Supervision – ensuring accurate measurements in trade and industry

In connection with supervision of measuring instruments, the Norwegian Metrology Service sends summons, decisions and receipts digitally via Altinn. This follows from the Digitalisation Circular (Digitaliseringsrundskrivet), which requires businesses to receive digital correspondence from public authorities.

1. Select the correct enterprise/profile when logging in to Altinn, in the top right corner.
   
2. Check that you have the role “Post/Archive” for the enterprise you represent.
3. Look in folders such as “Archived” and “Deleted messages” – the correspondence may have been moved.
4. If you still cannot find the correspondence, contact Altinn user service:
   • Telephone: 75 00 60 00
   • www.altinn.no

Weight is the force a mass generates due to gravity. The unit of weight is the newton (N), but in everyday use we commonly use the unit of mass: kilogram (kg).

Mass is one of the seven fundamental physical quantities in the SI system. It is the property of matter that gives it inertia and weight. The unit of mass is the kilogram (kg).

Electricity meters installed in households must undergo conformity assessment in accordance with the Electricity Metering Regulation. The metrological requirements for the meters are set out in the Regulation on Requirements for Electricity Meters (elmålerforskriften). It is the grid company (not the electricity supplier) that is responsible for ensuring that the meter complies with the regulation. The Norwegian Metrology Service supervises that grid companies have adequate routines for conducting random checks of the different types of electricity meters in use.

These are scales where the operator must influence the weighing process manually. They are subject to requirements when used in trade and healthcare.

Yes. Requirements are set for weighing instruments used to determine mass in medical practice for weighing patients for the purposes of monitoring, diagnosis and medical treatment. The requirements are given in the Regulation on Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments. In the health sector, weighing instruments are used in several contexts, including:

• Health stations and school health services
• Doctors’ offices and medical practices
• Hospitals
• Pharmacies
• The pharmaceutical industry

These are often used for financial settlement in bulk trade and must therefore comply with accuracy requirements.

Yes. The Norwegian Metrology Service recommends that all retailers periodically perform self-checks to ensure accuracy. See the “Retail Scales” page under Supervision for an informational video on self-checks. This does not replace supervision by the Norwegian Metrology Service but is a measure to ensure correct measurements.

We verify that the measurement corresponds with the actual flow and that the meter is approved for its intended use.

The Norwegian Metrology Service supervises that requirements for calibration and use of measuring tanks and level gauges are upheld in Norway. The following forms of supervision may apply:

1) The Norwegian Metrology Service requests documentation of calibration, etc.
2) On-site inspection of the tank.
3) Supervision of the internal control system. This applies only to enterprises required by the Norwegian Metrology Service to have internal control.

Yes. Instruments used in periodic vehicle inspections to measure exhaust emissions must be approved in accordance with the Measuring Instruments Directive when placed on the market.

To ensure correct settlement between the fisher and the buyer, in line with regulations and requirements from the fisheries authorities.

We check whether the dispenser delivers the correct volume in accordance with the meter, and whether the measuring instrument complies with the set requirements.

We supervise that municipalities’ internal control systems for water meters meet the metrological requirements of the regulation.

We supervise that the supplier’s internal control system for heat meters meets the metrological requirements of the regulation.

When visiting producers, we check whether the net content matches what is stated on the package, and whether packaging lines comply with requirements for control and documentation.

To ensure that consumers receive the correct quality when purchasing goods made of precious metals. This includes verifying that the fineness corresponds with the hallmark and that the items bear the manufacturer’s responsibility mark.

We check, among other things, that the taximeter has undergone conformity assessment and that an approved installation inspection has been carried out. We also check that there has been no seal breakage, among other points.

Many of the Norwegian Metrology Service’s supervision areas are financed via annual fees paid by the relevant industry. Other actors will receive an invoice after supervision. You can find pricing information here.

All measuring instruments used for financial settlement in trade and industry – for example, scales, fuel dispensers, and water meters – are subject to supervision.

If nonconformities are found, you will receive guidance on what must be corrected, a deadline for remediation, and information on any fees.

Supervision may involve checking the measuring instrument or the measurement process, providing information on correct use, and guidance on the regulations. After supervision, the enterprise receives a report or a decision.

Supervision ensures that measuring instruments used in trade and industry provide correct and fair measurements – for the benefit of both consumers and businesses.

You will receive a calibration certificate showing the measurement uncertainty, calculated according to ISO 17025. The uncertainty takes into account the reference standards, method and measurement conditions.

All customers have the right to submit a complaint if they are dissatisfied with a calibration service from the Norwegian Metrology Service. Complaints may be submitted in writing or verbally, and are handled impartially and constructively.

Procedure:

• The complaint is registered in our digital deviation system.
• You will receive a confirmation including process information and expected handling time.
• The complaint is reviewed by someone not involved in the assignment.
• We aim to process all complaints within 30 working days.
• You will receive a written response detailing the outcome.

Send written complaints to postmottak@justervesenet.no.

Yes. We offer calibration agreements for customers seeking predictability and efficiency. Through such an agreement, we plan calibrations in advance and schedule your equipment for fixed intervals. Delivery time and price are agreed in advance and stated in the order confirmation before work begins. For customers with several similar instruments, we can arrange batch calibration and provide discounts for efficient execution. Please contact us to discuss a customised agreement.

You can order calibration by contacting the Norwegian Metrology Service via email, telephone or our order form. We are happy to help you identify the correct service and provide practical information on how to send in your instrument.

The price depends on the type of instrument and the scope of the assignment. You can find indicative prices in the Norwegian Metrology Service’s price list.

After calibration, you will receive a calibration certificate documenting the measurement results, uncertainty and references used. The certificate also shows traceability to national or international standards and may be used for audits or quality assurance.

The calibration interval should be based on the required accuracy, frequency of use, and the consequences of potential measurement errors. Instruments used frequently, under demanding conditions, or for critical measurements should be calibrated more often than those used rarely or under stable conditions. For instruments used in commercial transactions, legal control intervals may be set by regulation. For other types of instruments, recommendations can be found in Norwegian Accreditation guidelines (e.g. NA-Dok 26a for scales) and international documents such as ILAC-G24.

We recommend assessing your specific needs and contacting us for advice on calibration intervals suited to your instruments and applications.

When you order a calibration, we first agree on the instrument type and the tests required. You then send the instrument to us, or we arrange on-site calibration if necessary. Our experts perform the calibration in accordance with international standards, and you receive a certificate showing the results, uncertainty and traceability. The instrument is then returned to you safely.

Retail scales are subject to supervision by the Norwegian Metrology Service and should also be regularly checked by the enterprise itself. Shops are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their scales, and as a consumer you should be able to trust them. If you experience errors, you can contact the shop or us.

Consumer inquiries can provide useful information for our risk assessments of different enterprises and sectors and are followed up when necessary. During supervision, we require enterprises to correct errors and may impose fees if the requirements are not met.

A CE mark indicates that a product complies with European regulations and standards, allowing it to be sold and used in Europe. The Norwegian Metrology Service performs conformity assessment of measuring instruments covered by two EU directives.