The Chengdu Market Regulatory Bureau has released a compliance guide for electronic weighing scales to regulate market order from the source, crack down on measurement violations such as "fraudulent scales," and protect consumer rights. The document clarifies the core requirements of newly issued national measurement standards, including the "Type Evaluation Program for Electronic Weighing Scales (Trial)" (JJF2184-2025) and the "Verification Regulation for Electronic Weighing Scales (Trial)" (JJG1204-2025). It provides specific compliance guidance for all entities involved in the production, sale, and use of electronic scales within the city.
A clear implementation timeline has been established, with the new regulations being phased in. According to arrangements by the State Administration for Market Regulation, the Type Evaluation Program took effect on January 8, 2026, while the Verification Regulation will become effective on January 8, 2027. The compliance guide specifies that from January 8, 2026, all newly produced and sold electronic scales used for trade settlement must fully comply with new technical requirements, including "case locking, three codes and one seal, and unique identity verification." Non-compliant inventory produced before this date cannot be sold for trade settlement. Starting January 8, 2027, all electronic scales used for trade settlement must fully meet the new standards. Previously approved models that have passed mandatory verification can be used until January 7, 2027, after which they must be replaced. Notably, internet-connected electronic scales currently in use may be utilized until January 8, 2030.
Specific requirements have been outlined for three types of business entities. Manufacturers must accelerate product upgrades according to the type evaluation program, improve anti-fraud designs and unique identification management, and apply for Pattern Approval (CPA) from provincial market regulators. From January 8, 2026, they are prohibited from producing non-compliant electronic scales for trade settlement. Sellers must not purchase or sell older models produced after January 8, 2026, and should gradually reduce existing inventory. Starting January 8, 2027, they are barred from selling scales without CPA certificates, those failing to meet new technical standards, devices with missing or invalid unique identification, incomplete "three codes and one seal" features, or damaged lead seals. Sellers must implement purchase verification systems and maintain accurate records. Users, including markets, supermarkets, restaurants, and retailers, should conduct immediate self-inspections. When procuring scales produced after January 8, 2026, they must select products conforming to the new regulations.
Market regulators advise users to focus on several key acceptance checks: First, inspect labels for clear "CPA Pattern Approval marks and numbers" and "this scale does not have features for deceptive use" statements, verifying details like manufacturer name, specifications, serial number, accuracy class, maximum and minimum capacity, software identification, verification scale interval, and manufacturing date. Second, check lead seals on critical parts such as side screw holes and calibration adjustment devices to ensure they are intact and unbroken. Third, verify unique identity information through official channels or QR code scans to confirm consistency with the CPA certificate. Fourth, register scales intended for trade settlement with local market regulators and have them undergo mandatory verification by authorized institutions before use, with annual re-verification required thereafter. Scales overdue for verification or failing inspection must not be used.
The Chengdu Market Regulatory Bureau emphasized that all businesses should begin self-inspections immediately and replace existing scales according to the specified schedule to standardize measurement practices. Market regulators will intensify supervision and enforcement, strictly penalizing violations such as selling non-compliant scales, using unverified or failed scales, and tampering with measurement accuracy. Consumers and the public are encouraged to monitor measurement practices and report any violations through the 12345 citizen service hotline.
Comments