http://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/uksi/1986/1682

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1986/1682/part/V/made

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) Regulations 1986

Westlaw

King's Printer of Acts of Parliament

2011-04-05

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

These Regulations prescribe measures of length, which do not bear the mark of EEC initial verification, for the purposes of section 11(1) of the Weights and Measures Act 1985, so that it is unlawful to use such measures for trade purposes unless they have been tested, passed as fit for such use and stamped by an inspector of weights and measures. They replace the provisions of Part II of the Weights and Measures Regulations 1963, under which measures of length were formerly prescribed. Measures bearing the mark of EEC initial verification have to comply with the Measuring Instruments (EEC Requirements) Regulations 1980.

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) Regulations 1986

reg. 17A

The Weights and Measures (Metrication Amendments) Regulations 1994

Sch.

Pt. 1

reg. 1

2(1)

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) Regulations 1986

reg. 23A

23B

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) (Amendment) Regulations 1996

reg. 2(2)

reg. 1

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) Regulations 1986

Sch. 2

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) (Amendment) Regulations 1996

Sch.

reg. 1

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) Regulations 1986

reg. 23B heading

The Weighing and Measuring Equipment and Meters (Amendment of Secondary Legislation) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018

Sch.

para. 4(2)(a)

reg. 1(2)

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) Regulations 1986

reg. 23B(1)

The Weighing and Measuring Equipment and Meters (Amendment of Secondary Legislation) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018

Sch.

para. 4(2)(b)

reg. 1(2)

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) Regulations 1986

reg. 23B(2)(b)

The Weighing and Measuring Equipment and Meters (Amendment of Secondary Legislation) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018

Sch.

para. 4(2)(c)

reg. 1(2)

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) Regulations 1986

reg. 23B(3)

The Weights and Measures (Standards Amendment)Regulations 2003

Sch.

para. 3

reg. 1

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) Regulations 1986

Sch. 2

para. 2

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1996

reg. 2

reg. 1

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) Regulations 1986

reg. 17A

The Weights and Measures (Metrication Amendments) Regulations 2001

reg. 3(1)

Sch.

reg. 1

The Measuring Equipment (Measures of Length) Regulations 1986

reg. 17A

The Weights and Measures (Metrication Amendments) Regulations 2009

reg. 3(2)(d)

reg. 1

PART VSUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

Prescribed limits of error

24

The prescribed limits of error relating to measures of length shall be as follows:—

a

where the measure is designed to measure in metric units, 0.6 millimetre plus 0.4 millimetre per metre (rounded up to the next whole metre) of nominal length; and

b

where the measure is designed to measure in imperial units, 0.025 inch plus 0.015 inch per yard (rounded up to the next whole yard) of nominal length.

Passing as fit for use for trade

25

No measure of length shall be passed as fit for use for trade unless on testing—

a

it complies with all the appropriate requirements of these Regulations;

b

it falls within the prescribed limits of error; and

c

the inspector is of the opinion that it is not constructed in a manner which facilitates fraudulent use.

Stamping

26

1

Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) below, measures of length shall be stamped with the stamp near one end or, in the case of graduated measures, near the beginning of the measure on each graduated side.

2

In the case of flexible measures of length the stamp may be placed on a metal plug, disc or label permanently secured to the measure.

3

No measure of length shall be stamped with the stamp if it bears—

a

any mark which, in the opinion of the inspector, might reasonably be mistaken for the stamp;

b

any indication of a class of accuracy to which the measure belongs; or

c

any other statement or mark (other than the stamp) which purports to be or, in the opinion of the inspector, might reasonably be mistaken for an expression of approval or guarantee of accuracy by any body or person.

Obliteration of stamps

27

The stamp shall be obliterated on any measure of length by an inspector, in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations, by means of punches or pincers of suitable sizes of a six-pointed star design as shown in the following illustration:—

Image_r00001

28

1

An inspector shall obliterate the stamp on any measure of length which—

a

fails upon testing to fall within twice the prescribed limits of error; or

b

fails to comply with any other appropriate requirement of these Regulations:

Provided that an inspector shall not obliterate the stamp on any measure of length which falls within twice the prescribed limits of error and which was first stamped before 27th October 1986, notwithstanding that it fails to comply with the appropriate requirements of these Regulations.

2

Where any measure of length has, since it was last stamped, been the subject of any adjustment, alteration, addition, damage or repair which could, in the opinion of the inspector, have affected its accuracy or function, he may obliterate the stamp on that measure.