DCRA Reminds Businesses: All Weighing and Measuring Devices Must Be Registered by October 1 - Releases

(Washington, DC) Each year, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs' (DCRA) Office of Weights and Measures requires businesses to register all Universal Product Code (UPC) scanners and commercially-used weighing and measuring devices by October 1.

DCRA's Device Registration and Inspection Program:

Tracks the location of all commercially used weighing and measuring devices.
Prevents illegal weighing and measuring devices from being used in the marketplace.
Ensures that devices used in commercial transactions are appropriate for the intended use.

DCRA inspects these devices twice a year to ensure they are properly calibrated (adjusted) and show accurate displays. These inspections protect District residents and visitors in a number of ways. For example, we inspect:

Dialysis Clinic Scales: to ensure that patient weights are accurately measured during treatment.
Hopper Scales: so that construction materials are measured correctly each time you buy them.
Prescription Balances: so that you consistently get the accurate dosage and amount of medicine.

With higher gas prices in effect, consumers are very concerned that they get the amount of gas they pay for. DCRA also inspects Retail Engine Fuel Meters – gas pumps – to be sure that they comply with District laws.

For District Businesses:

To complete the registration process, merchants must submit an application*, a Clean Hands form and a check for applicable fees made payable to the DC Treasurer. Completed documents may be dropped off at:

DCRA's One Stop Business Center

941 North Capitol Street, NE

Suite 1100

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Thursday: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Or mailed to the following address:

Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs

P.O. Box 96081

Washington, DC 20090

Merchants who fail to register could face a fine of $2,000. Merchants are reminded that using a device that has not been inspected by DCRA's Office of Weights and Measures could also result in a $2,000 fine.

To learn more, visit the Weights and Measures section. Members of the public can learn about DCRA's Office of Weights and Measures*.

You may also call DCRA's Office of Weights and Measures at (202) 698-2130.

Note: Under the Regulation and Inspection of Weighing and Measuring Devices Amendment Act of 2004, the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) requires businesses to register all Universal Product Code (UPC) scanners and commercially used weighing and measuring devices.