Don’t manipulate measurements, firms warned

Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent
Government has warned companies against their rampant practice of manipulating scales to come up with lower product weight in violating of the Trade Measures Act.

The firms in the habit risk being prosecuted or losing their operating licences.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce said in statement that the warning also applies to firms using “unapproved” measuring equipment.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, a number of companies have been caught on the wrong side of the law with regards to “breaking or tampering with the Trade Measures Seals of Assize with the intention to reduce or diminish the actual quantity dispensed by trade instruments.”

Companies, particularly those with fuel dispensing pumps, bulk volume meters, meat weighing scales, gas and fuel sectors have been accused of using measuring instruments that have not been approved by the ministry.

“The Ministry of Industry and Commerce through the Trade Measures Section has noted with concern that some unscrupulous business entities are violating the Trade Measures Act (chapter 14:23),” read the statement.

“The Trade Measures Inspectorate and other arms of the Government of Zimbabwe are on the lookout for such perpetrators and remedial action will be taken on those who are found on the wrong side on the law.”

The Trade Measures Act basically functions to protect consumers and enhance accurate and legal product packaging within the country’s borders.

The ministry also noted that others are illegally engaging service providers to repair or install trade instruments or equipment by engineers or technicians who are not registered with the Ministry in terms of the Trade Measures Act (Chapter 14:23).

But indications by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce was that the particular law was due for review.

Earlier in January, head of trade measures directorate in the ministry Mr Enock Magaisa said the Trade Measures Act was being reviewed in view of Sadc’s proposals of a draft legal meteorology model law which will be implemented by all member States.

While the country’s Trade Measures Act — which was last reviewed in 1996 — squarely focuses on length, mass and volume measurements, under legal meteorology, the trade measures’ functions would be extended to ensure protection of the society in trade, health, safety and environment where the accuracy of measuring instruments is requisite.