Introduction

Metrology is the name given to the science of measurements. Legal Metrology may be briefly defined as the process of making measurements under conditions dictated by statutes.

In this age of rapid technological change, growing competition and expanding trade, measurement standards and techniques have been recognised as fundamental elements.  Indeed a sound LEGAL METROLOGY SYSTEM is an essential cog in the economic well-being of any country.

The Legal Metrology Service (LMS) was created in 1985 under the aegis of the Ministry of Trade and Shipping now Ministry of Industry and Commerce (Commerce Division) and became fully operational since July 1990.

Responsibilities 

The Legal Metrology Services is responsible for :

	Calibration and maintenance of measurement standards which are traceable to International Standards.
	Control of weighing and measuring equipment used in trade to ensure that the instruments are accurate and used correctly and they meet the requirements of the Legal Metrology Act;
	Control of goods to ensure that they are properly labelled and contain the quantity declared on the packages as per the Legal Metrology Act.

Legislations

(i)    The Legal Metrology Act provides for the "Assizing" of instruments, weights and measures and the protection of the consumer and the public at large in all transactions by weight and measure.

(ii)  The Legal Metrology (Assize) Regulations lay down the metrological characteristics trade instruments  have to conform to , and the tolerances acceptable for verification.

(iii) The Legal Metrology (Periodical Assizement) Regulations make provision for the mandatory periodical verifications of trade instruments.

(iv) The Legal Metrology (Prepacked Commodities) Regulations prescribe labelling requirements,declaration of net/nominal quantity, standard quantities and tolerances in respect of prepackaged products.

(v) The Legal Metrology (Assize fees) Regulations making provision for fees for verification of weighing and measuring instruments.

Services

	Assizing (verification & stamping) of weighing and measuring instruments used in trade;
	Pattern evaluation of weighing instruments and issue of certificates of suitability to importers and manufacturers of weighing instruments;
	Supervision of the use of weighing and measuring instruments in trade;
	Control of the net contents of pre-packed goods;
	Investigation of complaints relating to weights and measures
	Advice relating to measurements; and
	Drawing up technical prescriptions relating to measuring equipment which are liable to government control.
	A mobile verification service is also offered to traders in different districts in order to bring the verification service nearer to their doorstep. We also offer an on request calibration service to industries in the field of mass, volume and length measurements.  Our services include:-
	the calibration of concrete batching plants and scales for civil engineering industries.
	gauging of large capacity storage tanks of distilleries and brewing companies which is also a requirement of the Mauritius Revenue Authority for purposes of excise duties levied on the companies production of alcoholic drinks and perfumes.
	calibration of diesel and alcohol, meters of industries as required by the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
	calibration of scales, volumetric measures, length measures, automatic filling machines, beltweighers, check-weighers, water meters, etc for manufacturing and private companies.
	calibration of the road axle weighers used by the Police traffic branch to control overloaded vehicles.

Infrastructure 
 

Legal Metrology Service has facilities for calibration in the areas of mass,  length and volume, including flow measurement.  

The building include a verification room, a workshop, a mass and length laboratory and a volume laboratory.

 Quality Management System

1. The Legal Metrology Services is ISO 9001:2008 certified and all activities are performed according to established procedures.

2. The Mass Laboratory is accredited by MAURITAS (Mauritius Accreditation Services) and meets the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025/2005.

Objectives 

  
  (i) To increase efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery for verifications/calibrations performed at LMS.

  (ii) To improve level of performance in main areas of activities (Re: inspection etc.)

  (iii) To establish key performance indicators and targets and a monitoring system

Contact Persons

All correspondence are addressed to the Acting Director, Legal Metrology Services.