If your measuring device is used to sell or buy products on the basis of measurement in one of the trade sectors listed below, you must have it examined (inspected) every one to five years. The frequency of examination depends on the trade sector in which your measuring device is used and the device type.
- Dairy sector
- Scales used in the wholesale trade of dairy products need to be examined every 2 years. Meters need to be examined every year.
- Downstream petroleum sector
- Measuring devices used in the downstream petroleum trade need to be examined every 2 years.
- Fishing sector
- Measuring devices used in the wholesale trade of fishing products need to be examined every year.
- Forestry sector
- Scales used in the trade of forestry products need to be examined every year.
- Grain and field crops sector
- Scales used in grain elevators licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission need to be examined every year. Other measuring devices used in the wholesale trade of grain and field crops need to be examined every 2 years.
- Mining sector
- Measuring devices used in the wholesale trade of mining products need to be examined every 2 years.
- Retail food sector
- Measuring devices used in the retail food trade need to be examined every 5 years.
- Retail petroleum sector
- Propane meters used in the retail petroleum trade need to be examined every year. Other measuring devices need to be examined every 2 years.
More information
If your device has been previously examined, you can find the next examination due date on both the device examination certificate and sticker.
If a measuring device is used in more than one trade sector, the closest next examination due date applies.
If the device is moved to a distributor and the end user's trade sector is unknown, the shortest examination period remains in effect.
Measurement Canada authorized service providers
Measurement Canada inspectors do not perform mandatory examinations. These examinations are performed by authorized service providers (ASPs), which are organizations recognized by Measurement Canada to inspect and certify weighing and measuring devices.
All ASPs must complete training and meet strict requirements before they can perform examinations. We monitor their work on an ongoing basis to ensure it is performed correctly.
We have established a network of ASPs across the country to ensure device owners have a choice when it comes to device examinations. Contact an ASP near you to schedule an examination. To find a listing of ASPs, go to Find an authorized service provider.
Warning and penalties
Missing a mandatory device examination is an offence under the Weights and Measures Act.
If your device has not been examined and certified within the prescribed period, you will be issued a warning and may be subject to financial penalties.
If you receive a warning that the examination of your device is overdue, you must have it examined and certified within 14 days by an ASP.
If you do not comply with this requirement, you may be subject to penalties of up to $2,000. Additionally, court-imposed fines can cost you up to $10,000 for minor offences, up to $25,000 for major offences and up to $50,000 for repeat offences.
For more information, go to the Measurement Canada compliance and enforcement fact sheet.