Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B82: Testing requirement 

Date when the measure came into force

20 February 1998 

Publication where the measure is specified

Supplement to the Republic of Zambia Government Gazette dated 20/02/1998. statutory Instrument No 22 of 1998,the weights and Measures Act 

Regulation where the measure is specified

The weights and Measures (assize) regulations, 1998 

Country/Region applying the measure

Zambia 

Coded list of objectives

X: For purposes n.e.s. 

Description of the measure

27. (1) In a platform machine or weighbridge—
(a) the upper surface or edge of the steelyard shall be in a straight plane from the zero graduation to the nose, end;
(b) there shall be no readily removable parts other than the counter balance to support the counter poise weights;
(c) adequate stops shall be provided to prevent any poise from travelling behind the zero graduation;
(d) provided with a load carrying rail the rail shall be distant from any other rail not less than 10 mm: Provided that where the load carrying rails overlap or have abridging piece, a gap of 5 mm shall be maintained between the overlapping parts.
(2) A weighbridge shall have—
(a) provision for adequate drainage and the pit kept free from any accumulation of water, mud or debris;
(b) its approaches smooth, straight and level for a distance of not less than the length of the platform
at each end of the weighbridge;
(c) the building housing the chart or steelyard so constructed that the operator has a clear view and unobstructed view of the entire platform or platforms;
(d) the platform so protected as to allow vehicles to pass on and off the platforms at both ends only;
(e) foundations of adequate strength to support, without change of position, both the mechanism and a load equal to the capacity of the weighbridge; and
(f) provision for adequate re-enforcement in any concrete work to resist any point loading in any direction to the satisfaction of a competent civil engineer.
(3) Where a platform machine or weighbridge is not provided with a tare beam the weight of any loose receptacle of frame used in conjunction with the instrument shall be accurately compensated for by means of a counter poise weight distinctive in shape from any of the ordinary counter poise weights
belonging to the instrument and such compensating weight shall have words " TARE WEIGHT"legibly and conspicuously stamped on its edge.
(4) The range of balance—
(a)in a platform machine, shall not exceed one-half percent of the capacity of the machine and shall be not less than one-eighthper cent of such capacity each way from the centre of travel of the ball; or
(b) in a weighbridge shall be double the range permitted in a platform machine.
(5) The travel of the steel yard each way from the horizontal position shall not be less than 10mm in both platform machine and weighbridge.
(6) A platform machine and a weighbridge shall be tested for accuracy in accordance with regulation 18 and also perform additional tests as required for electronic scales.
(7) The maximum permissible errors allowed shall be as indicated in Table 3 as read with Tables 5 and 6 of the First Schedule and errors in service shall be twice those applied on initial verification.
(8) The stamp of assizer shall be stamped upon a lead plug inserted in a conspicuous and easily accessible position on the instruments and the official date stamp shall be stamped upon the lead plug in the adjusting hole of any counter poise or tare weight.
(9) An assizer shall refuse to assize—
(a) an instrument of me type known as union scales; and
(b) a platform machine having counter poise weights which, when added to the full value of the steelyard reading represents a weight greater or less than the capacity of the machine 

Reference of the measure

Part IV section 27 (7-8) 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Platform Machines and weighbridges 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries