C-07—Definition of Solid Commodities

C-07—Definition of Solid Commodities (PDF, 77 KB, 2 pages)

Date: 2004-06-07
Bulletin: C–07
Category: Commodity
Replaces: Weights and Measures Act, section 9; Weights and Measures Regulations, sections 49, 52 and Schedule II, parts VIII and IX

Table of Contents

1.0 Scope

The purpose of this bulletin is to establish what constitutes a "solid commodity" measured in units of volume, thus subject to the limits of error set out in Parts VIII and IX of Schedule II of the Weights and Measures Regulations.

2.0 Background

Parts III, IV, V, VII, VIII and IX of Schedule II of the Weights and Measures Regulations all provide limits of error for commodities measured in units of volume. The distinguishing factor for the limits of error specified in parts VIII and IX are that they are applicable to solid commodities measured in units of volume.

While most solids are either sold by weight or by count, some are sold by volume. Limits of error for solid commodities measured in units of volume are significantly larger than those for other commodities measured in units of volume. The interpretation of what constitutes a solid commodity is thus very important as it dictates the limits of error to be applied to the commodity.

The Gage Canadian Dictionary defines a solid as: "a substance that is not a liquid or a gas" and goes on to state "a body that has length, breadth and thickness".

The Webster's Dictionary defines a solid as: "a substance that has little or no tendency to flow" and "a substance which when acted upon by moderate forces tends to retain its shape and volume".

3.0 Policy

Based on the preceding definitions, a solid commodity will not tend to flow when its packaging material is removed and will retain dimensions of height, length and width.

To be considered a solid, the commodity does not have to be in one piece. For example, solid commodities such as firewood, peat moss and vermiculite are measured by volume and are composed of several individual solid pieces.

When a commodity is constituted of liquid, even if the liquid is mixed with solid matter, it cannot be considered as a solid commodity.

4.0 Additional Information

For additional information regarding this bulletin, please contact your Regional Commodities Coordinator.

Doug Hutchinson
Senior Program Officer
Weighing and Measuring Division
Program Development Directorate