Setting the United States Standards for Weights and Measures
The National Conference on Weights and Measures is a professional nonprofit association of state and local weights and measures officials, federal agencies, manufacturers, retailers and consumers. NCWM has developed national weights and measures standards since 1905. The organization brings the right interests together to keep pace with innovative advancements in the marketplace.
The Standards adopted by NCWM are published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in:
NIST Handbook 44: Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices
NIST Handbook 130: Uniform Laws and Regulations
NIST Handbook 133: Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods
NIST Handbook 44NIST Handbook 130NIST Handbook 133
NCWM also administers the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP). NTEP Certification provides assurance that weighing and measuring instruments are manufactured to NIST Handbook 44 specifications before the instruments are introduced into commerce. This provides fair competition among manufacturers and assurance to end users that they are investing in proper equipment. Most states recognize NTEP Certification as a requirement for commercial instruments.
In addition to publishing the standards adopted by NCWM, NIST also provides technical advisors to many of NCWM’s work groups and committees. These advisors assist in maintaining uniformity with related federal laws and in harmonizing, where deemed appropriate, with international standards.
