Inspections

Overview

Measurement Canada and its Authorized Service Providers inspect all measuring devices intended for use in trade. Inspections are performed before a device is first used in trade, and periodically during its lifetime, to ensure consumer and business confidence in the fairness and accuracy of measurement-based transactions. Inspections are part of a thorough process of measuring device evaluation, approval, and monitoring.

The inspection process begins with initial verification of measuring devices that have received Measurement Canada approval. Verification is performed by Measurement Canada inspectors or Authorized Service Providers upon installation of the device and prior to its first use in trade, although certain types can be verified at the factory.

After initial verification, inspections are performed periodically by Measurement Canada inspectors or Authorized Service Providers to ensure measuring devices function accurately.

Net Quantity Inspections

Measurement Canada’s Net Quantity Inspection Program applies to commodities—including firewood, propane and some food products—that are sold pre-packaged, clerk-served or in bulk on the basis of measure.

Measurement Canada administers and enforces the Weights and Measures Act which establishes accuracy requirements for weighing and measuring devices used in trade. The Act is complemented by the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act to ensure that goods bought and sold on the basis of measure are marked with an accurate declaration of their net-content amounts.

Responsibility for the enforcement of consumer packaging and labelling net-quantity provisions is shared by: