The Weights and Measure (Package Goods)
Regulations 2006

As from the 6 th April 2006 the mandatory requirements of the Average Weight System or “Average System” of quality control have changed in the UK . The Weights and Measure (Package Goods) Regulation 2006 now repeal the previous legislation on package goods contained in part V of the Weights and Measure Act 1985.

The new legislation aimed to make understanding the “Average Weight System” simpler to understand and implement by UK industry. It is also brought up to date and recognises the use of “Average Weight Systems” like Metroweigh Process Control (SPCfWin) and modern process methods.

What this means to you?
If you are a Packer, Importer or Labeller of packed goods, which are, packed to the Average system in the UK then this legislation effects you. Despite having an “e” mark on that package or not.

What changes will we have to make?
Below is a list of major changes to this legislation. Customers already running the latest SPCfWin will already meet the recording requirements of this new regulation. If you have any questions relating to these changes or Average Weight in general please contact us.
 
The 3 rules remain
The three packers rules will remain as detailed in 4 (1) of the Regulation
1. The contents of the Package shall not be less on average than the nominal quantity
2. The proportion of packages having a tolerable negative error (TNE or T1) shall be below 1 in 40 of 2.5%.
3. No Packages shall have a negative error grater than twice the tolerable negative error (TNE or T1).

Average weight control from 5g or 5ml up to 25KG or 25Ltr
Products that can be manufactured under the Average Weight Control will now range from 5g/5ml - 25Kg/25Ltr, although only up to 10Kg/10Ltr can have the "e" mark on it. This will include any multiple packs.

The use of the "e" mark still remains voluntary.

A Robust System for recording
The regulation states that the system for checking should be robust and “sufficiently rigorous”. If you are unsure if your current system of checking complies with this requirement or if you are recording all the required information please contact us.

Record Keeping
The record keeping will remain the same but with the addition to the recording of any corrections or adjustments made to the packaging machine. These records will need to keep for the same period as the current records.

A Labeler's Duty
The same regulations that apply to Packers and Importers now also apply to labelers of any package. This includes any re-labeling of a package.

Product Classes have been replaced by exemptions
In an effort simplify this legislation the different product classes have now been removed. The Regulation now applies to all products with exemptions, such as poultry, String (as length), chocolate < 45g, matches.

Verified weighing instruments for use with Average Weight
All non-automatic weighing instruments (not Checkweighers) used for average weight and brought into use after Jan 2003 must be verified for legal trade.

The regulation states, "if it is suitable for the use to which it was put." PGR 2006 9.2.

The DTI Guidance on the PGR 2006 (URN 06/644) which is the governments explanation of this regulation states that "The use of unverified non automatic weighing instruments is not legal" it also refers to NAWI directives which include the use after Jan 2003, for further information see the DTI's guidance document.

Certification of instruments
Other unregulated equipment (not covered by the NAWI directive) must be certified to S74 W&M Act or UKAS accredited, ISO9000 is not acceptable.

You may also find more information by viewing the following documentation:
The Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 2006 - Guidance Note (16 January 2006)