Legal metrology is that part of metrology relating to activities which result from statutory requirements and generally concern units of measurement, measuring instruments and methods of measurement. Legal metrological activities are carried out by bodies legally designated for such tasks.
The Metrology Act, 1996 (No. 27 of 1996) is the principal piece of Irish legislation which regulates metrological activities in particular units of measurement and the use of measuring instruments for the purposes of trade.
Trade measurement is defined in the Metrology Act as meaning ‘any use in connection with or with a view to any contract, bargain, sale, dealing or transaction, the collection of tolls, taxes and duties, or the computation of salaries, wages or allowances which has been or has to be done, sold, delivered, carried or agreed by weight, number or other measure’.