Trade Approved Scales

A Trade Approved scale is a weighing scale that is approved for use when an item is being priced based on its weight. In many countries, including the UK, Trade Approved weighing scales must be used by law for items priced and sold by their weight.

Trade Approved scales undergo rigorous testing for accuracy and reliability. Trade-approved scales provide more accuracy than non-approved scales. This ensures the buyer receives the correct amount when they make a purchase, and gives the buyer protection.

Trade Approved scales may also be referred to as verified scales, legal for trade scales and stamped scales. They carry an ‘M’ (for ‘metrology’) logo on their dataplate.

Weights & Measures legislation has required the use of Trade Approved scales in trading for over a century. The legislation, which today is the Weights & Measures Act 1985, is in place to protect the customer as well as the seller. It ensures that the correct price for an item(s) is quoted when that price has been based on the weight reading.

Additionally, all scales used for such purposes are tested to the same standard so that there will be no differences between readings if two different scales are used to weigh the same item.

Genuine trade-approved weighing scales feature specific metrology markings on their data plate. Look for a green 'M' sticker (or a black 'M' on newer models) alongside the CE or UKCA mark.

You will also see a Class III (or Class III Roman numeral) designation. If you’re unsure if your current trade-approved scales are compliant, our team can help you identify these markings.

There is no single servicing interval that applies to every application.

Through environmental factors, trade-approved scales lose accuracy, and to stay compliant, you need to determine the appropriate frequency according to usage, operating conditions or audit requirements.

We recommend annual calibration - a yearly maintenance routine is a good benchmark that should make sure you’re not giving away free product.

IP-rated trade-approved scales are advisable when equipment will be exposed to dust, moisture, or regular hygiene wash-downs. An IP rating (e.g., IP65, IP67, or IP68) indicates the level of protection against dust and water ingress. 

For example, the Marsden B-400 Trade Approved Bench Scale is an IP67-rated bench scale suitable for wash-down environments.

UK law is strict when money changes hands based on weight. 

If Trading Standards inspect your premises and find you are not using legally compliant trade-approved weighing scales, you are at risk of statutory notices, financial penalties and custodial sentences. 

Investing in trade-approved scales (like our Marsden Trade-Approved Mild Steel Platform Scale) is essential. Designed for industrial use, this platform scale features a heavy-duty mild steel base topped with a 304 food-grade stainless steel platter.

If you are unsure whether or not you need to use a Trade Approved scale, speak to the Marsden team. We are able to advise on whether you should be using stamped scales, and we can also direct you to the most appropriate scales for your application. You can speak to us on 01709 364296.