Weights & Measures

The Division of Weights & Measures is a local enforcement agency. This office uses highly accurate equipment to inspect scales, meters, scanning equipment, and packaged products. We inspect a wide range of businesses including supermarkets, gasoline stations, packing plants, Pharmacies and Laundromats. For more information, call (856) 757-7131.

The Office of Weights and Measures was established in 1911 to protect the citizens of New Jersey. Part of the Division of Consumer Affairs, under the Department of Law and Public Safety, Weights and Measures’ officials work to keep the marketplace honest by using highly accurate equipment to inspect scales, meters, scanning equipment, gasoline station pumps and lumber yards throughout the state. Weighing or measuring devices are not permitted to be used for commercial purposes unless they are registered with the Office of Weights and Measures. Because of the inspections and investigations conducted by the men and women of Weights and Measures, New Jersey consumers can have confidence when shopping. However, consumers should also pay attention when making purchases. Small, seemingly insignificant errors can add up.

The City of Camden, Office of Weights & measures core mission is to protect both the consumers and business owners by maintaining equity in the marketplace. Consumers can rest assured that when they are selling gold, buying groceries or fuel or making any transaction involving a weighing or measuring device, the Division of Weights & Measures is active in ensuring consumers are protected from fraud.

Scales and Scanners

• Always check for the Weights and Measures seal, indicating a scale has been tested. Each registered business also receives a Registration Certificate which should be prominently displayed.
• Check to make sure scales are set at zero prior to weighing produce. If the weight display on a scale indicates a weight when there is nothing on the scale, bring this to the vendor’s attention. Any weight indicated on the scale prior to weighing of your item will result in additional cost to you.
• Be cautious of scales which appear to be in poor condition. Scales with broken glass or those which are not level are more likely to be in error.
• Make sure the shelf price or advertised price agrees with the scanner price on your receipt.

Home Heating Oil

• Request a specific delivery date and plan to be home at that time.
• Make sure the meter register reads all zeros before delivery begins.
• When the delivery is completed, compare the delivered gallons printed on the ticket with the gallons indicated on the meter register.

Gas Pumps

• Check for the seal indicating that the dispensers have been tested by Weights & Measures.
• Make sure the price on the sign is the same as the price on the pump.
• Make sure attendants have reset the pump to zero before filling your tank.
• Check to make sure your receipt matches what the pump registers prior to signing your credit card form.

Propane

When having your propane cylinder (the type used for barbecuing) filled by weight, make sure the weight of the cylinder and any remaining propane is not part of the total weight you are paying for.

Timing Devices

•The Office of Weights and Measures registers approximately 2,000 timing devices (vehicle parking meters, laundry drying/washing machines, tire air pumps, car wash vacuums, etc.) annually.
•Check for seals and certificates indicating devices have been inspected.
•Make sure Price for time is posted.

If you have a problem with a weights and measures issue, try to resolve it with the manager or owner. If they can’t resolve your problem to your satisfaction, contact the City of Camden, Division of Weights & Measures at 856-757-7131.

For consumer affairs complaints, contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-242-5846.