Weights and Measures Act
1988 Revised Edition
C
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WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 Arrangement of Sections
1988 Revised Edition
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Page 3
C
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WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT
Arrangement of Sections
Section
1 Short title..........................................................................................................5
2 Interpretation....................................................................................................5
3 Standard weights and measures of the Kingdom. ............................................6
4 Copies to be made............................................................................................6
5 Legal units of Measurement.............................................................................7
6 Use of non-legal units invalid. .........................................................................7
7 Re-appointment of inspectors etc.....................................................................7
8 Comparing of weights and measures. ..............................................................7
9 Using weights and measures not compared or stamped. .................................8
10 Weights and measures to be stamped. .............................................................8
11 Weights made of lead or pewter not to be used. ..............................................8
12 Penalty for forging, etc. stamps and for using weights marked with
forged stamps, etc. ...........................................................................................8
13 Power of entry and examination. .....................................................................9
14 Penalty for obstructing inspector or sub-inspector. .........................................9
15 Limitations of actions. ...................................................................................10
16 Regulations. ...................................................................................................10
SCHEDULE A 11
SCHEDULE OF STANDARD WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OF
THE KINGDOM ................................................................................................11
Arrangement of Sections CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
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SCHEDULE B 12
SCHEDULE OF FEES TO BE COLLECTED BY INSPECTOR OF
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THIS ACT........12
SCHEDULE C 14
SCHEDULE D 14
SCHEDULE E 15
PRESCRIBED LEGAL UNITS OF MEASUREMENT OF THE METRIC
SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENT........................................................................15
SCHEDULE F 26
PRESCRIBED LEGAL UNITS OF MEASUREMENT OF NON-METRIC
SYSTEMS OF MEASUREMENT .....................................................................26
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 Section 1
1988 Revised Edition
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C
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WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT
Act 17 of 1978
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND USE
THROUGHOUT THE KINGDOM OF UNIFORM STANDARDS OF
MEASUREMENT AND UNIFORM UNITS OF MEASUREMENT AND
TO REGULATE ALL MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO
Commencement [30th January, 1981]
1 Short title.
This Act may be cited as the Weights and Measures Act.
2 Interpretation.
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires —
“Inspector” means an inspector of weights and measures appointed under
section 7 of this Act;
“Legal Unit of Measurement” means a unit specified in accordance with
section 5 of this Act;
“Metric System of Measurement” means the same as in section 2 of the
Metrication Act;
“Minister” means the Minister of Labour, Commerce and Industries or
such person whom Privy Council may appoint to be responsible for
commerce;
Section 3 CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
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“Non-Metric” means being excluded from the metric system of
measurement;
“Physical Quantity” means the same as in section 2 of the Metrication
Act;
“SI Unit” means a unit of the International System of Units for the time
being approved by the General Conference of delegates of member states
of the Metre Convention and which is listed in Schedule I to the
Metrication Act (Cap. 52);
“Sub-Inspector” means a sub-inspector of weights and measures
appointed under section 7 of this Act;
“Weighing or Measuring Machine” means any contraption, device,
gadget or thing used for weighing, measuring, counting, recording or
ascertaining weight, mass, volume, capacity, length or any physical
quantity.
3 Standard weights and measures of the Kingdom.
(1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2) hereof, the several weights and
measures more particularly described in Schedule A hereto, which, by
virtue of this Act, the Minister is authorised to deposit in his Ministry, and
such other weights and measures as may from time to time be deposited
therein by the Minister with the consent of Privy Council either in
addition thereto or in substitution therefore shall be there safely kept and
shall be the standard weights and measures of the Kingdom for the time
being.
(2) The several weights and measures described in Part II of Schedule A,
hereto as from the 30th day of June 1980 cease to be standard weights and
measures of the Kingdom.
4 Copies to be made.
(1) It shall be lawful for the Minister to cause copies and models of the
several weights and measures so deposited in the Ministry as aforesaid to
be made and deposited with inspectors or sub-inspectors of weights and
measures as he may in writing direct for the purposes of this Act.
(2) Every such copy or model shall be legibly impressed or engraven by the
Minister with the word and letters: “COPY S.W.” or “COPY S.M.”
signifying standard weight or standard measure as the case may be, and
with the denomination of such weight or measure.
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 Section 5
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(3) Any person who shall falsify, injure, remove or otherwise interfere with
such copies or models without lawful justification shall be liable upon
conviction before a magistrate to a fine not exceeding $100.
5 Legal units of Measurement.
(1) The several units of measurement specified in Schedule E and subject to
the provisions of subsection (2) hereof, the several units specified in
Schedule F hereto shall be the legal units of measurement of the Kingdom
for the time being.
(2) The several units of measurement specified in Schedule F hereto shall as
from the 30th day of June 1980 cease to be legal units of measurement of
the Kingdom.
6 Use of non-legal units invalid.
No contract, agreement, transaction or any dealing shall be enforceable in any
court of law if the same has been done or carried out or agreed to be done or
carried out in any unit of measurement other than a legal unit of measurement
which existed at the time of making of such contract, agreement, transaction or
dealing:
Provided that this provision shall not apply to any contract, agreement,
transaction or dealing in connection with the exportation of goods from or the
importation of goods into the Kingdom.
7 Re-appointment of inspectors etc.
Any person who was at the date of the commencement of this Act an inspector
or sub-inspector of weights and measures under the Weights and Measures Act
repealed hereunder, is hereby appointed an inspector or sub-inspector of weights
and measures as the case may be:
Provided that the Minister may, with the consent of Cabinet, appoint, dismiss,
discipline or otherwise deal with any person appointed hereunder or appointed in
addition thereto for the purpose of this Act.
8 Comparing of weights and measures.
(1) It shall be lawful for any person to bring any weight, measurement or
weighing or measuring machine to an inspector or sub-inspector with
whom copies or models have been deposited in accordance with Section 4
hereof for the purpose of comparing or checking of the same. He shall pay
such fees as shall be required in accordance with Schedule B hereto.
Section 9 CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
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(2) Such inspector or sub-inspector shall upon such comparison being made
issue to such person a certificate, a copy of which he shall retain, of the
particulars contained in Schedule C and Schedule D hereto.
(3) Any inspector or sub-inspector refusing to compare any weights,
measures, weighing or measuring machine brought to him during official
working hours for comparison shall be liable upon conviction before a
magistrate to a fine not exceeding $20.
9 Using weights and measures not compared or stamped.
Every person for the purpose of any contract, bargain or sale who shall use any
weight or measure weighing or measuring machine other than such as shall have
been compared and stamped under the provisions hereof and every person who
shall use any weight or measure other than those authorized by this Act and the
Regulations thereto or an aliquot part or multiple thereof or which shall be found
light or otherwise unjust shall on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding
$100 and any contract bargain or sale made by such weights or measures shall
be wholly null and void and every such light or unjust weight or measure shall
on being discovered by the inspector appointed as aforesaid be seized and shall
be forfeited.
10 Weights and measures to be stamped.
All weights shall have the exact mass contained therein stamped, impressed or
cast on the top or side thereof in legible figures and letters and all measures of
capacity shall have their contents denominated stamped or marked on the outside
of such measures respectively in legible figures and letters.
11 Weights made of lead or pewter not to be used.
No weight made of lead or pewter or any mixture thereof shall be stamped or
used provided always that nothing herein contained shall prevent the use of lead
or pewter or of any mixture thereof in the manufacture of weights if they be
wholly and substantially cased with brass copper or iron and legibly stamped or
marked (cased) or shall prevent the insertion of such a plug of lead or pewter
into such weights as shall be bona fide necessary for the purpose of adjusting
them and of affixing thereon the stamps hereinafter mentioned.
12 Penalty for forging, etc. stamps and for using weights marked with
forged stamps, etc.
If any person make forge or counterfeit or cause or procure to be made forged or
counterfeited or knowingly act or assist in the making, forging or counterfeiting
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 Section 13
1988 Revised Edition
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Page 9
any stamp brand or mark used for stamping or marking of any weights or
measures under this Act such person shall on conviction be liable to a fine not
exceeding $100 and if any person shall knowingly sell, utter, dispose of or
expose for sale any weight or measure with such forged or counterfeit stamp
brand or mark thereon he shall on conviction be liable for every such offence to
a fine not exceeding $40.
13 Power of entry and examination.
It shall be lawful for any inspector or sub-inspector of weights and measures at
all reasonable times to enter any shop, storehouse, warehouse, stall, yard or
place whatsoever wherein goods shall be kept or exposed for sale or shall be
weighed or measured for purchase, conveyance or carriage and there to examine
all weights, measures, steelyards or other weighing or measuring machines and
to compare and try the same with the copies of standard weights and measures
required and authorised to be provided under this Act and —
(i) if upon such examination it shall appear that the said weights are light or
otherwise unjust or if it shall appear that such measures steelyards or other
weighing machines are incorrect or otherwise unjust the same shall be
liable to be seized and forfeited and the person in whose possession the
same shall be found shall upon conviction thereof be liable to a fine not
exceeding $100 unless such weights or such weighing machines shall
have been used or shall be such as is commonly used to weigh gold,
silver, platinum or diamonds or other precious metals or stones in which
cases such penalty shall be any sum not exceeding $200; or
(ii) if upon such examination it shall appear that the said weights, measures,
steelyards or other weighing or measuring machines are correct and in
accordance with the standard weights and measures provided under this
Act, and that the same have not been similarly examined within 6 months
previously, the inspector or sub-inspector shall issue to the person in
possession of the same in respect of each weighing or measuring machine,
a certificate, a copy of which the inspector or sub-inspector shall retain of
the particulars contained in Schedules C and D of this Act, upon that
person having paid to the inspector, in respect of each certificate, a
fee of $2.
14 Penalty for obstructing inspector or sub-inspector.
If any person wilfully obstructs, resists, hinders or opposes an inspector or sub-
inspector of weights and measures in the execution of his office or if any person
selling, conveying or carrying by weight or measure refuses to produce and
deliver his weights, measures, steelyards or other weighing machines to such
Section 15 CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
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inspector or sub-inspector he shall on conviction for every offence be liable to a
fine not exceeding $20.
15 Limitations of actions.
All actions brought against any person for anything done in pursuance or in the
intended execution of this Act shall be laid and brought within 3 months after
cause of action shall have arisen and the defendant in such action may plead a
general denial and give the special matter in evidence at the trial to be had
thereupon.
16 Regulations.
The Minister may with consent of Privy Council make regulations prescribing
any matter which may be necessary or desirable for carrying out or giving effect
to this Act.
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 SCHEDULE A
1988 Revised Edition
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SCHEDULE A
(Section 3)
SCHEDULE OF STANDARD WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OF
THE KINGDOM
PART I:
Standard Weights and Measures of the Metric System of Measurement.
Mass: one kilogram
Length: one metre
Volume (capacity): one litre
PART II:
Standard Weights and Measures of Systems other than the Metric System of
Measurement.
Mass:
Avoirdupois
fifty-six pounds
twenty-eight pounds
fourteen pounds
seven pounds
four pounds
two pounds
one pound
one-half pound
one-quarter pound
two ounces
one ounce
Length:
one yard
one foot
one inch
Volume (Capacity):
three gallons
one gallon
SCHEDULE B CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
1988 Revised Edition Page 12
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SCHEDULE B
(Section 8)
SCHEDULE OF FEES TO BE COLLECTED BY INSPECTOR OF WEIGHTS
AND MEASURES UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THIS ACT
PART I:
Weights and Measures of the Metric System of Measurement.
For examining and comparing weights, including stamping:
Each twenty kilograms ........................................................................$0.40
Each ten kilograms ..............................................................................$0.30
Each five kilograms .............................................................................$0.20
Each weight under five kilograms .......................................................$0.10
For examining, comparing and stamping each weighing machine,
Possessing a capacity of or in excess of fifty kilograms .....................$1.00
Possessing a capacity of less than fifty kilograms ..............................$0.50
For examining and comparing measures of volume or capacity including
stamping when necessary:
For every five litres or part thereof .....................................................$0.10
For examining, comparing and stamping each flow meter or multiple reading
volume measuring machine:
Possessing a capacity of or in excess of fifty litres .............................$1.00
Possessing a capacity of less than fifty litres ......................................$0.50
PART II:
Weights and Measures of Systems other than the Metric System of
Measurement:
For examining and comparing weights, including stamping —
Each half hundredweight .....................................................................$0.40
Each quarter hundredweight ...............................................................$0.30
Each fourteen pounds ..........................................................................$0.20
Each weight under fourteen pounds ....................................................$0.10
For examining and comparing and stamping each weighing machine
Possessing a capacity of or in excess of one hundredweight ..............$1.00
Possessing a capacity of less than one hundredweight .......................$0.50
For examining and comparing all measures of capacity and length, including
stamping when necessary —
Each bushel .........................................................................................$0.40
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 SCHEDULE B
1988 Revised Edition
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Page 13
Each half bushel .................................................................................. $0.30
Each peck or measure less than one peck ........................................... $0.20
Each yard ............................................................................................ $0.10
For examining, comparing and stamping all measures of capacity of liquids
made of copper or other metal —
Each five gallons ................................................................................ .$0.40
Each four gallons ................................................................................ $0.30
Each three gallons ............................................................................... $0.20
Each two gallons ................................................................................. $0.15
Each gallon or measure less than one gallon ...................................... $0.10
For examining, comparing arid stamping each flowmeter or multiple reading
volume measuring machine:
Possessing a capacity of or in excess of ten gallons ........................... $1.00
Possessing a capacity of less than ten gallons .................................... $0.50
SCHEDULE C CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
1988 Revised Edition Page 14
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SCHEDULE C
(SECTION 8)
Owner of Weights and
Measures
Denomination of
Weight Measure
Capacity Length
Metric Other Metric Other Metric Other
Remarks
Fees Paid
When Compared
What Trade
Place of Business
Christian name
Surname alphabetically
No.
SCHEDULE D
(SECTION 8)
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the minute of comparison made by me
on the day of 19
(Date) (Signed)
Comparing Officer.
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 SCHEDULE E
1988 Revised Edition
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SCHEDULE E
(Section 5)
PRESCRIBED LEGAL UNITS OF MEASUREMENT OF THE METRIC
SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENT.
1. (1) Legal units of measurement of the metric system of measurement are hereby
prescribed for the physical quantities referred to in Section 2 et seq hereunder listed.
(2) The definition of the SI unit for each physical quantity shall be that accorded
by the General Conference of Weights and Measures which, or the equivalent of which
is reproduced in Appendix A to this Schedule.
(3) For each physical quantity a unit of measurement specified in the first column
may be referred to by the symbol specified in the second column opposite the reference
to that unit in the first column.
(4) For each physical quantity the units of measurement specified in the first
column are related to the SI unit of that physical quantity as respectively specified in
the third column.
(5) An entry in the fourth column against a unit in the first column implies that a
prohibition, restriction or provision as the case may be shall apply in respect of that
unit.
2. (1) The SI unit of length is the metre.
(2) The legal units of measurement of length are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Length in metres
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
international nautical
mile
n mile 1852
kilometre km 1000
metre m 1
centimetre cm 0,01
millimetre mm 0,001
micrometre um 0,000001
Limited to use for
purposes of
navigation (aerial
and marine) and
meteorology only.
3. (1) The SI unit of area is the square metre.
(2) The legal units of measurement of mass are as follows:
SCHEDULE E CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
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First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Area in square
metres
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
square kilometre km2 1000000
hectare ha 10000
square metre m2 1
square centimetre cm2 0,0001
square millimetre mm2 0,000001
4. (1) (a) The SI unit of mass is the kilogram.
(b) The units of mass are commonly referred to as units of weight.
(2) The legal units of measurement of area are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Mass in kilograms
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
kilotonne kt 1000000
tonne t 1000
kilogram kg 1
gram g 0,001
milligram mg 0,000001
microgram ug 0,000000001
5. (1) The SI unit of volume is the cubic metre.
(2) The legal units of measurement of volume are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Volume in cubic
metres
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
megalitre ML 1000
cubic metre m3 1
kilolitre kL 1
litre L 0,001
cubic centimetre cm3 0,000001
millilitre mL 0,000001
cubic millimetre mm3 0,000000001
microlitre uL 0,000000001
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 SCHEDULE E
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6. (1) THE SI unit of density is the kilogram per cubic metre.
(2) The legal units of measurement 0s density are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Density in
kilograms per
cubic metre
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
tonne per cubic
metre
t/m3 1000
kilogram per litre kg/L 1000
kilogram per
hectolitre
kg/hL 10
kilogram per cubic
metre
kg/m3 1
Limited to use for
purposes of
measurement of
density of grains or
seeds
7. (1) The SI unit of time interval is the second.
(2) The legal units of measurement of time interval are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Time interval in
seconds
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
day d 86400
hour h 3600
minute min 60
second s 1
millisecond ms 0,001
microsecond us 0,000001
8. (1) The SI unit of frequency is the hertz.
(2) The legal units of measurement of frequency are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Frequency in Hertz
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
megahertz MHz 1000000
kilohertz khHz 1000
hertz Hz 1
revolution per
second
r/s 1
revolution per
minute
r/min 1/60
Limited to rotational
frequency only
SCHEDULE E CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
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9. (1) The SI unit of velocity or speed is the metre per second.
(2) The legal units of measurement of velocity or speed are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Velocity or speed in
metres per second
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
metre per second m/s 1
knot kn 463/900
kilometre per hour km/h 5/18
rnillimetre per
second
mm/s 0,001
Limited to use for
purposes of
navigation (aerial
and marine) and
meteorology.
10. (1) The SI unit of acceleration is the metre per second squared.
(2) Its symbol is m/s2.
11. (1) The SI unit of force is the newton.
(2) The legal units of measurement of force are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Force in Newtons
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
kilonewton kN 1000
newton N 1
millinewton mN 0,001
12. (1) The SI unit of work and energy is the joule.
(2) The legal units of measurement of work or energy are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Work or Energy in
joules
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
gigajoule GJ 1000000000
megaj oule MJ 1000000
kilo joule kJ 1000
joule J 1
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 SCHEDULE E
1988 Revised Edition
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Page 19
13. (1) The SI unit of power is the watt.
(2) The legal units of measurement of power are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Power in watts
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
gigawatt GW 1000000000
megawatt MW 1000000
kilowatt kW 1000
watt W 1
milliwatt mW 0,001
microwatt uW 0,000001
14. (1) The SI unit of pressure and stress is the pascal.
(2) The legal units of measurement of pressure and stress are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Pressure or stress
in pascals
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
megapascal MPa 1000000
kilopascal kPa 1000
pascal Pa 1
millipascal mPa 0,001
15. (1) The SI unit of dynamic viscosity is the pascal second.
(2) Its symbol is Pa.s.
16. (1) The SI unit of kinematic viscosity is the square metre per second. (2) Its
symbol is m2/s.
17. (1) The SI unit of electric current is the ampere.
(2) The legal units of measurement of electric current are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Electric current in
amperes
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
ampere A 1
milliampere mA 0,001
microampere uA 0,000001
SCHEDULE E CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
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18. (1) The SI unit of potential difference and electromotive force is the volt.
(2) The legal units of measurement of potential difference or electromotive force
are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Potential difference
or electromotive
force in volts
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
megavolt MV 1000000
kilovolt kV 1000
volt V 1
millivolt mV 0,001
microvolt uV 0,000001
19. (1) The SI unit of electrical resistance is the ohm.
(2) The legal units of measurement of electrical resistance are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Electrical
resistance in ohms
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
gigohm GΩ 1000000000
megohm MΩ 1000 000
kilohm kΩ 1000
ohm Ω 1
milliohm mΩ 0,001
microhm uΩ 0,000001
20. (1) The SI unit of conductance is the siemens.
(2) Its symbol is S.
21. (1) The SI unit of magnetic flux is the weber.
(2) Its symbol is Wb.
22 .(1) The SI unit of inductance is the henry.
(2) Its symbol is H,
23. (1) The SI unit of electric charge is the coulomb.
(2) Its symbol is C.
24. (1) The SI unit of capacitance is the farad.
