Minnesota Scale Certification & Weights and Measures

Minnesota runs a state-managed weights and measures program — commercial scale owners deal with the state agency directly. If you operate a commercial scale in Minnesota — 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 Minnesota?

State-run: Commerce Department Weights and Measures Division investigators inspect all commercial scales and meters statewide on a recurring cycle (about once every two years per the program page; grocery/food/hardware scales every 3 years after initial inspection and other devices up to annually per the fees page), plus complaint response within a day or two. Owners contact the division at 651-539-1555 / weights.measures@state.mn.us.

What Minnesota requires of scale owners

Owners must use a commercial-quality scale/meter (NTEP Certificate of Conformance for devices made/installed after Jan 1, 1996) suitable for its use, and a new device must be placed in service by a registered service agent or a Weights and Measures investigator before use - if bought online, from a private party, or from a firm without registered agents, the owner must notify the division and not use it until placed in service. The state inspects on its cycle, charges scale/meter test fees, and applies a dated Department of Commerce approval seal to passing devices.

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 Minnesota Department of Commerce (651-539-1555) 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