Average weight regulations: getting to grips with the basics

Two systems for weighing/packing your products

The Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 2006 Act confirms the requirements for weighing pre-packaged goods sold by a pre-determined weight or volume that are packaged without the customer being present.  

There are essentially 2 ways of weighing your pre-packaged products (that is those that are sold/sealed and are between 5 g and 25 g, or 5 ml and 25 litres, the same weight or volume as other products of the same type). 

Minimum system:  you may pack your products so that they contain at least the quantity displayed on the label. Each package can contain more than the label says, but not less. 

Average system: You can pack your products to an average measurement that is printed on the label. ‘The average system’ applies to most goods that are pre-packed in pre-determined quantities, by weight or volume.  This includes a wide range of products, including most foodstuffs and non-foodstuffs, ie: rice, pasta, tea, toiletries, coffee etc. Setting up an average weight system is a better way of measurement.

What responsibilities does it place on a business?

Any business producing pre-packaged goods can opt to introduce an average weight system.  Whichever way you decide to establish accurate weights for your products, you must use industrial weighing scales that are fit for purpose.

Using approved weighing scales provides surety of compliance

Using approved weighing scales, such as those available through Abacus Weighing Services, ensures that you can confirm and be certain that each package that you produce/sell, is wholly compliant with the present Law. 

If you are checking samples, you must ensure that the average weight is no less than that confirmed on the packaging, and that you only have a certain number of packages below the average, in line with agreed limits.  See  https://www.gov.uk/weights-measures-and-packaging-the-law for further details.