Date: 2022-09-09
The Legal Metrology Inspectorate (LMI), a unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) is set to resume verifications of market scales, commencing September 12th, 2022 at the Tunapuna market. These verification activities will continue throughout all markets in Trinidad and Tobago.
The LMI is mandated under the Metrology Act Chapter 82:06 to monitor and verify prescribed measuring devices used in trade or commercial transactions, including market scales. The objective of the verification exercise is to ensure fair trade between the buyer and seller at the market, whilst also providing assurances that the quantity paid for by the customer is in fact received.
The verification process involves the inspection and testing of the market scale to ensure that it is measuring accurately. Once the device meets the requirements stipulated by the, Metrology Act, a yellow tamper proof pass label is affixed to the device and a verification certificate is issued which is valid for one year. If the device fails to meet the requirements in any way, a “not for use in trade” label is placed on it and the owner would not be allowed to use it for trade purposes until it is repaired, calibrated and re-verified.
Market scale verification occurs annually during which periodic surveillance is undertaken by the LMI. Vendors who trade with an unverified prescribed measuring device can face penalties as stipulated in the Metrology Act.
The LMI is also advising vendors that verification fees will be charged based on the capacity of the device. For further information, vendors are encouraged to visit TTBS’ website, https://gottbs.com/lmi/ or contact the LMI directly at (868) 662-8827 ext. 2348 or (868) 750-0686, or via email at lmi@ttbs.org.tt.
-ENDS-