Louisiana Scale Certification & Weights and Measures

Louisiana runs a state-managed weights and measures program — commercial scale owners deal with the state agency directly. If you operate a commercial scale in Louisiana — at a warehouse, farm, recycling yard, retail store, or truck stop — here is who regulates it, what the law requires, and exactly who to contact.

Who inspects commercial scales in Louisiana?

State-run: LDAF Weights and Measures inspectors inspect and test all commercial weighing and measuring devices at least once a year statewide (over 100,000 devices annually, from jewelry scales to 300,000-lb railroad track scales). Owners register and pay through LDAF's online portal.

What Louisiana requires of scale owners

Scale owners must register the business/device with LDAF (online device registration form) and pay the annual registration fee by capacity category; scales must be NTEP-approved with a Certificate of Conformance. A placed-in-service report is due within 10 days of installing, restoring, or majorly repairing a device; installers/repairers must hold a Scale Technician License ($65/yr, exam required) under a registered service agency ($100/location), and some operations also need a licensed weighmaster ($100/yr).

Getting a scale into service — 4 steps

1. Buy a legal-for-trade (NTEP-certified) scale appropriate for your application and capacity.
2. Confirm registration and licensing requirements with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry at (225) 925-3780 before the scale enters commercial use.
3. Arrange compliant installation and calibration. Where required, placing-in-service must be done by a licensed or registered service company.
4. Stay compliant. Pass required inspections, keep calibration current, retain service records.

Common questions