Statute Details
- Title: Weights and Measures (Sale of Goods in Metric Units) Order
- Full Title: N/A
- Act Code: WMA1975-OR1
- Type: sl
- Commencement Date: N/A
- Parts: N/A
- Key Sections: N/A
- Related Legislation: Measures Act, Timeline Authorising Act
What Is This Legislation About?
The Weights and Measures (Sale of Goods in Metric Units) Order is a piece of legislation in Singapore that regulates the sale of certain goods by requiring them to be sold in metric units. The order is made under the authority of the Weights and Measures Act and aims to standardize the measurement units used in the sale of specific products to the metric system.
The primary purpose of this legislation is to ensure that consumers can easily compare prices and quantities of goods sold in the Singapore market. By mandating the use of metric units, the order promotes transparency and facilitates informed decision-making by buyers. This is particularly important for commonly purchased items where accurate measurement is crucial for consumers to assess value for money.
What Are the Key Provisions?
The key provisions of the Weights and Measures (Sale of Goods in Metric Units) Order are as follows:
Prohibition on Selling Certain Goods in Non-Metric Units
Section 3(1) of the order prohibits any person from selling or offering for sale any "prescribed goods" in any weight or measure that is not part of the metric system. The "prescribed goods" are listed in the Schedule to the order and include various food items, building materials, and other commonly traded commodities.
Requirement to Price Goods in Metric Units
In addition to the requirement to sell prescribed goods in metric units, Section 3(1)(b) mandates that these goods must be sold, advertised, or displayed for sale at a price expressed by reference to a prescribed metric quantity specified in the Schedule. This ensures that consumers can easily compare prices based on a standardized measurement system.
Exception for Goods Sold in Lots or by Number
Section 3(2) provides an exception to the pricing requirement, stating that it does not apply to prescribed goods that are sold, advertised, or displayed for sale in lots or by number, as long as the price is not expressed by reference to non-metric units.
Prohibition on Using Non-Metric Weighing/Measuring Equipment
Section 4 of the order prohibits any person from using for trade or possessing for use in trade any weighing or measuring equipment that is not calibrated solely in the metric system for determining the mass or dimensions of any prescribed goods for the purposes of their sale.
Ministerial Exemption
Section 5 of the order grants the Minister the power to exempt any goods from all or any of the provisions of the order.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
The Weights and Measures (Sale of Goods in Metric Units) Order is a relatively concise piece of legislation, consisting of 6 sections. The key sections are:
- Section 1: Citation
- Section 2: Exclusions from the order (goods sold under tender system, on board trains/ships/aircraft, and pre-packed goods)
- Section 3: Prohibition on selling prescribed goods in non-metric units and requirement to price them in metric units
- Section 4: Prohibition on using non-metric weighing/measuring equipment for prescribed goods
- Section 5: Ministerial exemption power
- Section 6: Penalty for contravening Sections 3 or 4
The Schedule to the order lists the "prescribed goods" and the corresponding "prescribed dates" from which the requirements of the order apply to each category of goods.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
The Weights and Measures (Sale of Goods in Metric Units) Order applies to any person who sells or offers for sale the "prescribed goods" listed in the Schedule. This includes retailers, wholesalers, and any other commercial entities engaged in the sale of the specified commodities.
The order also applies to any person who uses or possesses weighing or measuring equipment for the purpose of determining the mass or dimensions of the prescribed goods for sale. This would encompass businesses, traders, and any other commercial operators involved in the measurement and sale of the relevant products.
The order does not apply to the sale of goods under a tender system, on board trains, ships, or aircraft, or to pre-packed goods, as per the exclusions in Section 2.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
The Weights and Measures (Sale of Goods in Metric Units) Order is an important piece of legislation in Singapore as it helps to ensure consistency, transparency, and fairness in the sale of commonly traded goods. By mandating the use of metric units, the order enables consumers to easily compare prices and quantities, facilitating informed decision-making.
The prohibition on the use of non-metric weighing and measuring equipment for the prescribed goods also helps to maintain the integrity of the measurement system, preventing potential exploitation or inaccuracies that could disadvantage consumers.
Enforcement of the order is carried out by the relevant authorities, and any person who contravenes the requirements faces a fine of up to $2,000. This penalty serves as a deterrent and helps to ensure compliance with the legislation.
Overall, the Weights and Measures (Sale of Goods in Metric Units) Order plays a crucial role in protecting consumer interests and promoting a fair and transparent marketplace in Singapore.
Related Legislation
- Weights and Measures Act (Chapter 349)
- Timeline Authorising Act
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Weights and Measures (Sale of Goods in Metric Units) Order for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.