Chapter II - Standard Weights and Measures
Section 9
Section 9: Reference, secondary and working standard
Section 9 establishes a hierarchy of reference, secondary and working standards, with prescribed specifications, verification, stamping and fees. An unverified and unstamped standard is invalid under subsection (3).
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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) The reference standards, secondary standards and working standards of weights and measures shall be such as may be prescribed.
(2) Every reference standard, secondary standard and working standard shall be verified and stamped in such manner and after payment of such fee as may be prescribed.
(3) Every reference standard, secondary standard and working standard which is not verified and stamped in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2) shall not be deemed to be a valid standard.
Introduction
Reference, secondary and working standards are distinct levels of the measurement hierarchy. Section 9 requires the prescribed specification plus verification and stamping after the prescribed fee.
Section 7 supplies standard-unit and technical context; section 24 deals with verification and stamping of weights or measures more broadly.
Key takeaways
Scope and trigger
Reference, secondary and working standards are distinct levels of the measurement hierarchy. Section 9 requires the prescribed specification plus verification and stamping after the prescribed fee.
Operational step
Maintain an inventory showing each standard’s level, identification, verification date, stamp and next due date. Check the certificate before using it to verify another item.
Limit
An item can be physically accurate yet not be a valid statutory standard if subsection (2) verification and stamping are missing. The procedure and fees are rule-dependent.
Who and what it covers
Reference, secondary and working standards are distinct levels of the measurement hierarchy. Section 9 requires the prescribed specification plus verification and stamping after the prescribed fee.
Section 7 supplies standard-unit and technical context; section 24 deals with verification and stamping of weights or measures more broadly.
How to apply it
Maintain an inventory showing each standard’s level, identification, verification date, stamp and next due date. Check the certificate before using it to verify another item.
Track each standard’s prescribed verification and stamp status before using it as a reference; retain certificates and the applicable rule version.
Boundary and exceptions
An item can be physically accurate yet not be a valid statutory standard if subsection (2) verification and stamping are missing. The procedure and fees are rule-dependent.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical: a calibration centre finds its working standard’s verification has lapsed. It stops treating that item as a valid statutory standard and arranges verification.
Practical preparation
Track each standard’s prescribed verification and stamp status before using it as a reference; retain certificates and the applicable rule version.
Primary sources
The statutory text is drawn from the official Act copy.
Practical checklist
Do
- Identify whether the item is a reference, secondary or working standard.
- Check its verification and stamp against the prescribed process and fee.
- Remove an invalid unstamped standard from statutory reference use.
Avoid
- Do not treat section 9 as dispensing with its stated conditions, exceptions or prescribed details.
Glossary
- Working standard
- A prescribed standard used at the working level of the legal-metrology hierarchy.
- Prescribed
- Set by rules made under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
Frequently asked questions
Can an unstamped working standard remain valid under section 9?
No. Subsection (3) says a standard not verified and stamped under subsection (2) is not deemed valid.
Does section 9 treat an unverified standard as valid?
No. Subsection (3) expressly denies valid-standard status.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026