Legal-For-Trade - Click here to see all the LFT models we offer

Precision Weighing Balances offers a large selection of "Legal-for-Trade"  balances.  Our most popular "Legal-for-Trade" scale is the A&D EK1200i used by jewelers, tobacco, coffee or candy stores.  "Legal for Trade" scales are generally considered those scales which are intended by the manufacturer for use in "commercial" applications where product is sold by weight.  While the definition of commercial applications may vary slightly among different weights and measures jurisdictions, NIST Handbook 44 (General Code paragraph G-A.1.) and NIST Handbook 130 (Uniform Weights and Measures Law, Section 1.13.) define Commercial Weighing and Measuring Equipment as follows:

".....weights and measures and weighing and measuring devices commercially used or employed in establishing the size, quantity, extent, area, or measurement of quantities, things, produce, or articles for distribution or consumption, purchased, offered, or submitted for sale, hire, or award, or in computing any basic charge or payment for services rendered on the basis of weight or measure."

"Legal-for-Trade" balances typically cost more than "Not Legal for Trade" since extensive testing is required to achieve a Certificate of Conformance.  The stringent testing requirements are usually only achieved in high quality balances incorporating the use high quality electronic components and superior engineering.  Precision Weighing Balances offers a huge selection of "Legal for Trade" balances.

Many people ask - why should I buy a balance that is "Legal-for-Trade" when I don't intend to use the balance in a commercial weighing application?  In our opinion, when you purchase a "Legal-for-Trade" balance you will know you are getting a quality precision weighing balance that has undergone independent testing to verify the unit meets the manufacturer's specifications.  If their is a comparable model built by another manufacturer why wouldn't they attempt to achieve "legal-for-trade" status?  Is the reason they typically can't pass the requirements?

For this reason we also recommend A&D balances over any other manufacturer because of the numerous "Legal-for-Trade" scale they manufacturer.  Take a look at some of the other scale manufacturers and if you see that they don't offer any "legal-for-trade" scales it is usually since they can't produce a quality balance that can meet the stringent test.

To achieve a Certificate of Conformance for "Legal-for-Trade" status the testing emphasis of the evaluation is to verify the balance meets the performance specifications.  Typical testing includes:

• Balance is tested over a specified voltage range.  Example: 100 to 130 VAC and 10.0 to 12 VDC.
• Temperature. i.e.: Influence factor tests were conducted at 20 °C, -10 °C, 5 °C, 40 °C and 20 °C.
• Accuracy - A load of one-half capacity is placed on the scales over 100,000 times.

All State weights and measures jurisdictions have adopted Handbook 44, so, except in instances where an individual State has adopted more specific language to define the term "commercial," this general definition would apply.  The determination that a scale is a "legal for trade scale" begins with the manufacturer who designs a scale to be used in commercial applications.  A scale that meets all requirements of NIST Handbook 44 and applicable State and local weights and measures requirements would be deemed to be suitable for "legal for trade" or commercial applications.

The National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) performs evaluations of weighing and measuring devices for compliance with NIST Handbook 44.  Many States require an NTEP Certificate of Conformance for any device to be installed in a commercial application.  (You can review these states that require NTEP Certificates and States that have Voluntary Registration of Service Agencies and Service Persons (VRSA) by downloading this PDF file.  NTEP testing does not "assign a legal for trade status" to a device, it simply indicates that the device evaluated has been found to comply with Handbook 44.  In a non-NTEP State, for example, a device may not need an NTEP Certificate of Conformance to be used in a commercial application; it may simply be required to meet Handbook 44 requirements and comply with any additional State weights and measures requirements.  The final approval of the device in a specific installation rests with the State, Local, or Federal weights and measures official who determines if the device meets all Handbook 44 requirements, including installation and suitability requirements.

Some manufacturers who design a scale which is not intended for legal for trade or commercial applications may mark their scales with the phrase "Not Legal for Trade" to help ensure that the scale is not used in a commercial application.

The accuracy classes of scales, the manufacturer assigns the accuracy class of the device based on its design and intended application.  Handbook 44 includes specifications and tolerances for each accuracy class.  In order to be approved for use as a particular accuracy class scale, the device must meet the specifications, tolerances, use, and other requirements for the accuracy class.  An overview of the typical applications for the various accuracy classes is as follows:

Class I and II devices are generally used in laboratory and higher precision weighing.  (Class I 100,000+ divisions) (Class II 10,000 - 100,000 divisions)

Class III devices are commercial weighing devices not specified in other accuracy classes and also includes scales such as postal scales, animal scales, and others.  (Class III 1,000 - 10,000 divisions)

Class IIIL includes scales such as vehicle, axle-load, livestock, railway track, crane, hopper (other than grain), etc.

Class IIII includes wheel load weighers and portable axle-load weighers for highway weight enforcement. (See the Scales Code in Handbook 44 for further details.)

The information listed on this page is only a summary regarding Legal for Trade Scales and Balances.  There is an abundance of information on the Internet regarding this information in greater detail.  A great source of valuable information can be found at the National Institute of Standards & Technology Office of Weights and Measure.  You can also search NIST's web site and download the Certificate of Conformance here.  We also recommend you contact your State, Local, or Federal weights and measures official for more detailed information.

Additional sources include the Scale Manufacturers Association. West Virginia Weights and Measures has their laws outlined online here where you can learn more about the laguage related to weights and measures.

In closing, selecting the correct scale for your commercial application can sometimes be best answered by the people administrating the weights and measure program for your state.  We offer a link that lists as the State W & M Directors with their phone number e-mail address and web site here.