Oregon runs a state-managed weights and measures program — commercial scale owners deal with the state agency directly. If you operate a commercial scale in Oregon — 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 Oregon?
State-run: ODA Weights and Measures administers, regulates and enforces weights and measures requirements statewide under ORS 618, with routine field testing of commercial equipment; an ODA W&M investigator inspects and tests newly installed devices. Owners deal directly with the ODA Weights and Measures Program in Salem.
What Oregon requires of scale owners
Commercial scales (any scale used to buy/sell/trade or value product, including shipping scales and mass-flow meters) and commercial fuel meters must be licensed annually by ODA (license year July 1-June 30). Devices need a valid NTEP Certificate of Conformance and proper installation per NIST Handbook 44; a Placed-in-Service Report plus application and fee are submitted to ODA, after which an ODA investigator tests the device; service companies may install/repair and assist with licensing.
Getting a scale into service — 4 steps
- Buy a legal-for-trade (NTEP-certified) scale appropriate for your application and capacity.
- Confirm registration and licensing requirements with the Oregon Department of Agriculture (503-986-4550) before the scale enters commercial use.
- Arrange compliant installation and calibration. Where required, placing-in-service must be done by a licensed or registered service company.
- Stay compliant. Pass required inspections, keep calibration current, retain service records.
Common questions
Who certifies commercial scales in Oregon?
What does Oregon require of scale owners?
What is NTEP certification?
Where do I find official forms and fees?
Need calibration, repair, or installation in Oregon?
Send one request — ScaleRegistry routes it to qualified service providers for your state.