(2) Its symbol is F.
25. (1) The SI unit of magnetic flux density is the tesla.
(2) Its symbol is T.
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 SCHEDULE E
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Page 21
26. (1) The SI unit of temperature interval is the kelvin.
(2) The legal units of measurement of temperature interval are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Temperature in
kelvins
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
kelvin K 1
degree Celsius °C 1
The degree
Centigrade was an
earlier name for the
degree Celsius. It is
no longer a legal unit
27. (1) The SI unit of thermodynamic temperature is the kelvin.
(2) The legal units of measurement of temperature are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Temperature in
kelvins
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
kelvin K 1
degree Celsius °C The Celsius
temperature, C is
given the
relationship °C = K-
273,15 where K is
thermodynamic
temperature
expressed in kelvins.
The Centigrade
temperature was an
earlier name for the
Celsius temperature.
The degree
Centigrade is no
longer a legal unit
28. (1) The SI supplementary unit of plane angle is the radian.
(2) The legal units of measurement of plane angle are as follows
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Plane angle in
radians
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
radian 1 rad
degree Π/180 °
minute Π/10800 '
second Π/648000 “
where Π is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter and is
approximately equal to 3,14159, which value shall satisfy any legal requirements.
29. (1) The SI supplementary unit of solid angle is the steradian.
(2) Its symbol is sr.
30. (1) The SI unit of luminous intensity is the candela.
(2) Its symbol is cd.
SCHEDULE E CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
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31.(1) The SI unit of luminous flux is the lumen.
(2) Its symbol is lm.
32. (1) The SI unit of illuminance is the lux.
(2) Its symbol is lx.
33. (1)The SI unit of amount of substance is the mole.
(2) Its symbol is mol.
34. (1) The SI unit for activity (of a nuclide) is the becquerel.
(2) Its symbol is Bq.
35. (1) The SI unit for absorbed dose (of radiation) is the gray.
(2) its symbol is Gy.
36. (1) The SI unit for mass per unit area or area density is the kilogram per square
metre.
(2) The legal units of measurement of mass per unit area or area density are as
follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Mass per unit area
or area density in
kilograms per
square metre
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
kilogram per square
metre
kg/m2 1
gram per square
metre
g/m2 0,001
37. (1) The SI unit of mass per unit length or linear density is the 2p10 and 5d5 of the
kryton--86 atom.
(2) The legal units of measurement of mass are as follows: or linear density are as
follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Mass per unit area
or area density in
kilograms per
square metre
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
kilogram per metre kg/m 1
kilotex ktex 0,001
tex tex 0,000001
decitex dtex 0,0000001
Limited to the
measurement of
filaments, fibres
yarns, cords and
cordages
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 SCHEDULE E
1988 Revised Edition
to
Page 23
Appendix A to Schedule E
Definitions of SI units referred to in Schedule E
1. The metre is the length equal to 1650763,73 wavelengths in vacuum of
the radiation corresponding to the transition between the 2p and 5d of the
krypton -86 atom.
2. The square metre is the area of a square each side of which is one metre in
length.
3. The kilogram is the mass equal to the mass of the international prototype
of the kilogram.
4. The cubic metre is the volume of a cube each side of which is one metre
in length.
5. The kilogram per cubic metre is the density of a uniform substance a mass
of one kilogram of which occupies a volume of one cubic metre.
6. The second is the duration of 9192631770 periods of the radiation
corresponding to the transition between two hyperfine levels of the ground
state of the caesium-133 atom.
7. The hertz is the frequency of a regularly recurrent phenomenon that
repeats itself once every second.
8. The metre per second is the mean velocity or the mean speed of a point
that moves its position rectilinearly a distance of one metre in one second.
9. The metre per second squared is the mean acceleration of a point that
changes its velocity by one metre per second in one second.
10. The newton is the force which when applied to a body having a mass of
one kilogram, causes an acceleration of one metre per second squared in
the direction of application of the force.
11. The joule is the work done or the energy expended when a force of one
newton moves the point of application a distance of one metre in the
direction of that force.
12. The watt is the power used when work is done or energy is expended at
the rate of one joule per second.
13. The pascal is the pressure or stress resulting from a force of one newton
applied uniformly over an area of one square metre.
14. The pascal second is the dynamic viscosity of a fluid for which there is a
tangential force of one newton on one square metre of either of two
infinite parallel planes one metre apart when —
(a) the space between those planes is filled with the fluid;”
(b) one of the planes moves with a velocity of one metre per second in
its own plane relative to the other; and
SCHEDULE E CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
1988 Revised Edition Page 24
to
(c) the movement,of the fluid is laminar.
15. The square metre per second is the kinematic viscosity of a fluid having a
dynamic viscosity of one pascal second and a density of one kilogram per
cubic metre.
16. The ampere is the constant electric current which, if maintained in two
straight parallel conductors of infinite length, of negligible circular cross-
section, and placed one metre apart in vacuum, would produce between
these conductors a force equal to 0,0000002 newton per metre of length.
17. The volt is the potential difference between two points of a conducting
wire carrying a constant current of one ampere, when the power dissipated
between these points is equal to one watt.
18. The ohm is the electrical resistance between two points of a conductor
when a constant potential difference of one v01t, applied to these points,
produces in the conductor a current of one ampere, the conductor not
being the seat of any electromotive force.
19. The siemens is the electrical conductance of a conductor that has an
electrical resistance of one ohm.
20. The weber is the magnetic flux which linking a circuit of one turn, would
produce in it an electromotive force of one volt if it were reduced to zero
at a uniform rate in one second.
21. The henry is the inductance of a closed circuit in which electromotive
force of one volt is produced when the electric current in the circuit varies
uniformly at the rate of one ampere per second.
22. The coulomb is the quantity of electricity carried in one second by a
current of one ampere.
23. The farad is the capacitance of a capacitor between the plates of which
there appears a potential difference of one volt when it is charged by a
quantity of electricity of one coulomb.
24. The tesla is the magnetic flux density which arises when a magnetic flux
of one weber is distributed uniformly over an area of one square metre
where the area is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic flux.
25. The kelvin, unit Of thermodynamic temperature is the fraction 1/273,16 of
the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water.
26. The radian is the plane angle between two radii of a circle which cut off
on the circumference and are equal in length to the radius.
27. The steradian is the solid angle that has its vertex in the centre of a sphere
and cuts off an area of the surface of the sphere equal to that of a square
with sides of length equal to the radius of the sphere.
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 SCHEDULE E
1988 Revised Edition
to
Page 25
28. The candela is the luminous intensity, in the perpendicular direction of a
surface of 1/600000 square metre of a black body at the temperature of
freezing platinum under a pressure of 101325 pascals.
29. The lumen is the luminous flux emitted into one steradian by an isotropic
point source having a luminous intensity of one candela.
30. The lux is the illuminance which arises when a luminous flux of one
lumen is emitted uniformly from an area of one square metre.
31. The mole is the amount of substance of a system which contains as many
elementary entities as there are atoms in 0,012 kilogram of carbonnl2.
32. The becquerel is the activity of a radio nuclide that is undergoing one
disintegration per second.
33. The gray is the absorbed dose of ionising radiation when one joule is
imparted to one kilogram of irradiated matter.
34. The kilogram per square metre is the mass per unit area or area density of
a lamina of a uniform substance of constant thickness, one square metre of
which has a mass of one kilogram.
35. The kilogram per metre is the mass per unit length or linear density of a
uniform substance of constant cross-sectional area one metre length of
which has a mass of one kilogram.
SCHEDULE F CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
1988 Revised Edition Page 26
to
SCHEDULE F
(Section 5)
PRESCRIBED LEGAL UNITS OF MEASUREMENT OF NON-METRIC
SYSTEMS OF MEASUREMENT
1. (1) Legal units of measurement of non-metric systems of measurement are hereby
prescribed for the physical quantities referred to in Section 2 et seq hereunder listed.
(2) For each physical quantity the conversion factor which relates a non-metric
unit of measurement to the SI unit of measurement of that physical quantity and which
is stated in any of the succeeding sections is hereby prescribed.
(3) For each physical quantity a unit of measurement specified in the first column
may be referred to by the symbol, if any, specified in the second column.
