Maryland Department of Agriculture

Q. I'm going to buy a scale for my business. Where do I start?
A. Determine the method of sale for your product - will you be prepackaging commodities or selling directly to the customer over the scale? Then contact the Weights & Measures section for help in guiding you through the steps in selecting a suitable scale that meets all applicable laws.

Q. I think some of the commodities I buy don't weigh what they say. Where do I complain?
A. Immediately contact the Weights & Measures section and explain the problems you are having, give the name of the business and the products you suspect are short weight. An inspector will conduct an inspection at the location and take action to correct any discrepancies that are found.

Q. I want to make a complaint, but I don't want the business to know that I was the one who made it. What do I do?
A. You can make an anonymous complaint.

Q. I filled my car up this morning at the service station. The road sign says Premium was $1.39 per gallon but I was charged $1.45. What can I do?
A. Contact the Comptroller of the Treasury at 410-260-7388. Their Investigative Services Unit deals with this type of problem and will take immediate steps to correct the situation.

Q. I want to make and sell homemade fudge at flea markets, do I have to put a label with the weight on it?
A. Yes, if the candy is pre-packaged prior to sale. Candy of this type must be sold by net weight, not by the "piece." The Weights & Measures section will be able to furnish you with detailed information on the labeling requirements for specific packaged commodities.

Q. When I buy a package of meat in a supermarket do I pay for the plastic tray and the wrappings?
A. No. You should only be charged for the product you are purchasing. This is called "net weight." Anything in a package other than the actual product is called "tare," and it's weight must be deducted from the total weight of the package.

Q. I found out when I got home that I had been overcharged for several items at a local store. The store flyer advertised prices that were lower than what the scanner charged me. What can I do?
A. First, contact the manager of the store with your receipts and give him a chance to correct the problem. Second, contact the Weights & Measures section who will inspect the store to determine the extent of the problem and take any necessary action to ensure accurate pricing.

Q. There is a store down the road that is using a scale with no state approval seal on it. How do I know it's right?
A. While the Weights & Measures section attempts to test and certify all devices on a routine basis, some devices are occasionally overlooked. Your call may alert us to the problem which will result in the device being tested, certified and sealed by a state inspector. The Weights & Measures approval seal is your assurance that the device is accurate and correct.

Q. Can I use my scale immediately after the service company installs it?
A.The device may be used commercially if our section is notified of the installation. The device registration form will be mailed and you will be given permission to place the device into commercial service.

Q. I am opening a business and need to know what, if any, weights and measures regulations will affect me?
A. Most businesses are to some degree affected by weights and measures laws. This will vary on the type of business. In general if you will be using any type of weighing and measuring device (scale, gas pump, meter) you will be directly affected. If you will be packaging commodities you will need to know packaging and labeling, and net quantity requirements.

Q. What is a weighing and measuring device?
A. This is a term that we use to describe equipment or devices such as scales, gas pumps, or meters that weigh or measure commodities in the course of trade or business.

Q. My owner's manual says the tank in my car only holds 16 gallons but I was able to put 17 1/2 gallons into it. What is wrong?
A. There maybe nothing wrong, sometimes manufacturers change the size of the tank in a particular car and the owners manual is not updated. Check with dealer. If you are sure the manual is correct there maybe a problem with the gas pump. Contact weights and measures or print and submit the complaint form at File a Consumer Complaint.

Q. I've seen orange square stickers on gas pumps. What are they for and why are they there?
A. The "stickers" you refer to are known as "Approval Seals". These seals are required by state law. They are placed there by a weights and measures official after the gas pump has been tested and found to be accurate and in compliance with all weights and measures requirements. The seal is an indication that weights and measures officials are ensuring customers are getting the gas they are paying for. There are many other weighing and measuring devices (scales, home heating oil meters, propane meters) that are tested by weights and measures officials and are "sealed".

To find out more call 410-841-5790, or click on the links in the left column.