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Weights and Measures for Businesses

The Division of Weights and Measures protects both businesses and consumers from losing money by testing measuring devices to make sure they’re working properly. Our approval seal signals that consumers can shop with confidence.

If your business uses any device to sell products to consumers by weight, measure, volume or length, you are required to have the device tested by Weights and Measures. Cuyahoga County Weights and Measures inspections are free.

Anytime you install, replace or repair a measuring device, you should contact Weights and Measures. Read our Notification to Device Users and Service People for more information.

Please visit our Complying with Consumer Law Page, to learn more about our ordinances and find resources.

If you are purchasing a scale for your business, it MUST be NTEP approved to be legal for trade to consumers.

Have a question or need help? Contact the County Division of Weights and Measures at 216-443-7035. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I know before I buy a scale?

A: Any scale used to sell products to consumers MUST be NTEP approved. Scales for sale on auction sites such as eBay may not meet those requirements, so ask before you buy. If you buy new software for a scale, make sure it’s NTEP-approved, too. If you need help figuring out if a scale or software is legal for trade, call the Cuyahoga County Department of Weights and Measures at 216-443-7035.

Q: Will you fix my scale?

A: No. We only test and seal scales. Only certified service technicians are permitted to repair scales in Ohio. The state Department of Agriculture’s Division of Weights and Measures has a searchable list of certified repair people and companies here.

Q: Can I schedule an inspection for my scales or devices?

A: You can schedule an inspection for new or newly repaired devices. State law, however, requires inspectors to perform unannounced annual inspections, so regular inspections are never scheduled. Denying a Weights and Measures inspector access to your store during regular business hours violates the law and could result in fines. 

Q: How do I know a Weights and Measures inspector really works for the county?

A: Cuyahoga County Weights and Measures inspectors wear uniforms with the County’s logo, carry badges and have county photo ID badges with them. County Weights and Measures inspections are free. If you have any questions about our inspectors or their work, please call Weights and Measures at 216-443-7035.

Q: Can County Weights and Measures inspect my store in Cleveland?

A: No. The City of Cleveland has its own Weights and Measures Bureau.  If you are a business within the City of Cleveland please contact their office at (216) 664-2260.

Q. How do I weigh food items that are packaged?

A. If you weigh items for sale to the public, you must deduct the tare weight (the weight all the packaging materials, including plastic bags, foam trays and rubber bands) from the product price. A properly calibrated scale will automatically deduct the tare. Read more about the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act here.

Q: Do you inspect commercial business scales and devices?

A: If you use a measuring device for business-to-business or fleet sales, contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Division of Weights and Measures to arrange an inspection.

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