, growing competition and expanding trade, measurement standards and techniques have been recognised as fundamental elements. Indeed, a sound LEGAL METROLOGY SYSTEM is an essential cog in the economic well-being of any country.
The Legal Metrology Services (LMS) was created in 1985 under the aegis of the Ministry of Trade and Shipping became fully operational since July 1990.
Responsibilities
The Legal Metrology Services is responsible for:
(i) Calibration and maintenance of measurement standards which are traceable to International Standards;
(ii) Control of weighing and measuring equipment used in trade to ensure that the instruments are accurate and used correctly and they meet the requirements of the Legal Metrology Act;and
(iii) Control of goods to ensure that they are properly labelled and contain the quantity declared on the packages as per the Legal Metrology Act.
Legislations
Services
Assizing of instruments;
On Request Calibration;
Supervision of use of weighing and measuring instruments;
Control on goods (Prepacked Commodities);
Certificate of Suitability;
Investigation of complaint;
Information and advice.
(1) Assizing of instruments
Assizing/Reassizing, i.e. verification, testing and stamping of weighing and measuring instruments used in trade (both in general trade and trade in valuable goods), i.e for General Retailers, vegetable and fruit sellers, jewellers.
These instruments include spring balances, platform machines, electronic scales, jeweller scales, weights, length measures, tape measures, capacity measures, liquor measures.
All new instruments of importers are assized by LMS before they are offered for sale.
Verification of instruments which are (i) of high capacity, (ii) fixed and (iii) not transportable are carried in situ, that is, at place of use. These instruments include platform machines of high capacity, Petrol Pumps, Weighbridges and bulkmeters.
(c) Periodical Assizing of instruments
According to the Legal Metrology (Periodical Assizement) Regulations 1994,
· spring balances have to be verified every year,
· length measures every five years and
· all other instruments every two years.
(2) On Request Calibration
Calibration services are provided to industries at their request for instruments not used in trade.
Calibration is carried at the division for transportable instruments.
For high capacity and fixed instruments calibration is carried at place of use.
We also calibrate fixed storage tanks, concrete batching plants and hopper scales.
Requests for calibration must be made in writing or by fax.
(3) Supervision of use of weighing and measuring instruments
This is done by carrying regular inspection visits to trade premises to ensure that traders are using correct and assized weighing and measuring instruments.
(4) Control on goods (Prepacked Commodities)
Inspection is carried at packing premises to ascertain that prepacked commodities (foodstuffs and non foodstuffs) comply with the Legal Metrology (Prepacked Commodities) Regulations, GN 233/2006.
(5) Certificate of Suitability
Importers of weighing instruments used in trade have to apply for a certificate of suitability in respect to the pattern or design of the instrument. For this the importer has to make an application on the form available at the Legal Metrology Services.
Application for a Certificate of Suitability
(6) Investigation of complaint
Complaints related to weights and measures are investigated by this office. These complaints are usually on unassized/not duly reassized instruments, incorrect instruments or shortweight. Complaints are received by Phone, Reporting to our office at Bell Village or in writing.
(7) Information and advice
We offer free information and advice in matters regarding weights and measures to consumers, traders, including importers, packers and industries.
(8) Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: From 09 h 00 to 12 h 00 and from 12 h 30 to 15 h 00 (For verification of instruments) and 16h00 (Office)
We also operate a mobile verification service since 2003 to cover all districts. Traders are informed of the dates and places by press communiqués.
Required Documents for Verification
Infrastructure
Legal Metrology Service has facilities for calibration in the areas of mass, length and volume, including flow measurement.
The building includes a verification room, a workshop, a mass and length laboratory and a volume laboratory.
Quality Management System
1. The Legal Metrology Services is ISO 9001:2008 certified and all activities are performed according to established procedures.
2. The Mass Laboratory is accredited by MAURITAS (Mauritius Accreditation Services) and meets the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025/2005.
(i) To increase efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery for verifications/calibrations performed at LMS.
(ii) To improve level of performance in main areas of activities (Re: inspection etc.)
(iii) To establish key performance indicators and targets and a monitoring system
International Cooperation
(i) OIML – International Organisation of Legal Metrology
The Headquarters of OIML is the International Bureau of Legal Metrology (BIML) at Paris, France.
Mauritius through the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection and the Legal Metrology Services is a corresponding member of OIML.
(ii) SADCMEL- Southern African Development Community Cooperation in Legal Metrology
SADCMEL is one of the structures of SADC SQAM the SADC Cooperation Programme in the field of Standardisation, Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Metrology.
Mauritius, through the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection and the Legal Metrology Services is a member of SADCMEL. Member Countries of SADCMEL are Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Mauritius, represented by the Director of Legal Metrology Services was appointed as the Chairperson of SADCMEL for two years for period 2014-2016.
