WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT
Act · Trade
An Act establishes legal units of measurement in Nigeria and sets standards for weighing and measuring instruments used in trade. It targets traders, retailers, manufacturers of instruments, and consumer protection agencies. This protects consumers by ensuring all instruments are accurate and certified.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act establishing legal units of measurement in Nigeria, prescribing standards for weighing and measuring instruments, and controlling the use of weights and measures in trade to protect consumers.
Who Does It Target?
Traders and retailers using weighing and measuring equipment Manufacturers of weighing instruments The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Consumer protection agencies
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Protect consumers from being shortchanged by ensuring that all weighing and measuring instruments used in trade are accurate, certified, and comply with Nigerian standards.
Key Features
Legal Units: Defines the legal units of weight, length, volume, and area in Nigeria. Instrument Certification: All weighing and measuring instruments used in trade must be certified as accurate by SON. Periodic Testing: Certified instruments are tested periodically to verify continued accuracy. Penalties: Using inaccurate instruments in trade attracts fines and imprisonment.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide trade and commerce Beneficiaries: Consumers; fair trade practices Funding: SON certification fees
How to Access
Traders: have all weighing/measuring equipment certified before commercial use Request SON inspection if a customer suspects instrument inaccuracy Annual recertification of commercial weighing instruments required Application method: SON certification: https://www.son.gov.ng
Important Terms
Using an uncertified or inaccurate weighing instrument in trade is a criminal offence SON inspectors may test instruments at any time without prior notice Consumer complaints about short-weighting should be reported to SON or FCCPC
Official Resources
Website: https://www.son.gov.ng Contact: Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act 2015, the Customs and Excise Management Act, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) Convention (Metre Convention) ratified by Nigeria, and the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) standards.