What is the Canada/U.S. Type Evaluation Program?
Both Canada and the United States (U.S.) operate type evaluation or approval programs for measuring devices intended for use in retail or wholesale applications. These Programs ensure measuring devices are capable of measuring accurately under normal conditions of use and throughout their service lifetime. Manufacturers who wish to market and sell their products must have them evaluated and approved in each country separately. Measurement Canada and its U.S. counterpart, the National Conference of Weights and Measures (NCWM), have signed arrangements that help reduce overlap in device evaluation and approval.
Which measuring devices are covered by the Evaluation Program?
The Program covers the following scales, scale indicators, fuel dispensers and meters:
- Gasoline and diesel dispensers
- High-speed dispensers
- Gasoline and diesel meters (for use in fuel dispensers and truck refuellers only)
- Electronic computing and non-computing bench and floor scales with a capacity up to 1000 kg (2000 lb)
- Weighing/load receiving elements with a capacity of up to 1000 kg (2000 lb)
- Electronic indicators (except those that are software based)
- Mechanical scales up to 10 000 kg (20 000 lb)
How has the Evaluation Program affected approval of scales/indicators and fuel dispensers/meters?
Under a 1994 arrangement, Measurement Canada laboratories located in Ottawa can evaluate scales against both Canadian and U.S. requirements. Likewise, U.S. NTEP laboratories can evaluate these devices against domestic and Canadian standards. This means manufacturers can apply to have a scale tested and if it meets appropriate standards for Canada and the United States, it will be approved for use in both countries. Although testing may take place in the U.S. or Canada, a Notice of Approval (Measurement Canada) and Certificate of Conformance (NCWM) will be issued.
Under a 1994 arrangement, Measurement Canada laboratories located in Ottawa can evaluate scales against both Canadian and U.S. requirements.
The Canada/U.S. Arrangement for fuel dispensing devices and meters authorizes Measurement Canada to perform type approval evaluations and tests on certain types of fuel dispensers on behalf of the National Conference on Weights and Measures. The NCWM recognizes the results of the tests performed by Measurement Canada for the purpose of issuing Certificates of Conformance. In all cases, the manufacturer must identify on the application that it wishes to have approval granted in both countries.
Why is the Evaluation Program important?
- Reduces the requirement for approval testing in each country potentially reducing costs and device time to market.
- Provides increased flexibility and options with respect to where approval evaluations are performed.
- Reduces barriers to Canadian and U.S. markets.
- Assists in harmonizing the technical standards of both countries potentially reducing the costs of manufacturing.