Length measures in use for trade

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About the consultation

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is looking to improve standards for businesses and increase the protection of consumers by introducing a general certificate of approval measures of length. This certificate will aim to cover most rigid and flexible measures of length that are currently in use for trade.

We are seeking feedback on this proposal to ensure that the changes are fit for purpose and practicable for those affected.

Finding the balance between regulatory burdens and maintaining a level playing field for businesses, while protecting consumers, is important. This is why we want to understand all perspectives on potential costs, benefits, and risks for the proposed changes.  

We want to hear from as many people as possible, including:

• consumers who buy goods by reference to length
• businesses who manufacture, import, and/or sell measures of length
• retailers who sell non-prepackaged goods by reference to length.

The consultation covers both the general certificate of approval and the impact upon businesses and consumers. You can choose to respond to one or more sections in the submission form. You can also suggest other ideas and things to consider.

If you complete and submit more than 1 form, please ensure your details are consistent across them so that we can collate your feedback and respond accordingly.

What we are proposing

Currently, rigid and flexible measures of length in New Zealand are not captured under a certificate of approval. This proposal would require businesses to ensure any measure of length they use for trade complies with the certificate and have them verified by an Inspector of Weights and Measures or an Accredited Person. For measures that do not comply with the certificate, the owner will need to source a measure that does comply or apply for a unique certificate to cover the measure they wish to use for trade purposes.

This consultation looks at 2 key pieces of legislation that set out the rules: 

1. The Weights and Measures Act 1987
2. The Weights and Measures Regulations 1999

Note: This proposal is not seeking to change the legislation.

Weights and Measures Act 1987

In relation to this consultation, the Weights and Measures Act 1987 sets out the rules for persons who sell or own equipment for trade use, and those who sell non-prepackaged goods by reference to measure (length).

Weights and Measures Act 1987(external link) — New Zealand Legislation

Weights and Measures Regulations 1999

In relation to this consultation, the Weights and Measures Regulations 1999 sets out the rules for persons who manufacture or import measuring instruments (measures of length) by facilitating their approval.

Weights and Measures Regulations 1999(external link) — New Zealand Legislation

What's next

Feedback will be carefully assessed and used to inform the certificate of approval and associated procedures that support this proposed change.

Following this consultation, work will be completed with the aim of giving effect to these changes in the first half of 2025.  

While this work is underway, we will complete the necessary process(es) for implementing the changes.

This includes producing guidance material to support the understanding of the changes and how to use them once they are in place.