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Tare Warning/NTEP Certified Scales

Stores that sell products by weight are prohibited by Ohio Revised Code Sections 1327.46 (J) and 1327.61 (B) and Cuyahoga County Code Section 1302.06 from charging consumers for the weight of packaging.

This prohibition includes containers used to package deli and salad bar items sold by the pound.

The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs/Division of Weights and Measures advises stores to:

Familiarize staff with the tare weights of in-store containers used for food items sold by weight
Train staff to subtract the correct package weight when weighing items
Ensure that customers using self-checkouts are not charged for package weight

Failure to account for package weight when selling food items to consumers could result in fines or other corrective action.

The Division of Weights and Measures certifies all scales used to sell products to consumers.

Only NTEP-approved scales are legal for trade. We encourage stores unfamiliar with NTEP requirements to contact the Division of Weights and Measures before purchasing scales or replacing scale software.

Reach the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs/Division of Weights and Measures at 216-443-7035 or by email at consumeraffairs@cuyahogacounty.us

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

The Department of Consumer Affairs’ mission is to make sure people who live or shop in Cuyahoga County get what they pay for.

Consumer Affairs
2079 East Ninth Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

216-443-7035 (phone)
216-443-5920 (fax)