What Do The NAWI Directive Changes Mean?

Currently, the weighing industry is regulated by the European Directive 2009/23/EC for non-automatic weighing instruments (NAWI). On April 20th, 2016, this will be replaced by new European Directive 2014/31/EU.

This change is part of the ‘new legislative framework’ - and will affect weighing scales suppliers and manufacturers like Marsden - and, to a much lesser degree, those who purchase and/or use our weighing scales.

Why have the changes been made?

This new framework is being introduced to make legislation clearer, more consistent and more effective. Ultimately, it’s in the interests of the end user - Marsden customers, for example - and also to streamline processes that companies like Marsden are subject to.

What the changes are

Clearer definition of Economic Operators: From April, our scales will include the manufacturer’s full name and address details as a sticker on the side or underside. The means you have details of where the scale came from - regardless of whether you have the paperwork to hand or not. This should make it much quicker and easier to get in touch if you need help, or need to book repairs or calibration. The importer’s details will also be included, where applicable.

Importers/distributors can become the manufacturer: If a company simply imports a weighing scale, they can now actually be listed as the manufacturer. This is as long as they place the scale on the market under their own name.

Declaration of Conformity now clearer: The structure and content of the Declaration of Conformity has been made easier to follow, and will be described in specific Articles and Annexes.

Verification procedure amended: From 20th April, the verification process will be slightly different. This does not directly affect those purchasing or using weighing scales. Marsden engineers have already been trained on the latest procedures ahead of 20th April.

Change to Directive markings: The NAWI conformity markings will, from 20th April, will be in line with the new directive markings EN45501:2015. Marsden will comply with the new legislation and our weighing scales will display the new markings: A green ‘M’ metrology marking has been replaced by an ‘M’ followed by the last two digits of the year of affixing, surrounded by a rectangle.

Summary

The new directives will not affect those scales that have already been verified - it will only affect scales due for verification on or after April 20th.

The essential requirements still remain the same, too. If you have any questions about the new NAWI Directive, or would like further information, visit the UK Weighing Federation website, read this UK Government document, or get in touch with the Marsden team.