About NCWM
About NCWM
Setting the United States Standards for Weights and Measures
The National Council on Weights and Measures (NCWM) is a professional not-for-profit association of state and local weights and measures officials, federal agencies, manufacturers, retailers and consumers. NCWM has developed national weights and measures standards since 1905. The organization brings the right interests together to keep pace with innovative advancements in the marketplace.
️Our Mission
Ensuring Equity and Uniform Standards in a Changing Marketplace
We develop uniform and equitable weights and measures standards to:
- Promote commerce and fair competition by leveling the playing field
- Ensure consumers “get what they pay for”
- Foster confidence in marketplace transactions
- Advance economic growth
Our Vision
Making Every Marketplace Transaction Fair and Equitable
Our History
The Standards adopted by NCWM are published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in:
National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP)
NCWM also administers the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP). NTEP Certification provides assurance that weighing and measuring instruments are manufactured to Handbook 44 specifications before the instruments are introduced into commerce. This provides fair competition among manufacturers and assurance to end users that they are investing in proper equipment. Most states recognize NTEP Certification as a requirement for commercial instruments.
In addition to publishing the standards adopted by NCWM, NIST also provides technical advisors to many of NCWM’s sectors, work groups and committees. These advisors assist in maintaining uniformity with related federal laws and in harmonizing, where deemed appropriate, with international standards.