Vol. 142, No. 25 — June 21, 2008

Multiple-dimension Measuring Device Specifications

Statutory authority

Weights and Measures Act

Sponsoring department

Department of Industry

REGULATORY IMPACT
ANALYSIS STATEMENT

(This statement is not part of the Regulations.)

Description

The Weights and Measures Act requires that Measurement Canada approves and certifies measuring devices to be used when measurement forms the basis of the financial transaction. The Weights and Measures Regulations and associated specifications prescribe the measurement accuracy performance and other requirements to which these devices must comply.

The proposed Multiple-dimension Measuring Device Specifications are necessary because the Weights and Measures Regulations do not adequately address such measurement technology or its application. There have been numerous advancements in measurement technology since the Regulations were promulgated more than 30 years ago. Minor amendments to the Regulations are required to exempt multiple-dimension measuring devices from general marking and performance requirements. Specific requirements reside in the proposed Specifications.

The establishment and administration of legislated requirements to which measuring devices must comply ensures devices used in Canada meet minimum requirements for measurement accuracy, performance and use, protects Canadians against financial loss due to inaccurate measurement, and instills a high degree of domestic and international confidence in the integrity and accuracy of measurement-based transactions in Canada.

Delivery companies in Canada and around the world employ a number of factors, including package weight or physical size, destination and mode of travel to calculate the fee for delivering a package. A delivery company may use either the weight of the package or its physical size to determine the delivery fees. As both weight and space are critical to the delivery industry, the physical size of a package may be used to determine the delivery fees in situations where the package occupies a large space, but weighs very little. The manner by which companies decide to base the delivery fee on physical dimensions, as opposed to the actual weight of the package, does not fall within the scope of the Weights and Measures Act.

Multiple-dimension measuring devices are used by delivery companies throughout the world to determine the dimensions of packages. The proposed Multiple-dimension Measuring Device Specifications apply to devices that measure an object and determine the dimensions (length, width and height) of the smallest box (consisting of six flat, rectangular sides) that can contain the object. These dimensions may be used, in conjunction with a number of other factors (weight, destination, mode of travel), for the purpose of calculating freight, storage or postal charges.

As a member of the World Trade Organization and of the North American Free Trade Agreement, Canada must take into consideration international standardization activities when establishing domestic requirements. The United States and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) have established requirements related to multiple-dimension measuring devices. The proposed Specifications are consistent with international requirements presently used in many countries, including the United States and the European Union.

Canada is committed to the adoption of internationally recognized requirements to minimize trade barriers. Although there are some minor technical differences between the proposed Specifications and the OIML and U.S. requirements, the differences present no barriers to trade.

Alternatives

Option 1: Status quo

Canada could decide not to establish legislated requirements for multiple-dimension measuring devices. This would result in a lack of minimum requirements to which these devices must comply, increase the risk of financial loss due to inaccurate measurement, and potentially place Canadian delivery companies at a competitive disadvantage with their international competitors. This option was rejected.

Option 2: Voluntary guidelines rather than regulations

The delivery industry is highly competitive, domestically and internationally. It is comprised of large multinational corporations and small local companies who often compete for the same customers. The non-homogeneous nature of the industry would make administration of guidelines difficult. The establishment of legislated requirements, based on internationally accepted standards, promotes a uniform and consistent approach and improves Canadian delivery companies’ access to international markets. The absence of legislated requirements could jeopardize business, consumer and international confidence in the integrity and accuracy of measurement based transactions within the industry. This option was rejected.

Benefits and costs

The establishment of the proposed Multiple-dimension Measuring Device Specifications will provide delivery companies and their customers with access to new measurement technologies and services. The introduction of the proposed Specifications ensures multiple-dimension measuring devices which meet accuracy performance and reliability requirements that are recognized internationally. Requiring that devices in Canada work on a different basis could place the Canadian delivery industry at a competitive disadvantage.

The proposed Specifications contribute to the achievement of Advantage Canada commitments and Industry Canada’s strategic outcome of a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace by further harmonizing Canadian requirements with those of our international trading partners. Manufacturers and users will benefit from standardized requirements related to the approval evaluation and certification of multiple-dimension measuring devices for use in the Canadian marketplace. Customers will benefit from the establishment of regulated accuracy performance requirements which these devices must meet.

