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 sets out requirements for the use of approved weights and measures, as well as the manner in which goods must be sold and packaged. 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 making the sale of traditional Chinese medicine substances a "prescribed transaction", the Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005 effectively carves out an exception for this industry. Sellers of these substances do not have to comply with the usual requirements around the use of approved weights and measures, or the manner in which goods must be packaged and sold.
The rationale behind this exemption is likely to recognize the unique nature of traditional Chinese medicine, where substances are often sold in non-standard quantities or packaging. Requiring strict compliance with the Weights and Measures Act may have placed undue burdens on traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and suppliers.
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, which exempts the sale of traditional Chinese medicine substances from the requirements of the Weights and Measures Act.
There are no further subdivisions or parts within the regulations. The legislation is concise and focused on achieving its specific purpose of carving out an exemption for the traditional Chinese medicine industry.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
The Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005 apply to any person or business involved in the sale of substances used in the preparation of traditional Chinese medicinal remedies. This would include traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, wholesalers, retailers, and any other suppliers of these types of products.
The regulations exempt these parties from having to comply with the requirements of the Weights and Measures Act when selling their products. They do not apply to the sale of other types of goods, which remain subject to the provisions of the main Act.
It's important to note that the exemption is limited to the sale of substances used in traditional Chinese medicine. Other aspects of the traditional Chinese medicine industry, such as the preparation and dispensing of final medicinal remedies, may still be subject to the Weights and Measures Act or other relevant legislation.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
The Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005 are important because they provide regulatory relief and flexibility for the traditional Chinese medicine industry in Singapore. By exempting the sale of traditional Chinese medicine substances from the requirements of the Weights and Measures Act, the regulations recognize the unique nature of this industry and the challenges it may face in complying with standard commercial measurement and packaging rules.
This exemption helps to ensure that traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and suppliers can continue to operate in a manner that is consistent with the traditional practices and methods of their industry. It removes potential barriers to the sale and distribution of these products, which can contribute to the preservation and promotion of traditional Chinese medicine in Singapore.
From an enforcement perspective, the regulations also provide clarity for regulators and industry participants on the scope of the Weights and Measures Act's application. By explicitly carving out this exemption, the regulations help to avoid any ambiguity or disputes around the applicability of the main Act to the traditional Chinese medicine sector.
Related Legislation
- Weights and Measures Act (Chapter 349)
- Timeline of amendments to the Weights and Measures Act
- Authorising Act for the Weights and Measures (Savings) Regulations 2005
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.