Do commercial scales in Surrey need Measurement Canada certification?

Yes. Scales used to sell goods by weight in Surrey must be certified by Measurement Canada or an authorized verifier; keep certification and records on site.

How often must scales be inspected?

Inspection frequency depends on device type and use; specific mandatory intervals are not specified on the cited page.

What happens if a scale fails inspection?

Failing devices must be repaired, reverified, or removed from trade use; possible local licence actions or prosecution may follow for persistent non-compliance.

Weights & Measures Certification in Surrey

Business and Consumer Protection British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026

In Surrey, British Columbia, businesses that sell goods by weight or measure must ensure their commercial scales and measuring devices are certified and maintained for accuracy. Certification and enforcement for trade measurement devices are handled under the federal Measurement Canada program; local business licensing and bylaw offices also require proof of certification when reviewing licences or complaints. See Measurement Canada for device certification procedures and the City of Surrey business licence requirements for local compliance. Measurement Canada^[1] City of Surrey business licences^[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Who enforces weights and measures in Surrey and what sanctions may apply:

Enforcer: Measurement Canada is the primary regulator for verification and certification of commercial weighing and measuring devices; local By-law Enforcement and Business Licensing offices in Surrey may act on consumer complaints or licence conditions.
Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: information on first, repeat or continuing offence ranges is not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to repair or remove devices from service, seizure of non-compliant devices, licence suspension or refusal, and prosecution in court are possible remedies under federal and local authorities.
Inspection & complaints: consumers or businesses can request inspections or file complaints with Measurement Canada or contact Surrey By-law Enforcement and Business Licensing for local actions.
Appeals & review: appeal routes and statutory time limits vary by instrument; specific appeal procedures or time limits are not specified on the cited page.

Keep certificates and inspection records on-site and available for inspectors.

Applications & Forms

How to provide proof and what forms apply:

Certification documents: official certificates or stamps issued by Measurement Canada or an authorized service provider are the recognized proof of accuracy.
Fees: fees for inspections, certification, or re-inspection are set by Measurement Canada or authorized providers; specific fee schedules are not specified on the cited page.
Submission: businesses typically present certificates when applying for or renewing a City of Surrey business licence or upon request during inspections.

Common Violations

Using an uncertified scale for trade.
Failing to maintain calibration records.
Displaying inaccurate or tampered markings or seals.

Promptly remove or tag any device found out of tolerance to avoid consumer disputes.

Action Steps for Businesses

Identify which devices are used for trade and note their model and location.
Contact Measurement Canada or an authorized service provider to arrange verification and certification.
Keep certification stickers and records available for review by city inspectors and customers.

FAQ

Do commercial scales in Surrey need Measurement Canada certification?: Yes. Scales used to sell goods by weight in Surrey must be certified by Measurement Canada or an authorized verifier; keep certification and records on site.
How often must scales be inspected?: Inspection frequency depends on device type and use; specific mandatory intervals are not specified on the cited page.
What happens if a scale fails inspection?: Failing devices must be repaired, reverified, or removed from trade use; possible local licence actions or prosecution may follow for persistent non-compliance.

How-To

Steps to get a commercial scale certified for use in Surrey:

Inventory the devices you use to sell or price goods and note serial/model numbers.
Contact Measurement Canada or an authorized service provider to request verification and discuss any fees.^[1]
Arrange inspection—have the device clean, accessible and with power available for testing.
If the device passes, retain the certificate/sticker and include the certificate when renewing the City of Surrey business licence.^[2]
If the device fails, follow repair and re-verification steps before returning it to service.

Key Takeaways

Measurement Canada certification is the recognized standard for trade measurement devices.
Keep certificates and records available for inspections and licence renewals.
Contact Measurement Canada and Surrey Business Licensing promptly for compliance questions.