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

36. (1) A vehicle tank or compartment shall—
(a)be of cylindrical or elliptical section;
(b) be fitted with a fixed quantity indicator or provided with a dip stick by means of which the liquid can be measured; and
(c) if elliptical section, have the length of the major axis or the section not more than one and half times the length of the minor axis of the section.
(2) In a vehicle tank of compartment provided with bulk-flow meter—
(a) the bulk-flow meter shall—
(i) be of an approved type;
(ii) incorporate an air separator for non registration of air currents;
(iii) be tested for accuracy by comparison with a master ; meter or any approved reference standard measure; and
(iv) be sealed to prevent adjustable devices being tampered with;
(b) the ullage indicator shall—
(i) be made of metal;
(ii) be fixed rigidly so as to indicate on the longitudinal axis and under the dome centrally situated on the top of such tank or compartment;
(iii) clearly and distinctly indicate, by means of a disc of at least 50 mm in diameter, the height to which the tank or compartment must be filled in order to contain its marked capacity; and
(iv) be adjustable and so constructed that it can be sealed so as to prevent any change in its position without the seal being broken.
(3) The error allowed on a bulk-flow meter shall be 0.1% of the quantity delivered in excess or 0.05% deficiency.
(4) in a vehicle tank or compartment provided with a dipstick or T-shape measure—
(a) the tank or compartment shall have a guide tube for the dipstick or T-shape measure, fixed centrally so that the dip stick or T-shape measure indicates on the longitudinal axis;
(b) each dipstick or T-shape measure shall be—
(i) made of metal;
(ii) graduated to indicate the actual contents of the measure in centimetres and an appropriate table of capacity shall be carried on the vehicle and identified with the vehicle tank concerned;
(iii) indelibly stamped with a number which corresponds to a number similarly stamped on the tank or compartment so as to identify it with that tank or compartment; and
(iv) suspended from the upper rim of the guide tube by a metal cross bar or hilt.
(5) The volume of a vehicle tank or compartment shall exceed the marked capacity of the tank by not more than 0.1% of the capacity.
(6) A vehicle tank or compartment shall be tested—
(a) with the tank or compartment in level position;
(b) against standard measures or with a bulk-flow-meter assized immediately prior to the testing of the vehicle tank or compartment;
(c) if it is provided with an emergency valve for closing the delivery outlet, with the emergency valve open.
(7) The limit of error allowed on a vehicle tank compartment or dip stick is 0.1 percent of capacity at the indication tested in excess or 0.05% deficiency,
provided that the fuel level above the quantity indicator or disc when the same is sealed shall not exceed one centimetre.
(8) The stamp of assize shall be stamped—
(a) if the tank or compartment is fitted with a fixed quantity indicator, upon a lead seal attached to the indicator, or
(b) if the tank or compartment is provided with a dipstick upon the metal at the top and bottom of the dip stick.
(9) Vehicle tanks or compartments shall be permitted for trade in fuel provided that—
(a) they have been approved, verified and stamped by the Assize Department within errors not exceeding +0.1% of the entire content of tank compartments;
(b) they are used for one individual delivery of the entire content of one or more compartments; and
(c) they are so positioned during delivery as to assume complete emptying of the compartments;
(10) Except where permitted in accordance with sub-regulation (2), no person shall sell or in a commercial transaction deliver fuel in bulk from a mobile tanker except through a bulk meter, dipstick or Ullage Mark.
(11) An assizer shall refuse to assize a vehicle tank or compartment provided with a dip stick unless an accurate chart of the capacity identified with the tank or compartment and with the dip stick has been supplied to him.
(12) An Assizer shall refuse to assize a vehicle tank or compartment which is deformed, dented or otherwise damaged.
(13) An assizer shall refuse to assize a dip stick which strikes the bottom of the tank or guide tube 

Reference of the measure

Part Vi Section 36 2(a) (iii) 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Vehicle Tank 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries