ISD - Weights and Measures

The Weights and Measures Division enforces all Massachusetts General Laws and Regulations pertaining to weights and measures, which may consist of: the regulation of trade, unit pricing, and price verification. Weighing and measuring devices used by local establishments include automatic check-out systems (scanners), taximeters, home heating oil truck meters, gasoline pumps, supermarket and deli scales, manufacturing and shipping scales, as well as apothecary and jewelry scales, and troy weights.

Notice: In Compliance with provisions of Section 41, Chapter 98, of the General Laws of Massachusetts, as amended by Chapter 32 of Acts of 1928, notice is hereby give notice to all inhabitants or persons having usual places of business in Somerville using weighing and measuring devices for the purpose of buying or selling goods, wares or merchandise for public weighing or for hire or reward, to bring in such weighing and measuring devices to be tested, adjusted and sealed. The Sealer and/or Deputy Sealer shall be at the office of Weights and Measures, 1 Franey Rd, every day during regular business hours to attend to this duty.

In accordance with the Consumer Merchant Protection Act Chapter 295 of the Acts of 1998, the Sealer of Weights and Measures performs annual inspections of all retail stores with three or more scanners.

The Division guarantees the accuracy of these devices through mandatory inspections and regulatory tests and procedures, inspecting all devices for accuracy and correctness.  Weights and Measures investigates complaints of short weight, price misrepresentation, and use of illegal or non-conforming devices and may issue civil citations for non-compliance of any weights and measures law, documenting all related complaints as needed.

All inspections and activities of the Weights & Measures Division are subject to review by The State Division of Standards through mandatory reports and periodic examinations. This office also makes a annual written report to the Director of the Division of Standards that describes all the components of this municipalities’ weights and measures program as required by MGL Chapter 98 Sec. 37.