Length measures: have your say
We want your feedback on length measures that you might be using to measure and sell your products. Find out how to have your say.
If you manufacture, import or sell length measures or sell products using a length measure, then a proposal to introduce a general certificate of approval could have an impact on how you do business.
The use of length measures apply to a wide range of products, anything from the sale of rope or chain in a hardware store, to fabric in a sewing shop.
Basically, any transaction where you measure your product to the length your customer asks for, then you cut it and sell it based on that length.
What is the proposal
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) wants your feedback on the introduction of a general certificate of approval, which will cover most length measures that businesses use.
The purpose of the proposed changes is to control the type of length measures that a business can use when selling goods by reference to length.
For example, the general certificate would set the rules for these measures so that they’re suitable for business use:
- one-piece rigid or semi-rigid measures of up to 1 metre, and
- steel tape measures with winding device or in a case of up to 20 metres.
These changes are being proposed to:
- ensure measures are suitable for trade use and do not facilitate fraud
- protect consumers from receiving inaccurate or short measure, and
- minimise the risk of a business committing an offence under the weights and measures legislation.
The goal of this proposal is to find a balance between the regulatory controls and your responsibilities as a business owner, and create a fair and level marketplace that New Zealanders have confidence in.
Who we want to hear from
We want to understand any impacts these changes may have on you, and to understand the possible risks and benefits of the proposal.
We want to hear from as many people as possible, including:
- businesses who manufacture, import, and/or sell measures of length
- retailers who sell non-prepackaged goods by reference to length
- consumers who buy non-prepackaged goods by reference to measure.
How to provide feedback
Consultation is open from 23 August 2024 until 5pm, 20 September 2024.
Details on the consultation, including how to make a submission, are provided on MBIE’s website.
Have your say - length measures in use for trade(external link) — Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment