Many of the items you can buy in shops come pre-packaged and are labelled with a net content printed on the packaging. When identical packages are labelled with the same net content, we call it a pre-package. But what can you actually expect the real content of such a package to be?
This does not mean that packers are free to fill packages down to the limit for permitted negative deviation.
The regulations also require that the average net content of a batch must be at least what is stated on the packages.
This means that one package with a negative deviation down to the tolerance limit must be compensated by one or more packages with a net content above what is indicated on the package.
2.5 dl corresponds to 250 ml, and from the table we see that the permitted negative tolerance in this range is 9 ml. This means that it is fully within the regulations if you receive a unit that only contains 241 ml (rule 2). However, if you buy many units, you should expect the average content of these bottles to be at least 250 ml (rule 1). If you get a bottle that contains less than 232 ml, the content is outside the regulations (rule 3). In that case you have reason to complain.
From the table we see that for a 400 g package, the permitted negative tolerance is 3% of the stated amount. 3% of 400 grams is 12 grams, which means you can expect some packages to weigh as little as 388 grams (rule 2). Statistically, 1 in 40 can also be below this (rule 2), but none should be below 376 grams (rule 3). If you buy 25 packages of this minced meat, the total weight should be at least 10 kg (rule 1), even if some packages weigh as little as 388 grams.
The packer – the party who packs the goods in the form in which they are sold in shops (often the same as the producer) – is responsible for ensuring that the net content of pre-packaged goods meets the requirements of the regulation. In principle, all packages must be checked with approved measuring equipment, but the Norwegian Metrology Service may accept sample-based inspection.
The Regulation on Net Content of Pre-packaged Goods also applies to imported products. The importer is responsible for ensuring that the net content of pre-packaged goods complies with this regulation. This can be done through their own control measurements or by obtaining guarantees from the packer that the net content meets the requirements.
If the pre-packaged goods are imported from another EEA country and bear the e-mark, the Norwegian Metrology Service will assume that the net content has been satisfactorily controlled by the packer. For imports of e-marked pre-packaged goods from countries outside the EU/EEA to Norway, the importer must notify the Norwegian Metrology Service.
Pre-packaged goods exported from one EU country to another are subject to different national regulations regarding net content. However, for pre-packaged goods bearing the e-mark, a common regulation applies across all EU/EEA countries. This regulation is described in EU Directive 76/211/EEC with amendments and incorporated into Norwegian law through the EEA Agreement and the Regulation on Net Content of Pre-packaged Goods.
Pre-packaged goods with the e-mark must, among other things, have an average net content equal to or greater than the declared net content. The e-mark may be used on goods filled to a predetermined net quantity between 5 grams/5 ml and 10 kg/10 l. Tolerances are set for how much less than the declared net content is permitted in individual packages.
The scheme is voluntary, but companies wishing to e-mark their goods must, in accordance with the regulation, notify the Norwegian Metrology Service. It is also prohibited to import e-marked goods packed outside the EU/EEA without notifying and obtaining approval from the Norwegian Metrology Service. For pre-packaged goods e-marked in another EU/EEA country, notification and approval from the Norwegian Metrology Service is not required.
The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) is based on an international treaty signed by 60 countries. OIML develops recommendations for international requirements for legal metrology. One of these recommendations, R87, concerns pre-packaged goods. Both the Norwegian regulation and EU Directive 76/211/EEC (on e-marking) are based on the recommendations in OIML R87.
See document: OIML R 87 Quantity of product in prepackages Edition 2016 (E)
The European Cooperation in Legal Metrology (WELMEC) is a cooperative organisation for European national bodies with roles similar to that of the Norwegian Metrology Service. WELMEC’s goal is to harmonise national activities and build mutual trust between national authorities in the field of legal metrology.
Within WELMEC, a dedicated working group focuses on harmonising work on e-marking of pre-packaged goods and pre-packages in general. This group has prepared guidance documents for national authorities, packers and importers. There is no requirement for Norwegian packers and importers to be familiar with these documents, but they may contain useful tips and information.
The Norwegian Metrology Service offers on-request verification as one of our services. As a neutral third party, we can carry out verification and in-use inspections and issue documentation. We have the equipment and expertise to help your enterprise meet the requirements for measurements.
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.
Phone:
64 84 84 84
E-mail:
postmottak@justervesenet.no
Contact form:
Fill in our contact form, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Go to contact form
