Legal Metrology

The Supervisor of Weights, Measures and Standards works to enforce the 1947 Weights and Measures Ordinance and in accordance with its orders and regulations.

The department operates according to the recommendations of the International Organization for Legal Metrology (OIML) and its activities are designed to ensure an adequate level of reliability in the measurement results when used for trade. The reliability of the measurement results is necessary to ensure consumer protection and proper functioning of the economic and social systems.

The department has authority to inspect measuring instruments used for commercial purposes throughout the country, such as scales at supermarkets and fuel nozzles at gas stations, which are imported to or manufactured in Israel. Furthermore, any violation of the provisions of the ordinance or weighting regulations is a criminal offense and the department is the enforcing authority in such cases.

Department roles

• Enforcement of the "Weights and Measures Ordinance" including criminal enforcement.

• Updating the areas of supervision and enforcement in the State of Israel in accordance with international standards.

• Supervision of measuring and weighing means used for trade, according to whose measurements the customer pays, such as: scales in markets, truck scales, fuel dispensers at gas stations, and gas meters.
• Metrological control of measuring instruments used in commerce including: Providing model approvals for weighing instruments and fuel dispensers, initial verification of the measuring instrument before placing it in operation, re-validation—periodic monitoring of device integrity by conducting verification tests. Conducting regular reviews to check device integrity.
• Setting standards for and approval of service inspections of importers, manufacturers or establishments engaged in the repair and maintenance of weighing and measuring instruments.
• Setting standards for and certifying labs to perform metrological testing for weighing instruments.
• Approval of customs clearance metrological equipment.
• Training and certification of surveyors (metrologists) to ensure professionaisml and reliability of instrument maintenance.

Target population

The general public, manufacturers, importers and dealers who use measuring instruments for trading purposes such as supermarket chains, fuel companies and small businesses with measuring instruments.