FAQ
HOW IS THE COLORADO CONSUMER PROTECTED BY THE MEASUREMENT STANDARDS PROGRAM ?
Measurement Standards is charged with enforcing the Colorado Measurement Standards Act. This law requires truth in the labeling of prepackaged commodities sold in Colorado. Measurement Standards inspectors certify commercially used scales and devices, test packages to ensure consumers receive at least the quantity stated on the label, and check prices in stores throughout Colorado to ensure that consumers are not overcharged.
HOW DOES MEASUREMENT STANDARDS ENSURE FAIRNESS IN THE MARKET PLACE ?
Measurement Standards promotes a fair market environment by promoting voluntary compliance through education of businesses whenever possible. Our mission is also accomplished in part by penalizing companies that use unfair business practices that are in violation of the Colorado Measurement Standards Act. Some of these unfair practices are: 1) False, misleading, or inadequate product labeling, 2) Offering short measure products for sale, 3) Misrepresenting the price of a product and 4) Using a scale (or other measuring device) that is inaccurate.
WHO ENFORCES THE COLORADO MEASUREMENT STANDARDS ACT?
There are fifteen inspectors who regularly certify scales, check packages and do scan tests throughout the state. The Chief of Measurement Standards and the Program Senior are based in our Denver offices. The state Metrology Laboratory is also located at our Denver office. The Metrology Laboratory certifies weights used to inspect and certify commercially used scales, as well as devices used by law enforcement agencies throughout Colorado.
WHAT IF I AM OVERCHARGED?
Misrepresentation of a price is a violation of the Colorado Measurement Standards Act. Price verification tests (scan tests) are done in stores throughout the state on a routine basis. If more than 2% of prices checked are overcharges, a fine is issued and the test is repeated soon after the failure. All overcharges found must be corrected. In addition, our office investigates consumer complaints.
WHAT HAPPENES IF THERE IS NOT AS MUCH OF A PRODUCT IN THE PACKAGE AS THE LABEL SAYS?
If a product is short weight (or short volume, count or measure), it is a violation of the Colorado Measurement Standards Act. Package testing is routinely done by weights & measures inspectors in stores throughout Colorado. Short weight products are taken off sale and violations may be written by our inspectors. These are issued on the spot if the packer is on site. If the company is located somewhere other than where the packages are sold, the fine is mailed.
WHO CHECKS WEIGHTS USED BY WEIGHTS & MEASURES?
All weights & measures are certified yearly in the State Metrology lab, located at our Denver office. This lab is charged as official keeper of the state's standards. Periodically, the state standards are sent to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST; formerly known as the National Bureau of Standards) to be checked.
DO PRODUCTS HAVE TO BE LABELED?
All prepackaged products sold in Colorado must have certain things on the label. The product must be positively identified. The amount of product you are getting must be declared. A responsible party must be listed on the label.
DO YOU CHECK GAS STATIONS?
No. They are inspected by the Oil and Public Safety Division of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. They can be reached at (303) 318-8500.