Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

These Regulations amend references in weights and measures Regulations to the standard EN 45001 which is replaced by a new standard, BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2000.

These standards set the minimum requirements for the competence of accredited testing and calibration laboratories that may carry out testing of certain weighing and measuring equipment imported into Northern Ireland. EN 45001 was a European standard prepared by CEN/CENELEC, the European standardisation bodies. Standard BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2000, which is a more comprehensive standard, is an international standard prepared by the International Organisation for Standards and the International Electrotechnical Commission. As with the standard EN 45001, BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2000 has been approved by CEN/CENELEC as a European standard and has the status of a British Standard.

These Regulations also make it clear that, in the case of each of the Regulations amended, an approved body is a body which has been accredited in relation to the specific product to which those Regulations apply.

BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2000 is available from any of the sales outlets operated by the British Standards Institute or from the British Standards Institute, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LE.