PatternApprovalThe Metrology Act No. 18 of 2004
is now law in Trinidad and Tobago,
effective 1st May, 2015.

This legislation provides the framework
for the new national measurement
system in Trinidad and Tobago andgives the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau ofStandards (TTBS) the responsibility for
its implementation.

What is Metrology?
Metrology is the science of measurement which includes
aspects such as measurement units, measurement methods
and measuring devices. It is important in many aspects ofour daily lives, as in its absence, you cannot design, test,manufacture, buy or sell anything safely or reliably.

What is a Pattern?
A pattern refers to the characteristics of a design andoperation of a measuring device that uniquely defines thedevice and its measurement characteristics.

What is Pattern Approval?
Pattern Approval is the process whereby an impartial bodyexamines the pattern (design) of a device prototype against
a set of national or international metrological specifications
and a Certificate of Pattern Approval is issued.
In Trinidad and Tobago, Pattern Approval of devices issubject to rigorous tests prescribed under the Metrology
Regulations, 2015.
Section 21(d) of the Metrology Act No.18 of 2004 (thelegislation that governs Weights and Measures in Trinidadand Tobago) and the Metrology Regulations, 2015 haveauthorised the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards(TTBS) to examine and approve all patterns of measuring
devices used for trade.
To fulfil this mandate, all measuring devices manufactured
in or imported into the country, must undergo patternapproval before these devices are made available for sale.

Who is responsible for Pattern 		Approval in Trinidad and Tobago?
The TTBS is the body responsible for Pattern Approval
as stipulated by the Metrology Act No.18 of 2004 and theMetrology Regulations, 2015.

What is the role of the TTBS in PatternApproval?
The main roles include:• Examining and approving all patterns of measuring
devices used for trade.
All measuring devices manufactured in or imported into
Trinidad and Tobago must undergo pattern approval
before these devices can be sold.
Some examples are:- Jewellery balances- Computing scales- Non computing bench scales- Floor scales- Belt-conveyor scales- Weighbridges- Scales connected to an electronic cash register• Examining and approving measuring devices impacting
on health and safety of citizens and the environment.
Examples of which are:• Energy Meters• Speed Detectors• Evidential Breath Analysers• Exhaust Emission Meters

Who needs Pattern Approval?
Pattern Approval applies to businesses that manufacture
and/or import measuring devices used for trade.

Why is Pattern Approval important?
Pattern Approval is important because it determines whether
a measuring device is capable of retaining its calibration overa range of environmental and operating conditions and toensure that it is not capable of facilitating fraud.
It also certifies if the measuring device is suitable for use inconnection with any class or classes of trade.

What is the process for applying
for Pattern Approval?
An importer or manufacturer of a measuring device shallsubmit an application for Pattern Approval on a form
prescribed and approved by the Bureau.
The application shall be accompanied by:- proof of approval of the pattern by a 			recognized national or international metrology 		body- principal technical drawings- all necessary specifications and other information 		that would enable adequate assessment- a model of the measuring device

- Payment receipt of the fee of two thousand five 		hundred dollars ($2500.00)
The Bureau may exempt an importer or manufacturerof a measuring device from the deposit of a model after
consideration of the application.

PATTERN APPROVAL PROCESSAPPLICATION
FORM

NECESSARYDOCUMENTS

ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION

Fill out the appropriate form which can befound on the website of the Trinidad and Tobago
Bureau of Standards(www.ttbs.org.tt)• Completed Application Form
• Principal drawings and specifications• Promotional material, bulletins,brochures, instructions• Test data relating to the actual service 		
performance of the device• Payment receipt for pattern approval
Any additional documents which may berequired for the evaluation of the Pattern
Approval application

What are the Penalties for NOT having
a device pattern approved?
Under the Metrology Act, a person found guilty of
not conforming to the Act is liable to be fined a sumof two thousand dollars ($2000.00) and in the caseof a subsequent offence to a fine of four thousand
dollars ($4000.00). Furthermore a director, secretaryand other executives of a company can be fined fifty
thousand dollars ($50,000.00), and in the case of acorporate body, fines of one hundred thousand dollars($100,000.00) can be imposed.

Metrology Division

Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards
1-2 Century Drive,Trincity Industrial Estate,Macoya, Tunapuna, Trinidad, W.I.

TEL.: (868) 662-TTBS (8827), 3132, Ext. 2301
612-0279
EMAIL: metrology@ttbs.org.tt
WEBSITE : www.ttbs.org.tt

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