Legal Metrology Bill repeals two laws, mandates metric system

It aims to regulate trade and commerce involving goods sold by weight, measure, or number to ensure accuracy and public security.

Who it concerns: The law applies to manufacturers, dealers, importers, and repairers of weights and measures; businesses selling or distributing goods by weight, measure, or number; and government bodies. It also covers individuals and entities involved in transactions, contracts, or services where non-standard units are used.

What the bill does

• Mandates the use of the metric system and international system of units for all weights and measures.
• Establishes the Director of Legal Metrology and Controller of Legal Metrology with powers for inspection, seizure, and forfeiture.
• Requires verification and stamping of weights and measures to certify conformity with standards.
• Prohibits the manufacture, repair, or sale of weights and measures without a license.
• Prohibits the import of non-standard weights and measures.
• Requires declarations on pre-packaged commodities.
• Specifies penalties for using, altering, or selling non-standard weights and measures.
• Allows for the compounding of offences and appeals.
• Repeals the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976, and the Standards of Weights and Measures (Enforcement) Act, 1985.

Also in the document

• The Bill repeals two existing laws: the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976, and the Standards of Weights and Measures (Enforcement) Act, 1985.
• It creates specific offences and penalties for violations related to weights and measures.
• It grants overriding power to this Act over any inconsistent provisions in other laws.