Statute Details
- Title: Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005
- Full Title: N/A
- Act Code: WMA1975-S846-2005
- Type: Subsidiary Legislation (sl)
- Commencement Date: 1 January 2006
- Parts: N/A
- Key Sections: Section 2: The sale of any substance to be used in the preparation of traditional Chinese medicinal remedies shall be a prescribed transaction for the purpose of section 40(1) of the Act.
- Related Legislation: Weights and Measures Act, Timeline, Authorising Act
What Is This Legislation About?
The Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005 is a piece of subsidiary legislation enacted under the Weights and Measures Act of Singapore. The primary purpose of this regulation is to exempt the sale of substances used in the preparation of traditional Chinese medicinal remedies from the requirements of the Weights and Measures Act.
The Weights and Measures Act is the main law in Singapore that governs the use of weights and measures in commercial transactions. It establishes standards and requirements for the use of weights and measures to ensure fairness and accuracy in the buying and selling of goods. The Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005 carves out a specific exception to this general framework for the traditional Chinese medicine industry.
What Are the Key Provisions?
The key provision of the Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005 is found in Section 2, which states:
"The sale of any substance to be used in the preparation of traditional Chinese medicinal remedies shall be a prescribed transaction for the purpose of section 40(1) of the Act."
This means that the sale of substances used in traditional Chinese medicine is exempt from the requirements of the Weights and Measures Act. Section 40(1) of the Weights and Measures Act gives the Minister the power to prescribe certain transactions as being exempt from the Act's provisions.
By designating the sale of traditional Chinese medicine substances as a "prescribed transaction", the Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005 effectively carves out an exception for this industry. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and suppliers are not required to comply with the usual weights and measures standards and requirements when selling their raw ingredients and materials.
The rationale behind this exemption is likely to accommodate the unique practices and customs of the traditional Chinese medicine industry, which may not align with the standardized weights and measures typically used in modern commercial transactions. This regulation provides flexibility and saves the industry from having to strictly adhere to the Weights and Measures Act's provisions.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
The Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005 is a short piece of subsidiary legislation consisting of only two sections:
- Citation and commencement - This section provides the title of the regulations and states that they came into effect on 1 January 2006.
- Savings - This is the key substantive provision that exempts the sale of traditional Chinese medicine substances from the Weights and Measures Act.
The regulations do not contain any other sections or provisions beyond these two core elements. The brevity of the legislation reflects the narrow and targeted nature of the exemption being created.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
The Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005 apply specifically to the traditional Chinese medicine industry in Singapore. This includes any individuals or businesses involved in the sale of substances used in the preparation of traditional Chinese medicinal remedies.
The exemption provided by these regulations applies to the entire supply chain for traditional Chinese medicine, from raw material suppliers to manufacturers and retailers. Any commercial transaction involving the sale of substances destined for use in traditional Chinese medicine is covered by the regulations and exempt from the Weights and Measures Act.
However, the regulations do not appear to extend beyond the traditional Chinese medicine industry. Other commercial sectors in Singapore that use weights and measures would still be subject to the full requirements of the Weights and Measures Act.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
The Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005 are important because they provide targeted regulatory relief to the traditional Chinese medicine industry in Singapore. By exempting this industry from the Weights and Measures Act, the regulations allow traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and suppliers to continue their established practices without having to comply with standardized weights and measures requirements.
This is significant because the traditional Chinese medicine industry often uses unique measurement systems and practices that may not align with the modern commercial standards set out in the Weights and Measures Act. The exemption ensures that traditional Chinese medicine can be bought and sold without unnecessary bureaucratic burdens or the risk of non-compliance.
From an enforcement perspective, the regulations also provide clarity for regulators and industry participants. By explicitly designating the sale of traditional Chinese medicine substances as a "prescribed transaction" under the Weights and Measures Act, the regulations remove any ambiguity about the applicability of the Act in this context.
Overall, the Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005 strike a balance between maintaining the integrity of weights and measures standards in Singapore, while also accommodating the unique needs and practices of the traditional Chinese medicine industry. This targeted exemption helps to preserve and support this important sector of Singapore's healthcare landscape.
Related Legislation
- Weights and Measures Act (Chapter 349)
- Timeline of amendments to the Weights and Measures Act
- Authorising Act that empowers the Minister to make these Regulations
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005 for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.