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What Is an NTEP-Certified Scale?
An NTEP-certified scale is a commercial scale that has been evaluated through the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) and tested against the requirements of NIST Handbook 44. Certification confirms that the scale meets standards for accuracy, durability, environmental performance, and repeatability. Scales that successfully complete testing receive an NTEP Certificate of Conformance (CoC) and can be used as legal-for-trade POS scales when properly installed, inspected, and calibrated.
If your business sells products by weight, here’s why choosing an NTEP-certified scale is essential.
An NTEP-Certified Scale Is Required for Legal-for-Trade Applications
Businesses that sell products by weight are generally required to use a legal-for-trade scale. An NTEP-certified scale provides the foundation for legal-for-trade approval because it has been independently tested to meet national standards. Using a non-certified scale where certification is required may result in failed inspections, fines, or removal of the equipment from service.
Before purchasing a commercial scale, verify that it has a valid NTEP Certificate of Conformance (CoC). This certificate confirms that the scale has successfully completed NTEP evaluation and is eligible for legal-for-trade use.
Accurate Weighing Protects Your Business and Your Customers
An NTEP-certified scale helps ensure customers receive the quantity they purchase while businesses charge the correct amount. Accurate weighing supports fair transactions, inventory accuracy, and customer confidence.
Different businesses require different accuracy classes. For example, grocery stores, delis, butcher shops, pharmacies, candy shops, and specialty retailers may have different weighing requirements for POS scales depending on the products they sell.
An NTEP-Certified Scale Helps You Pass Inspections and Stay Compliant
Purchasing an NTEP-certified scale is only the first step toward legal-for-trade compliance. Before placing the scale into service, businesses must follow the requirements of their local Weights and Measures authority, which may include inspection, certification, and periodic verification.
Because an NTEP-certified scale has already been evaluated against national standards, it provides the foundation for passing legal-for-trade inspections when properly installed, calibrated, and maintained. Choosing a certified commercial scale helps businesses avoid failed inspections, fines, equipment removal, and other costly compliance issues that can interrupt daily operations.
An NTEP-Certified Scale Is the Only Choice for Legal-for-Trade Applications
If your business sells products by weight, an NTEP-certified scale isn’t simply a recommendation—it’s the foundation of legal-for-trade compliance.
Whether you operate a grocery store, deli, butcher shop, farmers market, pharmacy, candy store, or specialty retail business, choosing a certified commercial POS scale helps ensure accurate transactions, supports successful inspections, and gives customers confidence they’re receiving exactly what they paid for.
Investing in the right scale today helps protect your business from costly compliance issues tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions About NTEP-Certified Scales
What is an NTEP-certified scale?
An NTEP-certified scale is a commercial scale that has been tested through the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) and issued a Certificate of Conformance (CoC). NTEP certification confirms that the scale meets national standards for accuracy, performance, and durability, making it eligible for legal-for-trade applications when properly inspected and calibrated.
Who needs an NTEP-certified scale?
Businesses that sell products by weight typically need an NTEP-certified scale. Common industries include grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, delis, butcher shops, seafood markets, candy stores, pharmacies, and specialty retailers where customers are charged based on weight.
What does legal-for-trade mean?
A legal-for-trade scale is approved for commercial transactions where products are sold by weight. Legal-for-trade approval helps ensure customers receive the correct quantity while businesses charge accurately. In the United States, an NTEP-certified scale is typically required as the foundation for legal-for-trade approval.
Is an NTEP-certified scale required by law?
In most U.S. jurisdictions, businesses that sell products by weight are required to use a legal-for-trade scale that meets applicable regulations. An NTEP-certified scale is typically required before a scale can be inspected, approved, and placed into commercial service. Businesses should always verify requirements with their local Weights and Measures authority.
How often should an NTEP-certified scale be inspected?
Inspection requirements for an NTEP-certified scale vary by state and local jurisdiction. Many businesses are required to have legal-for-trade scales inspected periodically to verify accuracy and continued compliance. Your local Weights and Measures agency can provide inspection schedules and registration requirements.
What's the difference between an NTEP-certified scale and an OIML-certified scale?
An NTEP-certified scale is designed for legal-for-trade use in the United States, while an OIML-certified scale is used in many international markets, including Europe and Australia. Both certifications verify that commercial scales meet established performance and accuracy standards, but they apply to different regulatory regions.
Star Micronics also offers OIML-certified scales. Please contact sales for more information.
What is Measurement Canada certification?
Measurement Canada certification is the Canadian equivalent of NTEP certification in the United States. It verifies that commercial scales meet Canada’s legal requirements for selling products by weight and can be used in legal-for-trade applications.
Star Micronics offers both NTEP-certified POS scales for the U.S. market and Measurement Canada-certified POS scales for businesses operating in Canada, helping retailers, grocers, delis, pharmacies, and other businesses comply with local weighing regulations.
Can an NTEP-certified scale connect to a POS system?
Yes. Many NTEP-certified scales integrate directly with point of sale (POS) systems using USB, serial, or Bluetooth connectivity, depending on the model. POS integration helps retailers, grocery stores, delis, and specialty shops accurately calculate prices based on weight and process transactions more efficiently.
How do I know if a scale is NTEP certified?
An NTEP-certified scale will have a valid Certificate of Conformance (CoC) issued by the National Type Evaluation Program. Manufacturers typically list the CoC number in the product specifications or documentation, allowing businesses and inspectors to verify that the scale has been certified for legal-for-trade applications.
Article originally written by Brianna Moriarty and published November 13, 2018.