(4) For each physical quantity the units of measurement specified in the first
column are related to the non-metric unit of measurement for which a conversion
factor is prescribed as respectively specified in the third column.
(5) An entry in the fourth column opposite a unit in the first column implies that a
prohibition, restriction or provision as the case may be shall apply in respect of that
unit.
2. (1) The yard is 0.9144 metre.
(2) The legal non-metric units of measurement of length are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Length in yards
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
mile 1760
chain ch 22
fathom fm 2
yard yd 1
foot ft 1/3
link Ik 22/100
inch in 1/36
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 SCHEDULE F
1988 Revised Edition
to
Page 27
3. (1) The square yard is the area of a square each side of which is one yard in length.
(2) For all legal purposes one square yard shall be deemed to be equal to 0.83613
square metre.
(3) The legal non-metric units of measurement of area are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Area in square
yards
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
square mile sq mile 3097600
acre ac 4840
rood rd 1210
perch p 30¼
square chain ch2 484
square yard yd2 1
square foot ft2 1/9
square inch in2 1/1296
4. (1) The pound avoirdupois is 0,45359237 kilogram.
(2) The legal non-metric units of measurement of mass are as follows:
(a) First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Mass in pound
avoirdupois
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
ton 2240
short ton sh tn 2000
hundredweight cwt 112
pound lb 1
ounce oz 1/16
dram dr 1/256
grain gr 1/7000
Limited to the
measurement and
sale of flour and
oatmeal
(b) First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Mass in pound
avoirdupois
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
troy ounce oz tr 480
pennyweight dwt 24
grain gr 1
Limited to use for
the sale and
description of gold,
silver, platinum,
diamonds and other
precious metals and
stones
SCHEDULE F CAP. 119 Weights and Measures Act
1988 Revised Edition Page 28
to
5. (1) The cubic yard is the volume of a cube each side of which is one yard in
length.
(2) The gallon is 0,00454609 cubic metre.
(3) For all legal purposes one cubic yard shall be deemed equal to 0,764555 cubic
metre.
(4) The legal non-metric units of measurement of volume are as follows:
(a) First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Volume in cubic
yards
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
cubic yard yd3 1
cubic foot ft3 1/27
cubic inch in3 1/46656
(b) First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Volume in gallons
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
bushel bus 8
peck 2
gallon gal 1
quart qt 1/4
pint pt 1/8
fluid ounce fl oz 1/160
Limited to use for
dry measurement
only
6. (1) The foot per second is the mean velocity or the mean speed of a point that
moves its position rectilinearly a distance of one foot in one second.
(2) One foot per second is equal to 0,3048 metres per second.
(3) The legal non-metric units of velocity or speed are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Velocity or speed in
feet per second
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
mile per hour mph 1 7/15
foot per second ft/s 1
foot per minute ft/min 1/60
Weights and Measures Act CAP. 119 SCHEDULE F
1988 Revised Edition
to
Page 29
7. The legal non-metric units of work and energy and their legal conversion factors are
as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Work or Energy in
joules
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
kilowatt hour kW.h 3600000
kilocalorie kcal 4186,8
Limited to use for
measurement of
electrical energy
only
International table
calorie
calit 4186,8
British thermal unit Btu 1055,06
Limited to use for
measurement of
energy of foodstuff
(commonly known
as “the calorie”)
8. (1) The legal non-metric unit of power is the horsepower.
(2) Its symbol is hp.
(3) For all legal purposes, one horsepower is deemed to be equal to 745,7 watts.
9. The legal non-metric units of pressure and stress and their legal conversion
factors are as follows:
First Column
Name of Unit
Second Column
Symbol
Third Column
Pressure or stress
in pascals
Fourth Column
Prohibitions,
Restrictions or
Provisions
poundforce per
square inch
lbf/in2 or psi 6894,76
inch of mercury in Hg 3386,4
foot of water ftH20 2983,7
centimetre of
mercury
cmHg 1333,22
Limited to use for
measurement and
description of
pressure
inch of water inH20 248,64
millibar mb 100
Limited to use for
measurement and
description of
atmospheric pressure
