At Scales Plus, we often get requests for documentation stating that the scale or balance being purchased is calibrated from the factory. However, most manufacturer's do not provide documented calibration results, but rather a Certificate of Conformity. That leads us to the question, "What is a Certificate of Conformity?"

Certificate of Conformity

A Certificate of Conformity, also referred to as a Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Conformance, is a document that verifies a product meets certain quality, regulatory or safety requirements. In the instance of scales, this generally means that the device met the quality specifications of the manufacturer and outlines specific product certifications. These certifications may include CE, UL, NSF or other certifications received by the manufacturer for that particular device.

In simpler terms, a Certificate of Conformity is a statement from the manufacturer that the product meets their particular quality guidelines and specifications they've published.

What's Included in a Certificate of Conformity?

The contents of a CofC can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, as it is dependent upon the type of scale, applicable use and the certifications they possess. Some manufacturers include more information than others. They vary depending upon the applicable industry and the quality guidelines they follow. There is a variety of information that may be included in a Certificate of Conformity:

• Name of the manufacturer
• Model and/or item number of the scale
• Batch/lot numbers
• Specifications
• Certifications attributable to the scale (CE, UL, NSF, etc)
• Conformance to specific industry standards (ASTM, ISO, etc)
• Signature/date from an authorized representative of the manufacturer

Important Note: This documentation is not a calibration certificate. There is no data provided related to the calibration of the scale.

Who Needs a Certificate of Conformity?

They are often requested by distributors, manufacturers, importers and customers. They provide the requestor with the information needed to ensure that the scale meets the necessary specifications for their scope of work, as well as any regulatory requirements they may be bound by. For quality assurance purposes, a CofC validates the most important specifications and certifications of the device.