The mission of the Bureau of Weights and Measures is to promote equity in all commercial transactions based on weight or measure.

Do you ever wonder...?

• If you really got ten gallons the last time you filled your car with gasoline?
• If that premium gasoline really was 93 Octane?
• If you really got a half a pound of corned beef last week at the deli?
• If that package of corn flakes really had 20 ounces in it?

Most people take it for granted that the measurements that affect them every day of the year are accurate. Luckily for New Yorkers, there is a dedicated group of State and municipal weights and measures officials working to assure measurement accuracy and thus promote a fair and equitable marketplace.

Equity protects both buyer and seller. The buyer is assured that they get what they pay for and the seller is assured of a marketplace based on fair competition. New York's weights and measures program is a cooperative effort of State and local offices enforcing a single State law. In addition to the State Bureau of Weights and Measures, which has jurisdiction over the entire State, there are 64 county and city weights and measures departments or offices providing services to their communities.

The weights and measures programs are a critical part of New York State's infrastructure, protecting every consumer and every business.

Device and Package Inspection Programs

Special State Inspection Programs

To assure accuracy in commercial transactions, State and local weights and measures officials annually inspect thousands of scales, gas pumps, and other types of devices. They also inspect thousands of different packaged commodities including those packed at the retail store and those packed at factories both nationally and internationally. The Bureau operates several special programs for devices not tested by local officials.

Petroleum Quality Programs

To assure conformance with performance and labeling standards, weights and measures officials conduct random inspections of gasoline and diesel fuel at distribution terminals and at retail gas stations.

Metrology Laboratory Programs - ISO 17025 Accredited Services Available

The Bureau of Weights and Measures operates a Metrology Laboratory which certifies the accuracy of weights and measures standards of mass/weight, volume, length and time. These calibration services are accredited to ISO 17025 standards. The laboratory also conducts evaluations on new commercial weighing and measuring devices as part of a national certification program. These services are available on a fee basis for both the public and private sector.

Weights and Measures Administration

The Bureau coordinates the State's weights and measures program and supervises the municipal programs to assure uniformity in application of the laws and regulations. The Bureau also assists businesses with information and training.

Licensing of Weighmasters

• Weighmaster Application and Instructions

The Bureau issues licenses to private citizens to act as public weighers and certify that shipments of bulk commodities are accurately weighed or measured.

Consumer Information

A collection of press releases and other consumer information.

Municipal Director List

List of Approved Commercial Devices

Laws and Regulations:

• Article 16: W & M Law and Related Sections
• Part 220: Basic Inspection
• Part 221: Method of Sale and Labeling of Commodities
• Part 222: Local Jurisdictions
• Part 223: Measurement of Cherries
• Part 224: Petroleum Products
• Part 345: Unit Pricing

Revised 08/09/10