Chapter II - Standard Weights and Measures
Section 11
Section 11: Prohibition of quotation, etc., otherwise than in terms of standard units of weight, measure or numeration
Section 11 reaches spoken price or charge quotations, price lists, invoices, advertisements, net quantity statements and quantities used for transaction or protection. Subsection (2) excludes export of goods, things or services.
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Need advice on Section 11?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
(1) No person shall, in relation to any goods, things or service,— (a) quote, or make announcement of, whether by word of mouth or otherwise, any price or charge, or (b) issue or exhibit any price list, invoice, cash memo or other document, or (c) prepare or publish any advertisement, poster or other document, or (d) indicate the net quantity of a pre-packaged commodity, or (e) express in relation to any transaction or protection, any quantity or dimension, otherwise than in accordance with the standard unit of weight, measure or numeration.
(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall not be applicable for export of any goods, things or service.
Introduction
Section 11 covers more than final invoices: oral announcements, price lists, advertisements, package net quantity and measurement used for a transaction or protection. The export exclusion is expressly confined to exports.
Sections 4–7 define the unit and numeral framework; section 18 separately regulates packaged-commodity declarations.
Key takeaways
Scope and trigger
Section 11 covers more than final invoices: oral announcements, price lists, advertisements, package net quantity and measurement used for a transaction or protection. The export exclusion is expressly confined to exports.
Operational step
Audit each communication channel separately. Use standard units in unit prices and quantity statements, and retain samples of ads and package artwork for the relevant period.
Limit
A correct invoice does not cure a non-standard oral quotation or advertisement. Conversely, the subsection (2) export exclusion should be tied to the actual export activity rather than assumed for all sales by an exporter.
Who and what it covers
Section 11 covers more than final invoices: oral announcements, price lists, advertisements, package net quantity and measurement used for a transaction or protection. The export exclusion is expressly confined to exports.
Sections 4–7 define the unit and numeral framework; section 18 separately regulates packaged-commodity declarations.
How to apply it
Audit each communication channel separately. Use standard units in unit prices and quantity statements, and retain samples of ads and package artwork for the relevant period.
Review each customer-facing and internal transaction document for standard units, including online advertising and package quantity. Assess the export exclusion on the particular transaction.
Boundary and exceptions
A correct invoice does not cure a non-standard oral quotation or advertisement. Conversely, the subsection (2) export exclusion should be tied to the actual export activity rather than assumed for all sales by an exporter.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical: a seller’s website displays a domestic price per non-standard unit while its invoice uses kilograms. It updates the website because section 11 covers advertisements and price announcements as well as invoices.
Practical preparation
Review each customer-facing and internal transaction document for standard units, including online advertising and package quantity. Assess the export exclusion on the particular transaction.
Primary sources
The statutory text is drawn from the official Act copy.
Practical checklist
Do
- Audit oral quotations, price lists and advertisements.
- Check invoices and package net-quantity statements separately.
- Document the export basis before relying on subsection (2).
Avoid
- Do not treat section 11 as dispensing with its stated conditions, exceptions or prescribed details.
Glossary
- Standard unit
- A legally recognised unit of weight, measure or numeration under the Act.
- Prescribed
- Set by rules made under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
Frequently asked questions
Does a compliant invoice cure a non-standard advertisement?
No. Section 11 lists both forms of communication.
Does the export exclusion cover domestic advertising automatically?
No. Subsection (2) applies to export of goods, things or services; classify the activity in question.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026