Legal Metrology

You are here:
  1. Home
  2. Legal Metrology

Legal Metrology is the branch of metrology concerned with measurements and measuring instruments used in trade, health, safety, environmental protection, and consumer transactions. In Namibia, Legal Metrology is regulated under the Metrology Act, 2022 (Act No. 5 of 2022), which provides the legal framework for ensuring that measurements are accurate, reliable, and compliant with national requirements.

The Legal Metrology is responsible for the approval, verification, inspection, and surveillance of measuring instruments used in regulated applications. It also monitors pre-packaged goods to ensure that declared quantities are accurate and that consumers receive the quantity for which they pay.

Accurate measurements are essential for fair trade, consumer protection, and economic development. By ensuring confidence in measurement results, Legal Metrology supports transparent commercial transactions, promotes regulatory compliance, and strengthens trust between businesses and consumers.

Measuring Instruments Subject to Legal Control

Legal metrology applies to a wide range of measuring instruments, including:

  • Fuel dispensers.
  • weighing instruments.
  • weighbridges.
  • Industrial bench and platform scales.
  • Meters.
  • Volume measures
  • Traffic Law enforcement instruments
  • Mass pieces/Weights
  • Other prescribed measuring instruments used in trade and regulated activities.

Responsibilities of Instrument Owners

Owners and users of regulated measuring instruments are responsible for:

  • Ensuring that measuring instruments are approved, verified, and certified before being placed into service.
  • Maintaining instruments in a condition that ensures continued accuracy and reliability.
  • Using measuring instruments only for their intended and approved purpose.
  • Presenting instruments for periodic verification, re-verification, and inspection as required by legislation.
  • Ensuring that verification marks, seals, and certificates remain intact and valid.
  • Promptly reporting any defects, damage, or modifications that may affect measurement accuracy.
  • Cooperating with authorized inspectors during inspections and investigations.
  • Complying with all applicable provisions of the Metrology Act, 2022, and related regulations.
  •  

Sanctions for Non-Compliance

Where non-compliance with the Metrology Act, 2022 or related regulations is identified, the Department may take enforcement action, including:

  • Issuing compliance notices and written instructions requiring corrective action within a specified period.
  • Suspending, restricting, or prohibiting the use of non-compliant measuring instruments.
  • Detaining or seizing measuring instruments that do not meet legal requirements.
  • Seizing products or pre-packaged goods found to be non-compliant.
  • Withdrawing verification marks, certificates, or approvals.
  • Initiating investigations and legal proceedings against offenders.
  • Imposing administrative penalties, fines, or other sanctions as prescribed by the Act.
  • Prosecuting offences that may result in penalties determined by the courts in accordance with the Metrology Act, 2022
  •  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Legal Metrology?

Legal Metrology is the application of legal and regulatory requirements to measurements and measuring instruments used in trade, health, safety, and environmental protection. Its purpose is to ensure that measurements are accurate, reliable, and fair, thereby protecting consumers and businesses while promoting confidence in commercial transactions.

Measuring instruments used for trade and other regulated purposes generally require verification before being placed into service and at prescribed intervals thereafter. These may include fuel dispensers, retail scales, weighbridges, meters, liquor dispensers, capacity measures, and other instruments prescribed under the Metrology Act, 2022.

Verification confirms that a measuring instrument complies with legal requirements and performs within the specified accuracy limits. This helps ensure fair trade, protects consumers from inaccurate measurements, reduces disputes, and promotes confidence in the marketplace.

Non-compliant instruments may be removed from service, detained, or seized by the authorities. The owner may be required to take corrective action, and serious violations may result in enforcement measures, administrative penalties, fines, or prosecution under the Metrology Act, 2022.

Type approval is the process by which a measuring instrument model is evaluated to ensure it meets prescribed technical and legal requirements before it can be sold or used in Namibia.

Pre-packaged goods are products packed and sealed before being offered for sale, with a declared quantity marked on the package. Legal Metrology inspections ensure that the actual quantity matches the quantity stated on the label.

Verification intervals depend on the type of measuring instrument and the applicable regulatory requirements. Instrument owners should consult the Legal Metrology for the prescribed verification schedule for their instruments.

Applications for verification can be submitted to the Legal Metrology Division. The instrument will be inspected and tested, and if it meets the required standards, a verification mark or certificate will be issued.

Legal Metrology protects consumers by ensuring that they receive the correct quantity of goods or services purchased. It promotes transparency, prevents unfair trade practices, and builds confidence in the accuracy of measurements used in everyday transactions.

Labelling evaluation ensures markings and information displayed on instruments or pre-packaged goods comply with legal metrology regulations.

Contact Us
  • Ms. Lahya Hambinga
  • Acting General Manager: Standards
  • +26461386449
  • +264855602333
  • hambingal@nsi.com.na
  • Ms. Rosina Shiimbashike
  • Manager: Standards Development and Training
  • +26461386432
  • +264816037517
  • ShiimbashikeR@nsi.com.na