Every verification rests on the equipment used to test the instrument. A weighbridge result is only as good as the test weights driven onto it, and a fuel dispenser result only as good as the proving measure it pours into. That is why servicing licensees have to show that their reference standards are themselves verified.
This article explains Regulation 13 certificates, drawing on the National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009, the National Measurement Regulations 1999 and National Measurement Institute (NMI) guidance. It is a working summary, not legal advice.
What a Regulation 13 certificate is
NMI says a servicing licensee must make sure it uses reference standards that have a Regulation 13 certificate. The name comes from regulation 13 of the National Measurement Regulations 1999, which covers verifying standards of measurement: a verifying authority may verify a standard and, if it does, must issue a certificate of verification.
The licence conditions in regulation 2.43(21) of the National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009 connect this to the test procedures. Where the national instrument test procedures require an item of equipment to hold a certificate of verification issued under regulation 13, the item used must hold one. Where they do not, the equipment used must be the equipment the test procedures specify.
In practice, that means the test weights, proving measures, reference meters and similar equipment your verifiers carry, depending on the instrument classes on your licence.
Who issues them
NMI appoints verifying authorities to verify reference standards of measurement, and publishes the list, showing the physical quantities each one covers, such as mass, volume or flow rate. NMI also publishes a form for requesting verification of a reference standard and a model certificate that verifying authorities can use.
The 14-day notice when standards change
NMI asks servicing licensees to notify changes to their reference standards within 14 days. Its examples are replacement, reverification, calibration and decommissioning. The notice goes to NMI with a copy of your latest standards register and the new certificate, unless NMI issued it.
So a new set of test weights, a proving measure sent away for reverification, or a reference meter taken out of service each start a short clock of their own. The 14-day rule for forms and test reports covers the other deadlines on a licence.
Where it fits in your quality system
Each servicing licensee must maintain a quality management system (QMS) that sets out the processes, procedures, equipment and reference materials needed to verify instruments properly. When you renew your licence, NMI asks for your QMS documents and may audit on site. A standards register that matches what is actually in the vans, with the certificate for each item, is part of that picture.
Where it goes wrong
- A set of test weights split across two vans, with the certificate filed against only one of them.
- A proving measure away for reverification, and a stand-in used without anyone checking its certificate.
- Certificate dates kept in one person’s spreadsheet, or in their head.
- A standards register last updated at the previous licence renewal.
- No easy way to show which standard was used on which verification.
None of these is unusual. They are what happens when the equipment record sits apart from the job record.
How OpsChase keeps standards on record
In OpsChase for trade measurement verifiers, you log each set of test weights, proving measure and reference meter with its Regulation 13 certificate details, so the team can check them before a standard goes out on a verification.
Each verification records the standards used, alongside the test results, the mark and the form, against the instrument. When NMI asks for your standards register, or someone asks which weights were used on a particular weighbridge, the answer is already on the record. Test sheets for each instrument class follow the national instrument test procedures, and results are flagged against maximum permissible error as they are entered. OpsChase is independent software, and it is not made or endorsed by NMI.
Where to start
Gather your standards register and certificates. Add each standard with its certificate details and assign it to a van or a verifier. Then link the standards to the next week of jobs.
Read what a servicing licensee must keep on top of, check pricing or book a demo.