The establishment of the Specifications could have a slight impact on multiple-dimension measuring device manufacturers and owners/operators of their devices. As part of the conditions of the temporary approval granted to their devices, manufacturers are aware that some minor modifications may be required following the establishment of the Specifications.

The costs incurred by the Department will be minimal (e.g. minor administration and training costs). There are no supplementary enforcement costs involved, since there is already a surveillance program in place related to multiple-dimension measuring devices.

Consultation

The proposed specifications were drafted by referencing the requirements produced by a joint United States/Canada working group with representation from both governments, North American device manufacturers and device users. Measurement Canada played an important role in the development of these requirements, representing Canadian interests and ensuring application of the standards would result in consistent and accurate measurement. Twenty-seven stakeholders, including multiple-dimension measuring device manufacturers, potential owner/operators, Measurement Canada’s counterpart in the United States, delivery company customers and consumer associations were consulted via email during the development of the proposed Specifications. None of these stakeholders expressed any significant disagreement with the proposed Specifications, after their comments had been considered.

Compliance and enforcement

The compliance and enforcement of the proposed Specifications will be provided by Measurement Canada inspectors and officers. These activities do not require a departure from compliance and enforcement mechanisms that are already established.

Contact

Gilles Vinet
Vice-President, Program Development Directorate
Measurement Canada, Industry Canada
Standards Building, Tunney’s Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0C9
Telephone: 613-941-8918
Fax: 613-952-1736
Email: vinet.gilles@ic.gc.ca

PROPOSED REGULATORY TEXT

Notice is hereby given that the Governor in Council, pursuant to paragraph 10(1)(i) (see footnote a) of the Weights and Measures Act, proposes to make the annexed Multiple-dimension Measuring Device Specifications.

Interested persons may make representations concerning the proposed Specifications within 45 days after the date of publication of this notice. All such representations must cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, and the date of publication of this notice and be addressed to Gilles Vinet, Vice-President, Program Development Directorate, Measurement Canada, Department of Industry, Standards Building, 151 Tunney’s Pasture Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C9 (tel.: 613-941-8918; fax: 613-952-1736; e-mail: vinet.gilles@ic.gc.ca).

Ottawa, June 11, 2008

MARY PICHETTE
Assistant Clerk of the Privy Council

MULTIPLE-DIMENSION MEASURING
DEVICE SPECIFICATIONS

INTERPRETATION

1. The following definitions apply in these Specifications.

“dimensions” means length, width and height, measured in units of length. (dimensions)

“dimensional weight”, in respect of a measured object, means the calculated value, used for invoicing purposes, that is determined by applying a conversion factor to the object’s hexahedronal volume or dimensions. (poids dimensionnel)

“disturbance” means an identified phenomenon or event to which a multiple-dimension measuring device is exposed and whose characteristics fall outside the operating parameters of the device. (perturbation)

“hexahedron” means a geometric solid or box consisting of six plane rectangular sides. (hexaèdre)

“indicator” means that part of a multiple-dimension measuring device that displays measurements and information related to the measurement process. (indicateur)

“influence factor” means an identified phenomenon or event to which a multiple-dimension measuring device is exposed and whose characteristics fall within the operating parameters of the device. (facteur d’influence)

“interval” or “d” means the difference between two consecutively indicated values on an axis of a multiple-dimension measuring device. (échelon ou d)

“measuring element” means that part of a multiple-dimension measuring device that does not include the indicator. (élément mesureur)

“multiple-interval measuring range” means a measuring range consisting of two or more partial measuring ranges, each with a different interval. (étendue de mesure à échelons multiples)

“multiple-dimension measuring device” means a measuring machine that measures an object and determines the dimensions of the smallest hexahedron within which that measured object can be contained. (appareil de mesure multidimensionnelle)

“ready condition”, in respect of a multiple-dimension measuring device, means the condition of its being ready to make a measurement. (état prêt)

“registration” means a visual, printed or recorded representation of a measured length or other information required under these Specifications. (enregistrement)

“tare”, in respect of an object, means a value that is used to compensate for or remove measurements of packaging material, containers or other materials that are not to be included in the measurement of the object. (tare)

“tare function”, in respect of a multiple-dimension measuring device, means a process, mechanism or feature that allows it to utilize tare. (fonction tare)

“zero reference”, in respect of a multiple-dimension measuring device, means the point from which a measurement is made. (référence à zéro)

APPLICATION

2. These Specifications apply to multiple-dimension measuring devices that are used for the purpose of calculating freight, storage or postal charges.

