NTEP Approved: Requirements, Classifications, and Applications
When conducting research for what scale to purchase for your specific business application, two of the most popular terms you will see are “legal for trade” and “NTEP approved”. While these terms might not mean anything to you now, they are extremely important certifications for your business. In all commercial applications where the product is sold in increments of weight, it is a legal requirement that the scales being used to conduct the transaction are verified as legal for trade. Additionally, if you’re conducting business within the United States, your scale must be NTEP approved to be considered legal for trade. These stringent rules and requirements may seem overwhelming, especially if your unaware of the physical attributes needed from a scale to achieve them. No need to fret however, Alliance Scale is here to help. Read along below to access our guide with everything you need to know about legal for trade scales and if they are the right fit for your business.
What is the NTEP?
NTEP is an acronym for the National Type Evaluation Program. The National Type Evaluation Program is operated through collaboration of the National Conference of Weights and Measures (NCWN) and the Weights and Measure division of the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). According to the NTEP, the term “legal for trade” references any devices that are used for selling, purchasing, processing, exchanging, or establishing cost of products where the basis of measurement is weight. The NTEP program is an established process that rigorously tests and evaluates devices regarding their compliance in meeting all government standards and requirements. The government standards are set by the NIST and are outlined in their NIST Handbook 44. The NIST standards in Handbook 44 cover every aspect of an NTEP scale including capacity, accuracy, effects of environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, and even how a manufactures name is allowed to appear on the scale. Each NTEP scale will have a NTEP certificate or conformance number listed on it. This enables local inspectors to acquire a copy of the conformance certificate and confirm that the brand and model of you scale was manufactured in accordance to NIST’s standards. It’s also critical to understand that local municipalities can enforce rules and regulations that may vary from the standards set by the NIST and NTEP. Because of this you should always check with your local Weights and Measures Department to ensure your scales comply to your area’s specific regulations.
Classifications of Legal for Trade Scales
Legal for trade scales are broken down into classes based on their varying degrees of accuracy (i.e. mass standards) to ensure traceable and accurate measurement. The manufacturer of a scale assigns its accuracy class based on the devices design and intended application. Handbook 44 includes the specifications and tolerances for each accuracy class. For a scale to be approved and licensed for a specific accuracy class it must meet the specifications, tolerances, and intended use requirements set out by the NIST. A breakdown and overview of the four major accuracy classes is as follows:
- Class I: Can be used as a reference standard in calibrating other weights and is appropriate for calibrating high precision analytical balances with a readability as low as 0.1mg to 0.01mg.[1]
- Class II: Appropriate for calibrating high-precision top loading balances with a readability as low as 0.01g to 0.001g.
- Class III: Appropriate for calibrating balances with moderate precision, with a readability as low as 0.1g to 0.01g.
- Class IIII -For calibration of semi-analytical balances and for student use.
Its important to note that if any trade approved unit receives any alteration or repair it must be reverified to ensure that it still meets the approved requirements.
Applications of Legal for Trade Scales: What Scale is Best for My Business?
Now that you know all about the NTEP certification and its varying class levels, it’s time to figure out if legal for trade scales are the appropriate device for your business. Generally speaking, legal for trade scales are most often used in industrial settings and in any industry that requires commercial selling or buying by weight. Common industries for legal for trade scales to be used are:
- Food (Groceries)
- Alcohol
- Produce
- Livestock Feed
- Firewood
- Liquid Fuel
- Landscaping materials
- Precious metals and jewelry
- Mechanical and construction parts
- Cars, trucks, automotive parts
- Medical cannabis
When selecting a specific scale for your application there is one key question you need to address; What is the minimum and maximum weight of the product needed to be weighed by the scale? The minimum weight will inform you of your maximum division size (accuracy level/readability) of the scale, while the maximum weight corresponds to the scales required capacity. Since there is wide selection of legal for trade scales we have again divided it into class levels to make it easier for you to figure out the appropriate scale type for your specific application.
- Class I and II: Devices are generally used in laboratory and high precision weighing. Common industries include medicinal cannabis and jewelry.
- Class III: Devices are purposed for commercial weighing are not specified in other accuracy classes. Common applications include scales such as postal scales, animal scales, railway track, crane, and others.
- Class IIII: Devices are for larger less precise weighing. Common applications include wheel load weights, portable axle-load for highway weight enforcement, and vehicles.
At Alliance Scale, we offer a wide selection of NTEP certified scales that can help your company efficiently and legally conduct business with products that are sold by weight. Take a look at our product page to find your perfect fit. Keep in mind that finding the right scale style for your business needs is only half the battle. Being smart about maintenance is the other half. Build regular, ongoing inspections into your operational cost forecast and you’re far less likely to find yourself with a broken scale on a busy day ever again.
Our calibration services are in accordance with the most recent ASI/ASTM, National Bureau of Standards, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) specification. We adhere to these standards—and all service is performed either on-site or in our lab, using various classes of test weights. We’re happy to work with you and get your vital equipment properly calibrated. Schedule our weight calibration service now!
[1] https://ntep.balances.com/and/legalfortrade.html
