Metrology is the science of measurement. In the EU, legal metrology sets regulatory requirements for measurements and measuring instruments. EU legislation on legal metrology is one of the pillars of the single market for goods. It supports innovation, public safety, environmental protection, and fair trade.
Units of measurements
The EU uses the International System of Units (SI), the modern metric system. EU law designates SI units as the legal units for expressing quantities across the EU, ensuring transparency and consistency.
- More on units of measurement
Measuring instruments
EU law harmonises a wide range of measuring instruments, including devices like rulers, water meters, supermarket scales, automatic weighing bridges, packaging lines and measuring systems used in electric vehicle charging stations to name just some examples.
EU law sets essential requirements that these instruments must meet before manufacturers can sell or use them in the EU. It ensures accurate measurements and promotes transparency and fairness in commercial transactions.
- More on measuring instruments
Pre-packaged products and pack sizes
Packers place pre-packed products in packaging without the purchaser present, in a fixed quantity that cannot change without opening or modifying the package.
EU law harmonises the method for filling such pre-packages and sets requirements for bottles used as measuring containers. It ensures that pre-packed goods contain the stated quantity and that bottles and jars hold the declared volume.
EU law also prevents EU countries from restricting the sizes of prepacked products and it sets fixed sizes exclusively for wine and spirit drinks.
- More on pre-packed products
- More on pack sizes
Contact
Contact us by GROW-METROLOGY
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (email)