DESIGN, COMPOSITION AND CONSTRUCTION

3. A multiple-dimension measuring device shall be of a design, composition and construction that under normal conditions of use enables the device to measure accurately and does not facilitate the perpetration of fraud.

4. A multiple-dimension measuring device shall be designed and constructed in a way that enables inspection procedures and test standards to be applied to the device.

5. A multiple-dimension measuring device shall be equipped with a feature to indicate the software and any version of the software that it is using.

6. The interval of a multiple-dimension measuring device shall be presented in a decimal format and shall be

(a) equal to 1 × 10ⁿ, 2 × 10ⁿ or 5 × 10ⁿ, where the power “n” is a positive or negative whole number or zero; or

(b) a binary submultiple of a Canadian unit of measurement set out in Schedule II to the Weights and Measures Act.

7. A multiple-dimension measuring device that has a multiple-interval measuring range shall be configured as follows:

(a) the value of the interval of every measuring range shall be less than the value of the interval of the subsequent measuring range;

(b) the maximum capacity of every measuring range shall be equal to the minimum capacity of the subsequent measuring range;

(c) the minimum capacity of every axis shall be equal to the minimum capacity of the lowest measuring range of the axis; and

(d) the maximum capacity of every axis shall be equal to the maximum capacity of the highest measuring range of the axis.

8. When measuring an object, a multiple-dimension measuring device that has a multiple-interval measuring range shall automatically use the partial measuring range appropriate to the dimensions being determined.

9. A multiple-dimension measuring device shall be equipped with

(a) an indicator or printer that has indicating or recording elements with digits of a design, number and size that permit a clear indication of accurate measurement; and

(b) in an installation that has two or more measuring elements connected to a single primary indicator or printer that is separated from one or more of its measuring elements by a distance that does not allow easy inspection, a portable indicator that

(i) is configured to provide the same information as the primary indicator or printer,

(ii) provides information that is in exact agreement with the information provided by the primary indicator or printer, and

(iii) is readily connectable to all of the measuring elements without affecting the performance of those elements.

10. A multiple-dimension measuring device that has a means of registration that is connected to two or more measuring elements shall be equipped with features that

(a) automatically identify the measuring element that is providing the displayed information; and

(b) prevent the activation of any measuring element that is not in use.

11. A multiple-dimension measuring device that is equipped with an indicator which consists of display elements or segments that may fail individually and produce incorrect information shall have a display test mode that shows all relevant elements and segments of the indicator.

12. A multiple-dimension measuring device shall not provide a measurement registration until the operating temperature necessary for accurate measurement has been attained.

13. (1) A multiple-dimension measuring device shall be equipped with a feature by which the zero reference or ready condition can be established.

(2) That feature shall be interlocked so that its use is prevented during measurement.

14. (1) A multiple-dimension measuring device shall automatically maintain a zero reference or ready condition when no object is in or on the measuring element or, when a zero reference or a ready condition has not been established and maintained, shall not provide any measurement registrations.

(2) When a zero reference or ready condition has been established, a multiple-dimension measuring device shall indicate that fact.

15. The measurement registrations of a multiple-dimension measuring device and any equipment or accessories connected to the device or used in conjunction with it shall

(a) agree exactly;

(b) be clear, accurate and unambiguous; and

(c) when provided in printed form, be printed indelibly.

16. The measurement registration of a multiple-dimension measuring device shall

(a) be expressed in the same unit of measurement for each of the three axes;

(b) be expressed in a single unit of measurement; and

(c) include the name or symbol of the unit of measurement.

17. A multiple-dimension measuring device that provides a measurement registration of volume shall also provide, on demand, the dimensions of a measured object.

18. A multiple-dimension measuring device shall not provide negative measurement registrations except when using a tare function.

19. (1) The tare function shall operate only in a negative direction in relation to the zero reference or the ready condition.

(2) There shall be a clear indication when a tare function is in use.

(3) The value of the tare interval shall be equal to the value of the interval of the respective axis and range in use by the multiple-dimension measuring device.

20. Except when using a tare function, a multiple-dimension measuring device either shall not provide any measurement registration or shall indicate an error message with the registration if the object being measured

(a) is smaller than the minimum dimensions marked on the device;

(b) is larger than the maximum dimensions marked on the device plus 9 d; or

(c) has dimensions that exceed the measurement capability of the device.

21. (1) A multiple-dimension measuring device and its auxiliary equipment or its system

(a) shall have the ability to provide the information set out in column 1 of the table to this section in accordance with column 2 or 3; and

(b) if the information set out in column 1 of the table to this section is provided as specified in a contract — by invoice or other means —, shall provide that information in accordance with column 4.

(2) The multiple-dimension measuring device identification referred to in item 1, column 1, of the table to this section shall be provided for systems in which more than one device or measuring element is being used.

(3) When the hexahedron volume referred to in item 4, column 1, of the table to this section is used by a device, the hexahedron dimensions referred to in item 3, column 1, that were used to calculate the hexahedron volume shall also be provided.

(4) The hexahedron measurement statement referred to in item 7, column 1, of the table to this section shall indicate that the dimensions are those or the volume is that of the smallest hexahedron within which the measured object can be enclosed rather than the dimensions or the volume of the object itself.

(5) Any information that is designated as “A” in column 4 of the table to this section shall be retained by the party who issued the invoice for at least 30 days after the date of invoicing.

TABLE

Item	Column 1 Information	Column 2 Provided by multiple- dimension measuring device	Column 3		Column 4 Provided by invoice or other means as specified in a contract
			Provided by invoice or other printed means
			Customer present	Customer not present
1.	Device identification	D or P	P	P	P or A
2.	Error message	D or P	P	N/A	N/A
3.	Hexahedron dimensions	D or P	P	P	P or A
4.	Hexahedron volume	D or P	P	P	P or A
5.	Actual weight	D or P	P	P	P or A
6.	Tare	D or P	N/A	N/A	N/A
7.	Hexahedron measurement statement	D or P or M	P	P	P or I

Legend:

D - Displayed

P - Printed

M - Marked

I - Information published by the party issuing the invoice

A - Available on request by customer

N/A - Not applicable

22. (1) In addition to the information required by section 21, a multiple-dimension measuring device and its auxiliary equipment or its system, or its operator, shall provide to the customer the information set out in column 1 of the table to this section in accordance with column 2 or 3 of that table.

(2) The dimensional weight statement referred to in item 6, column 1, of the table to this section shall indicate that the dimensional weight of an object is not its true weight, but the calculated value obtained by applying a conversion factor to the hexahedronal volume or dimensions of the object.

(3) Any information that is designated as “A” in column 2 or 3 of the table to this section shall be retained by the party who issued the invoice for at least 30 days after the date of invoicing.

TABLE

Item	Column 1 Information	Column 2		Column 3 Provided by invoice or other means as specified in a contract
		Provided by invoice or other means when there is no contract
		Customer present	Customer not present
1.	Object identification	N/A	P	P or A
2.	Billing method	D or P	P	P or A
3.	Billing rate or rate chart	D or P or A	P or I or A	P or A
4.	Dimensional weight	P	P	P or A
5.	Conversion factor (if dimensional weight is used)	D or P or A	P	P or I
6.	Dimensional weight statement	D or P	P	P or I
7.	Total price	P	P	P or A

Legend:

D - Displayed

P - Printed

I - Information published by the party issuing the invoice

A - Available on request by customer

N/A - Not applicable

23. The adjustable components of a multiple-dimension measuring device shall maintain a setting after any adjustment is made.

24. (1) Access to the metrological functions and the adjustable components of a multiple-dimension measuring device shall be protected by means of readily accessible and observable physical seals or electronic sealing, such as an audit trail, that make apparent any accessing of the metrological functions or adjustable components.

(2) The information contained in an audit trail shall be available and printable on site.

(3) In this section, “audit trail” means an electronic feature that counts the number of changes made to the calibration or configuration parameters of the device, or records the values related to these changes.

25. A multiple-dimension measuring device that is equipped with interfaces that allow the connection of auxiliary equipment shall be designed so that

(a) the metrological functions of the device are not adversely affected by either the operation of the auxiliary equipment or by disturbances or influence factors acting on the auxiliary equipment or interfaces; and

(b) the interfaces do not allow access to the metrological functions and adjustable components of the device.

26. A multiple-dimension measuring device shall be designed to operate over a temperature range of –10°C to +40°C unless a different temperature range is specified by its manufacturer, in which case it shall operate over a temperature range of at least 30°C.

