Legal Metrology

What is Legal Metrology:

Legal Metrology is that part of metrology subjected to legal/regulatory control. It is defined in the International Vocabulary of Legal Metrology as that part of metrology relating to activities that result from statutory requirements and concern measurement, units of measurement, measuring instruments, and measurement methods performed by competent bodies.

Why is Legal Metrology important:

Legal metrology is important because it ensures the accuracy of measurements that affect everyday life, such as the amount of fuel you purchase, the weight of goods, etc. Accurate measurements help build trust between businesses and consumers and support regulatory compliance.

Verification Services:

The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) provides verification services for weighing and measuring instruments used in trade. This is in accordance with The Metrology Act Chapter 294 of the Substantive Laws of Belize. 

These services include:

• Verification of Commercial Scales: BBS inspects and certifies commercial scales, ensuring their accuracy in industries such as agriculture, retail, and healthcare.

• Verification of Fuel Pumps: BBS verifies fuel pumps to ensure that the quantities dispensed at fuel stations are accurate, protecting both businesses and consumers.

• Verification of Industrial Scales: BBS conducts verification on industrial scales and high-capacity scales (weigh Bridges) used by major industries.

• Verification of LPG Meters: Currently, there are two types of equipment used in the sale and distribution of LPG, which the BBS verifies.  Scales used to sell products as per by-laws are subject to initial and subsequent verification.  These equipment are verified twice per year, and the equipment owner is charged a small fee for this service.  In addition to scales, BBS personnel also conduct verification services on flow meters installed in LPG plants and depots and those installed on mobile distribution units.  The verification of meters is not subject to regulations at this time.

• Verification of Pre-packaged Goods (Net Content): Verification of pre-packaged goods is conducted to ensure that items packaged at the point of retail sale are accurately marked.  This exercise is conducted simultaneously with the verification of commercial scales. 

Through these services, the Belize Bureau of Standards is vital in promoting fair trade, protecting consumer rights, and ensuring confidence in the country’s measurement systems.

How does a consumer know that the BBS verified a weighing or measuring instrument?

Weighing and Measuring Instruments that pass the verification exercise are affixed with an accuracy sticker.  This tamper-proof BBS sticker carries a unique serial number and the period for which the sticker is valid.

Instruments that do not pass the verification exercise are treated accordingly as the law provides for, e.g., A fuel pump at a gas station will be secured with a wire seal to prevent any further fuel dispensing until the necessary maintenance can be undertaken.

How does a consumer know that after a verification, the establishment will not tamper with the weighing or measuring instrument?

After the completion of a verification exercise, all pumps that pass are affixed with a BBS wire seal with a serial number to ensure that the pumps are not tampered with between verifications.

Is verification mandatory?

Yes, all businesses that use weighing and measuring instruments for trade or regulated purposes are required by law to have their instruments verified by the Belize Bureau of Standards. This ensures compliance with national legal metrology regulations.

How can an establishment schedule a verification service with BBS?

To schedule a verification, you can contact the BBS by phone (+501-822-0446), email (helpdesk@bbs.gov.bz), website, or visit our office. We will include the verification in our inspectors’ work schedule.