National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP)

NTEP for National Standards

Industry and government metrology professionals alike recognize the essential role that uniform standards play in maintaining equity in the marketplace. As new commercial weighing and measuring devices come to market, how can manufacturers comply with these standards without incurring costs of multiple redesigns or marketing delays? How can the various weights and measures jurisdictions have confidence that these newly designed devices are capable of meeting the applicable weight and measures standards? Where can both industry and weights and measure officials go to discuss solutions to certification of new devices and new technology?

The answer to these and many other related questions is NTEP – The National Type Evaluation Program.

Early Consensus Means Savings – For Manufacturers and Consumers: NTEP, a program of cooperation between the National Conference on Weights and Measures, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the states, and the private sector was created for just this purpose. Through twelve participating laboratories, NTEP evaluates the performance, operating characteristics, features and options of weighing and measuring devices against the applicable standards. Essentially, it provides a one-stop evaluation process that satisfies the initial requirements for introduction of weighing and measuring devices in the U.S. Ultimately, the savings that result from the efficiency of this process are passed along to consumers, making early type evaluation an integral link in the U.S. production chain.

NCWM Certificate: An official NTEP Certificate of Conformance is issued by NCWM following successful completion of the evaluation and testing of a device. This Certificate indicates that the device meets applicable requirements for commercial weighing and measuring equipment in the U.S.

NTEP Technical Committees: These technical Committees are made up of members from both the public and the private sectors. They meet to discuss and reach consensus on new or improved requirements for evaluation of new devices and new technologies.

Even a Broader Impact: Under the U.S./Canada Mutual Recognition Arrangement, examination and test results on certain devices from one country may be recognized by the other.