About NCWM

Setting the United States Standards for Weights and Measures

The National Council on Weights and Measures (NCWM) is a professional not-for-profit association of state and local weights and measures officials, federal agencies, manufacturers, retailers and consumers. NCWM has developed national weights and measures standards since 1905. The organization brings the right interests together to keep pace with innovative advancements in the marketplace.

Our Mission

Ensuring Equity and Uniform Standards in a Changing Marketplace

We develop uniform and equitable weights and measures standards to:

Promote commerce and fair competition by leveling the playing field
Ensure consumers “get what they pay for”
Foster confidence in marketplace transactions
Advance economic growth

Our Vision

Making Every Marketplace Transaction Fair and Equitable

Our History

The Standards adopted by NCWM are published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in:

Handbook 44: Specifications, Tolerances and Other Technical Requirements of Commercial Weighing and Measuring Devices
Handbook 130: Uniform Laws and Regulations
Handbook 133: Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods

National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP)

NCWM also administers the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP). NTEP Certification provides assurance that weighing and measuring instruments are manufactured to Handbook 44 specifications before the instruments are introduced into commerce. This provides fair competition among manufacturers and assurance to end users that they are investing in proper equipment. Most states recognize NTEP Certification as a requirement for commercial instruments.