MARKING

27. (1) A multiple-dimension measuring device shall be clearly and permanently marked with the following information:

(a) the approval number;

(b) the manufacturer’s name;

(c) the model designation;

(d) a serial number;

(e) the minimum and maximum length for each axis;

(f) the interval for each axis and measuring range;

(g) the minimum and maximum operating speeds; and

(h) the temperature range, if other than –10°C to +40°C.

(2) The information shall be marked on the multiple-dimension measuring device or on a descriptive plate affixed to it that is clearly visible at all times.

28. If there are any restrictions, limitations or conditions on the use of a multiple-dimension measuring device or there are any special applications or uses for it, that information shall be clearly and permanently marked on the device or be posted in close proximity to the device so as to be clearly visible to both the operator and the customer.

INSTALLATION AND USE

29. A multiple-dimension measuring device and any equipment or accessories connected to or used in conjunction with it shall be installed, maintained and used in a manner that

(a) ensures accurate measurement;

(b) respects the parameters, restrictions, limitations and conditions of use set out in the notice of approval issued for the device;

(c) is in accordance with the manufacturer’s or importer’s instructions;

(d) does not detrimentally affect the performance of the device; and

(e) does not facilitate the perpetration of fraud.

30. A multiple-dimension measuring device shall be suitable for its intended use with respect to the elements of its design, composition and construction.

31. A multiple-dimension measuring device that is used for direct sales to the public shall be positioned and maintained so that all indications relating to the measurement and the transaction can be easily read and the measurement can be observed from the normal location of the customer.

32. The minimum net length to be measured by a multiple-dimension measuring device is 12 d for the axis and measuring range in use.

PERFORMANCE

33. Subject to sections 34 and 36, the acceptance and in-service limits of error for registrations and tests of a multiple-dimension measuring device are ± 1 d for the axis and measuring range in use.

34. The difference between the registrations of several measurements of the same object, presented in approximately the same manner to a multiple-dimension measuring device, shall not exceed the absolute value of the applicable limit of error for that object.

35. A multiple-dimension measuring device shall perform within the applicable limits of error when it is tested under controlled conditions for the following influence factors:

(a) any voltage from –15% to +10% of the nominal voltage, for devices that use alternating current electricity as a power source;

(b) any voltage level at which the device is capable of displaying measurement registrations, for devices powered by direct current electricity;

(c) any temperature within the temperature range marked on the device or, if no range is marked, at any temperature within the range of –10°C to +40°C;

(d) humidity variations at any level up to 85% relative humidity, at any temperature within the temperature range specified for the device;

(e) ambient light level variations, at any light level intensity from 100 lx to 1500 lx for devices using optical principles of operation;

(f) any acoustic interference, at intensity levels of up to 100 dB at the nominal centre frequency of the ultrasonic transducers used in the device, for devices using acoustic principles of operation; and

(g) any other influence factor that may affect the device’s performance.

36. The difference between a measurement registration subjected to a disturbance, such as electromagnetic or electrostatic fields, short-time power reduction, electrostatic discharges, electrical bursts or other disturbances, and an undisturbed measurement registration, shall not exceed 1 d. If the interval exceeds 1 d, the multiple-dimension measuring device shall

(a) blank the registration and prevent the transmission, printing and storage of measurement results;

(b) provide an error message and prevent the transmission, printing and storage of measurement results; or

(c) provide a measurement registration that is so completely unstable that it cannot be interpreted or transmitted into memory or to a printer as a correct measurement result.

CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE WEIGHTS
AND MEASURES REGULATIONS

37. The portion of section 21 of the Weights and Measures Regulations (see footnote 1) before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

21. Before being sold, leased or otherwise disposed of, a weighing machine (other than a weighing device to which the Specifications Relating to Non-automatic Weighing Devices (1998) apply) or a measuring machine (other than a multiple-dimension measuring device to which the Multiple-dimension Measuring Device Specifications apply) that is of a class, type or design approved under section 3 of the Act, and any equipment or accessory attached to or used in conjunction with the machine that has or could have an effect on the accuracy of the machine and that was approved under section 3 of the Act shall be marked with the following information:

38. Subsection 65(2) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

(2) Weighing devices to which the Specifications Relating to Non-automatic Weighing Devices (1998) apply and multiple-dimension measuring devices to which the Multiple-dimension Measuring Device Specifications apply are exempt from this Part.

COMING INTO FORCE

39. These Specifications come into force on the day on which they are registered.

[25-1-o]

Footnote a
S.C. 1993, c. 34, s. 136

Footnote 1
C.R.C., c. 1605

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