Weights and measures

Weights and measures is one of the traditional foundation stones of the work of the Office of Fair Trading.

Officers test the accuracy of equipment used for sales by weight or measure and pose as customers to make 'test purchases' of goods to check that the equipment is being used fairly.

Inspections are carried out regularly at trade premises such as petrol stations and supermarkets to ensure that both consumers and traders can be confident of dealing fairly.

Our Metrology Laboratory houses the Manx Standards of weight, capacity and length - the very accurate reference standards to which all measurement in the Island can be traced.

What we offer

The laboratory offers an accurate and impartial measurement service which is used by industry for many purposes including the evaluation of goods against specification.

The Laboratory provides a fast and accurate service for the calibration of:

• weights
• capacity
• length measures

Equipment calibrated in our laboratory is traceable back to the United Kingdom’s National Standards or to natural standards which never change (the wavelength of light). 

Hire of weights

We can also hire out accurately calibrated weights to businesses for calibration purposes.

Hire charges are calculated per calendar day inclusive of the day of collection and return. No charge will be made for the final day if weights are returned before 10.30am.

Certificates of traceability to UK National Standards are available for QA weights.

All charges are subject to VAT.

Contact us

Being Island based we can offer a rapid turnaround time without the delays and risks associated with sending valuable and delicate equipment away for calibration.

Charges for calibration, weighing or measuring and hiring out weights are reviewed from time to time. 

Contact the OFT for more information.