What is legally required – and what you need to look out for

Anyone using scales in a commercial or medical environment must deal with the issue of verification (Eichung). But what exactly does that mean, when is verification mandatory – and what is the difference between calibration and adjustment? Here you will find everything you need to know, presented in a compact and easy-to-understand way.

What is the verification of a scale?

Verification is a legally mandated, official inspection in which the measuring accuracy of a scale is checked. If the scale passes this test, it is provided with a verification mark. This ensures that the scale measures within the legal tolerance limits.

The goal: consumer protection – particularly important for price determination based on weight or in medical use.

Initial verification, conformity assessment and subsequent verification – an overview

• Initial verification: Formerly carried out by the verification office, today usually replaced by the manufacturer's conformity assessment (according to EU Directive NAWI 2014/31/EU)

• Conformity assessment: The manufacturer declares that the scale complies with all legal requirements – often done at the factory

• Subsequent verification: Recurring verification after the verification period has expired, carried out only by authorized testing bodies

Verifying, calibrating, adjusting – what is the difference?

These terms are often confused, but they mean different things:

In summary:

• Calibrating checks

• Adjusting corrects

• Verifying confirms the legally permissible accuracy

When must a scale be verified?

Verification is mandatory whenever a scale is used in the following areas:

• Commercial transactions (e.g., selling by weight)

• Medical and pharmaceutical applications (e.g., medical practices, pharmacies)

• Official tasks or the production of pre-packaged goods

How often is verification required?

The verification intervals depend on the type of scale and the area of application. Here are the most important rules:

Note: The period always runs until December 31st of the final year of validity – regardless of the month of verification.

How to identify a verified scale

Verified scales carry specific legally required markings:

Explanation of verification markings:

• A year mark in a square with inward-curved edges indicates the year in which the verification period begins.
  
  

• Additional markings (information labels) can contain further information about the verification.
  
  

• For initially verified scales (conformity-assessed by the manufacturer), the year of placing on the market follows the "M" – this also marks the beginning of the verification period.
  

• A counter scale with the year mark "16" had to be re-verified by the year 2018 at the latest.

• A vehicle scale with the manufacturer's mark "M16" had to be re-verified in the year 2019.

Apply for subsequent verification in good time

The verification validity of a scale generally ends on December 31st of the last year of validity.

Example: A vehicle scale with the verification mark "25" is verified until December 31st, 2028.

The application for subsequent verification must be submitted to the responsible verification office at least 10 weeks before the verification validity expires. This deadline is set by the verification office. For a verification valid until December 31st, 2028, the application should therefore be submitted by mid-October 2028 at the latest.

Important: If the application for subsequent verification is submitted on time, the scale can continue to be used until the actual verification appointment, even if this date is after December 31st of the expiry year.

Our tip: Submit the application early so that the subsequent verification can be coordinated with the verification office in good time.

If the application is not submitted within the prescribed period, the scale may generally no longer be used for verification-obligatory transactions after the verification validity expires. Further use may then only be permissible with a corresponding exceptional permit. Otherwise, fines may be imposed.

Summary – your to-dos at a glance

• Regularly check the expiry year on the verification mark or label

• Apply for subsequent verification in good time. Upon request, we can handle the subsequent verification for you. Feel free to contact us!

• Ensure all markings (CE, M-mark, seal) are complete and visible

Checklist: Is your scale compliant?

• CE and M-marks present

• Expiry date not exceeded

• Verification seal or label present

• Subsequent verification applied for in good time

Conclusion:
If you use scales in areas subject to mandatory verification, you bear responsibility – legally and towards your customers. A correctly verified scale is not only a duty but also a sign of accuracy and trust.