North Dakota Scale Certification & Weights and Measures

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

State-run: PSC Weights and Measures inspectors test scales, meters, scanners and packages at businesses statewide, and PSC-registered private service companies ('private weights and measures inspectors') also test and seal devices under Commission oversight. Owners contact the PSC (701-328-2400) or a registered service company; the PSC maintains statewide lists of commercial devices/locations and registered service companies.

What North Dakota requires of scale owners

Every commercial weighing or measuring device must display a current state Weights and Measures or Registered Service Company seal showing it has been inspected for proper design/installation and tested for accuracy; devices with no seal, a red seal, or an orange 'Not Sealed' tag may not be used to buy or sell. Companies and persons who test/repair devices must register with the PSC (Registered Service Company SFN 51277; Registered Service Person SFN 16415, with required testing dates).

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 North Dakota Public Service Commission (701-328-2400) 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