Measuring instruments

Do you sell or use measuring instruments? Users must be able to trust that the measurement is truly accurate. The government therefore requires companies to use approvedthat measuring instruments are approved and that legally established units of measurement are used.

Requirements for measuring instruments

The rules for metrology are laid down in, among others, the Dutch Metrology Act (Metrologiewet) and the Unit of measurements decree (Meeteenhedenbesluit). 

Measuring instruments must comply with several requirements (in Dutch):

• be approved measuring instruments
• display the legal units of measurement (for example in grams and not ounces)
• use the measuring standard: a kilogram is a kilogram everywhere as is agreed upon worldwide

Rules within the EU

The legal units of measurement are the same throughout the European Union (EU). The European Union makes use of the International System of Units (SI). 

Do you use or sell measuring instruments in the Netherlands? The technical requirements for measuring instruments that apply in the Netherlands, may differ from those of other EU Member States. If a measuring instrument is already permitted in another EU Member State, the Dutch government may only prohibit its sale in the Netherlands in exceptional cases.

Monitoring measuring instruments

In the Netherlands there are 4 designated bodies that assess new measuring instruments brought to market. These are:

• Kalibra International
• KEMA B.V.
• NMi Certin
• SGS Nederland

These institutions make sure all measuring instruments that are for sale comply with the rules. The Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure for instance also checks petrol station’s fuel pumps and weighing devices in shops and other businesses (in Dutch). The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate is responsible for the monitoring of scales and weighing systems for medical use.