In the last issue of Weighlog we updated you on the effect of these new Regulations, which came into force on 6th April this year. To recap, the Regulations re-implement the so-called "Average Weight" Directive. The Regulations repealed and replaced the previous regulations and Part V of the Weights and Measures Act 1985. The new Regulations are simpler, clearer and more in line with the interpretation of the Average Weigh Directive that applies in the rest of the EU.
The UK has differed from the rest of the EU in one major way up to now, in allowing the use of NAWI that was neither Type Approved or Verified to be used for "checking" packages packed to the average system. Our initial understanding was that this would continue under the new Regulations and that was the advice we gave in the last issue of Weighlog. However DTI and LACORS have taken a different view and their belief is that NAWI used for checking packages is now required to be both Type Approved and Verified. Whilst the Federation does not fully accept that view, it has been decided that in the interest of conformity and common interpretation we will go along with it. So to clarify:
Packers who were using unapproved and unverified NAWI for checking packages before 6th April 2006 will be able to continue using them in the future (and will be able to have them repaired and maintained to continue in use without time limit);
Packers who are now buying new NAWI for checking packages will need to purchase Type Approved and Verified instruments. (There is a greyish area for those packers and equipment suppliers where the NAWI was supplied after 6th April 2006 but before this new interpretation was made widely known- if this affects you please contact the Technical Officer for advice.) | 
