Weights and Measures Inspections - London Bylaw Guide

Business and Consumer Protection Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, businesses and consumers rely on accurate scales and measuring devices for fair trade. Legal metrology in Canada is primarily administered by Measurement Canada; local complaints and compliance questions may be handled by the City of London’s By-law Enforcement and Licensing services. Measurement Canada[1] is the federal regulator for legal units and device approvals, while municipal staff provide local complaint intake and bylaw compliance information via the City of London website.City of London By-law Enforcement[2]

Overview

Inspections check that retail scales, gasoline pumps, taxi meters and other commercial measuring devices meet legal accuracy and are properly sealed or tagged. Businesses must present devices for scheduled inspections and allow inspectors to test devices on site. For licensing or business-related requirements that intersect with weights and measures, consult London’s business licences and permits pages.City of London licences & permits[3]

Keep inspection records and seals available to reduce delays during a visit.

Inspection process

Typical inspections follow these steps: appointment or unannounced visit, visual check of the device and seals, test measurements against standards, issuance of a report or ticket if non-compliant, and follow-up re-inspection when required. Inspectors may affix seals or remove devices from service if they present a safety or fairness risk.

  • Inspector arrives and requests access to the device and records.
  • Device is tested against certified standards and results recorded.
  • Non-compliance may generate an order, tag or ticket requiring corrective action.
  • Follow-up inspection scheduled where required to confirm correction.

Penalties & Enforcement

Who enforces weights and measures rules, and what penalties apply:

  • Enforcer: Measurement Canada is the federal authority for legal metrology; local By-law Enforcement and Licensing in London accept complaints and may coordinate compliance actions.Measurement Canada[1]
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct, sealing or removal from service, and potential court prosecution where federal or municipal statutes apply.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: file a complaint or request information through City of London By-law Enforcement or contact Measurement Canada for federal investigations.City of London By-law Enforcement[2]
  • Appeal/review routes and time limits: not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: where applicable, inspectors and officials may consider reasonable excuse or evidence of recent calibration; specific defences are not detailed on the cited pages.
If a device is removed from service, stop use immediately until a restoring inspection confirms compliance.

Applications & Forms

Official forms for federal legal metrology (device approvals, applications, or appeals) are published by Measurement Canada; specifics such as form numbers, fees and submission methods should be obtained from their site. For local licensing questions or business registration related to measuring equipment, consult the City of London licences and permits pages. If no form is required or none is published on the cited page, that detail is noted as not specified on the cited page.

FAQ

Who inspects commercial scales in London?
Measurement Canada is the federal regulator; local complaints can be reported to City of London By-law Enforcement.[1][2]
What should I do if my gas pump reads incorrectly?
Stop using the pump if it appears inaccurate and report the issue to the retailer and to City of London By-law Enforcement or Measurement Canada.[2][1]
Are there fees for inspections?
Inspection fees or administrative charges are not specified on the cited pages; contact Measurement Canada or City of London for current fee information.[1][2]

How-To

  1. Document the device details: make, model, location and identification numbers.
  2. Gather recent calibration and maintenance records to present to the inspector.
  3. Report suspected inaccuracy to the retail operator and submit a complaint to City of London By-law Enforcement or Measurement Canada as appropriate.[2][1]
  4. If ordered to correct a device, arrange calibration and keep proof of correction for the re-inspection.

Key Takeaways

  • Measurement Canada is the primary federal regulator for legal metrology in Canada.
  • Report complaints locally to City of London By-law Enforcement for intake and guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Measurement Canada - Legal Metrology and Services
  2. [2] City of London - By-law Enforcement
  3. [3] City of London - Licences & Permits

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