FAQ Legal for Trade Scales (Canada)

Who Needs a Legal-for-Trade Scale in Canada?

If you use a scale to decide how much someone pays, you need a Legal-for-Trade scale. That’s it. That’s the rule.

If the weight:

• Sets the price

• Appears on an invoice

• Determines how much product a customer receives

…it must be measured on a Legal-for-Trade certified scale inspected under Measurement Canada.

Common Examples of Yes, You Need One

You need a Legal-for-Trade scale if you:

• Sell products by weight (retail, wholesale, farm gate, processors)

• Buy product by weight from suppliers or producers

• Invoice customers using weight data

• Charge freight, waste, grain, livestock, or materials by weight

• Use weigh tickets for payment or settlement

In short: if money changes hands based on the weight, the scale must be Legal for Trade.

Common Examples of No, You Don’t

You typically do not need a Legal-for-Trade scale if:

• The scale is for internal checks only

• Weights are used for process control, batching, or recipes

• The scale is for quality control, research, or testing

• No customer ever sees or pays based on the weight

A simple test:

If the number on the scale disappeared, would the customer still pay the same amount? If yes → not Legal for Trade. If no → Legal for Trade required.

What About Farms and Agriculture?

Many farm scales do require Legal-for-Trade certification when:

• Grain, seed, feed, or livestock is sold by weight

• Weigh tickets are used for payment or contracts

• Weight data is shared with buyers

Even on-farm scales can be Legal for Trade if they’re part of a transaction.

Why This Matters (Without the Scary Stuff)

Legal-for-Trade rules exist to:

• Protect buyers and sellers equally

• Ensure fair, accurate measurement

• Prevent disputes and penalties

• Keep businesses compliant and defensible

It’s not about red tape — it’s about fairness. If your scale is not working correctly, you can perform basic, non‑invasive checks like cleaning, zeroing, and checking power. However, repairs, adjustments, or calibration must be performed by a Measurement Canada–recognized service provider.

What actions can void my Legal‑for‑Trade certification?

Any of the following can invalidate your certification:

• Breaking or removing a Measurement Canada seal

• Opening the indicator, junction box, or load cell connections

• Adjusting calibration values

• Replacing load cells, indicator, displays or electronic components

Once a seal is broken, the scale is no longer Legal for Trade until it is re‑inspected and re‑certified.

What if I accidentally broke a seal?

Don’t panic — but stop using the scale for trade immediately and contact a recognized service provider. The scale will need inspection and re‑certification before it can legally be used again.

Why is Legal‑for‑Trade certification so strict?

Legal‑for‑Trade requirements protect:

• Your customers - ensures fair measurement

• Your business - compliance and audit readiness

• Your reputation - accurate, defensible weights

Even small adjustments can create large measurement errors.

When should I call a scale technician right away?

Call immediately if:

• The scale is used to buy, sell, or invoice product

• Readings are inconsistent or drifting

• The scale fails an internal check or test weight

• There is visible damage to cables or load cells

Hope this helps. If you have any questions or are unsure of your position please get in touch.