Washington runs a state-managed weights and measures program — commercial scale owners deal with the state agency directly. If you operate a commercial scale in Washington — 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 Washington?
State-run: WSDA Weights and Measures inspects and tests commercial devices statewide and conducts unannounced inspections; owners contact the WSDA W&M Program in Olympia. RCW 19.94.015/.280 lets a city that operates its own city sealer program register and inspect devices inside that city; everywhere else the state program applies.
What Washington requires of scale owners
Every commercial weighing/measuring device must be registered annually; registration is handled as an endorsement on the Washington business license through the Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service and the fee is paid with the business license application or renewal (RCW 19.94.015). Devices must carry an NTEP Certificate of Conformance, and rejected/repaired devices must be serviced by a service agent registered with WSDA.
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 Washington State Department of Agriculture (360-902-2035) 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 Washington?
What does Washington require of scale owners?
What is NTEP certification?
Where do I find official forms and fees?
Need calibration, repair, or installation in Washington?
Send one request — ScaleRegistry routes it to qualified service providers for your state.