Ugandan legal metrology introduces new services

By definition, it is that part of metrology relating to activities which result from statutory requirements and concern measurements, units of measurement, measuring instruments and methods of measurement. Legal Metrology is administered by the Legal Metrology Department. This department recently took on three new functions with a view of promoting fair trade and enhancing safety of the Ugandan Community:

·  Prepackage Control - Prepackages are packages made up for sell in the absence of the buyer. The department ensures that a package made up in advance for sale fully complies with international recommendations reflected in our national legislation. Prepackage control is done through application of the most modern and internationally acceptable verification procedures. This is done through visiting manufacturers and packers of various products and testing the products on site in the presence of the manufacturer, packer or their appointed representatives.

The parameters that are examined include: use of verified/calibrated instrument, conformity to quantity, labelling requirements, method of packing as well as observance of tolerance limits as regards filling of products. The packages may be overfilled, underfilled or of exact quantity. If they are overfilled, the implication is that the manufacturer or packer loses out on the excess fills and hence loss of revenue. If the packs are underfilled, the consumer is "short charges" and hence less value for money spent. If the underfilled packages are for export under contract obligations, the exporter incurs fines for breach of contract.

Corrective Measures:
The inspector may require the packer to recall the non-compliant batch of goods to the production line where it is possible.

The inspector may require the packer to add to or remove from the principal display pannel information that is required by law or that which is misleading respectively.

The Inspector may require the packer to change containers especially in instances where a container used promotes deceptive packaging resulting into a buyer being deceived into buying what appears much in a container yet it is very little.

The packer pays a fee for every sample tested.

·  Pressure Gauges- Pressure gauges at filling stations are tested to ensure the accuracy of such equipment and the safety of thosee who receive service through its use. The social (and economic) benefits of the periodic testing of tyre pressure gauges by means of calibrated testers to verify that accuracy of such equipment is most clearly demonstrated by their impact on road fatalities. Determining the economic benefit of this activity requires a monetary value to be placed on a life.