The Chinese New Year is approaching. Various activities held in each New Year Market enhance the festival atmosphere. To ensure the weighing accuracy of the scales during transactions with the consumers, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection (BSMI) has completed the inspection of market scales, with the results indicating a qualified rate of 99.9%. Consumers can be rest assured in celebrating Chinese New Year.

Aiming at all New Year markets, traditional markets, hypermarket, and supermarkets, the BSMI visited 191 locations, inspecting a total of 10,434 scales. Of which, 10,425 scales were qualified, with only 9 disqualified. Seven of them exceeded the inspection tolerance (4 of them made consumers suffer losses; 3 of them made consumers gain advantages from merchant). Two inspection certificates of scales were with illegible markings. "Do Not Use" labels have been placed on the disqualified scales and follow-up checks will be conducted. If a merchant is discovered to be continuously using the disqualified scale, a fine of between NT$15,000 and NT$75,000 will be imposed in accordance with the "Weights and Measures Act."

The BSMI Director-General, Dr. Lien, Chin-Chang, indicated that in order to ensure the accuracy of measurement and serve the people, in the New Year market in Taipei City (Plaza at 1st Floor, Yongle Market, No.21, Sec.1, Dihua Street), New Year markets at Tianjin Road and Yizhong Street in Taichung (the specific location designated by the management committee) and New Year Market at Sanfong Central Street in Kaohsiung (Watch house), the government have already prepared accurate scales. People are welcome to use them. Director-General Lien also indicated that although the inspection of market scales for the Chinese New Year was completed in advance this year, the bureau will continue to conduct irregular implement scale inspections in various markets across the country. In addition, Lien advised that while consumers are shopping in a market, if the trading scale is not labeled with a "(Picture as attachment file)" qualified mark or the weight is insufficient, it is recommended to file a report to BSMI or any affiliated branch offices. The phone number is: +886-2-23434567 (representative number). BSMI officials will be dispatched to ensure fair trade and consumer rights.

BSMI Spokesperson: Deputy Director-General: Mr. Wang, Chung-Lin

Office Tel.: 02-23431711   Cell Phone: 0963-132388

Email Address: cl.wang@bsmi.gov.tw

Handling Unit: Seventh Division, 

Section Chief: Mr. Su, Bo-Chang

Office Tel.: 02-23434606   Cell Phone: 0910-036255

Email Address: bc.su@bsmi.gov.tw

News Release Contact Person: Mr. Lin, Ching-Yen

Office Tel.: 02-23431759   Cell Phone: 0976-425601

Email Address: chingyen.lin@bsmi.gov.tw