NTEP Committee 2014 Final Report 

NTEP - 1 

Report of the 

National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) Committee 

Mr. Stephen Benjamin, Chairman 

North Carolina 

500 INTRODUCTION 

This is the report of the NTEP Committee (hereinafter referred to as the “Committee”) for the 99th Annual Meeting 

of the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM). This report is based on the Interim Report offered 

in the NCWM Publication 16, testimony heard at public hearings, comments received from the regional weights and 

measures associations and other parties, the NCWM 2014 Online Position Forum, the addendum sheets issued at the 

Annual Meeting, and actions taken by the membership at the voting session of the Annual Meeting. The 

informational items presented below were adopted as presented when the Committee’s report was approved. 

Table A identifies the agenda items and appendix items. The agenda items in the Report are identified by Reference 

Key Number, title, page number and the appendices by appendix designations. The acronyms for organizations and 

technical terms used throughout the agenda are identified in Table C. The first three digits of the Reference Key 

Numbers of the items are assigned from The Subject Series List. The status of each item contained in the report is 

designated as one of the following: (D) Developing Item: the Committee determined the item has merit; however, 

the item was returned to the submitter or other designated party for further development before any action can be 

taken at the national level; Informational (I) Item: the item is under consideration by the Committee but not 

proposed for Voting; (V) Voting Item: the Committee is making recommendations requiring a vote by the active 

members of NCWM; (W) Withdrawn Item: the item has been removed from consideration by the Committee. 

Table B provides a summary of the results of the voting on the Committee’s items and the report in its entirety. 

Some Voting Items are considered individually, others may be grouped in a consent calendar. Consent calendar 

items are Voting Items that the Committee has assembled as a single Voting Item during their deliberation after the 

Open Hearings on the assumption that the items are without opposition and will not require discussion. The Voting 

Items that have been grouped into consent calendar items will be listed on the addendum sheets. Prior to adoption of 

the consent calendar, the Committee entertains any requests from the floor to remove specific items from the 

consent calendar to be discussed and voted upon individually. 

Proposed revisions to the handbook(s) are shown as follows: 1) deleted language is indicated with a bold face font 

using strikeouts (e.g., this report), 2) proposed new language is indicated with an underscored bold faced font

(e.g., new items), and 3) nonretroactive items are identified in italics. When used in this report, the term “weight” 

means “mass.” 

Note: The policy of NIST is to use metric units of measurement in all of its publications; however, 

recommendations received by NCWM technical committees and regional weights and measures associations have 

been printed in this publication as submitted. Therefore, the report may contain references to inch-pound units. 

Subject Series List 

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 500 Series 

International .................................................................................................................................................... 510 Series 

Activity Reports .............................................................................................................................................. 520 Series 

Conformity Assessment Program ................................................................................................................... 530 Series 

NCWM Publication 14, Administrative Policy .............................................................................................. 540 Series 

Other Items – Developing Items ..................................................................................................................... 550 Series 
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Table A 

Table of Contents 

Reference Key Title of Item Page NTEP

500 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 1

510 INTERNATIONAL .......................................................................................................................................... 3

510-1    Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) ................................................................................... 3

510-2    Mutual Acceptance Arrangement (MAA) ................................................................................... 4

520 ACTIVITY REPORTS..................................................................................................................................... 5

520-1    NTEP Participating Laboratories and Evaluations Reports ......................................................... 5

520-2    NTEP Sector Reports ................................................................................................................... 6

530 CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM ............................................................................................... 8

530-1    Conformity Assessment Program ................................................................................................ 8

540 NCWM PUBLICATION 14 – NTEP ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY ....................................................... 11

540-1    20.3.1.1. Certification Body’s Responsibilities ......................................................................... 11

550 OTHER ITEMS – DEVELOPING ITEMS .................................................................................................. 13

550-1 D NTEP Contingency Plan ............................................................................................................ 13

Appendices

A Item 520-1: NTEP Statistics Report ..................................................................................................... A1 

B Item 520-2: Belt-Conveyor Scale Sector Meeting Summary ............................................................... B1 

C Item 520-2: Grain Analyzer Sector Meeting Summary ........................................................................ C1 

D Item 520-2: Measuring Sector Meeting Summary ............................................................................... D1 

E Item 520-2: Software Sector Meeting Summary .................................................................................. E1 

F Item 520-2: Weighing Sector Meeting Summary ................................................................................. F1 

Table B 

Voting Results 

Reference Key 

Number

House of State Representatives House of Delegates Results

Yeas Nays Yeas Nays 

Report Voice Vote Adopted 
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Table C 

Glossary of Acronyms and Terms 

Acronym Term Acronym Term 

AQL Acceptable Quality Level MTL Manufacturers’ Testing Laboratories 

B Basic Publication NCWM National Conference on Weights and 

Measures 

CC Certificate of Conformance NIST National Institute of Standards and 

Technology 

CIML International Committee of Legal 

Metrology NTEP National Type Evaluation Program 

CTT Conformity to Type NTETC National Type Evaluation Technical 

Committee 

DoMC Declaration of Mutual Confidence OIML International Organization of Legal 

Metrology 

IV Initial Verification OWM Office of Weights and Measures 

MAA Mutual Acceptance Arrangement R Recommendation 

MC Measurement Canada SC Technical Subcommittee 

MDMD Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices TC Technical Committee 

MRA Mutual Recognition Arrangement VCAP Verification Conformity Assessment 

Program 

Details of All Items

(In order by Reference Key)

510 INTERNATIONAL 

510-1 Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) 

Background/Discussion: 

The MRA between Measurement Canada (MC) and NTEP labs originated April 1, 1994. Since that time, the 

original MRA has expanded, and a second MRA covering measuring devices was developed. On Tuesday 

July 19, 2011, NCWM Chairman Mr. Tyson and MC President Mr. Johnston signed a renewal MRA that combines 

the weighing and measuring devices into one document and provides for continued cooperation between the two 

organizations and continuation of the beneficial partnership. The new MRA is effective for five years. 

The scope of the current MRA includes: 

 gasoline and diesel dispensers; 

 high-speed dispensers; 

 gasoline and diesel meters intended to be used in fuel dispensers and truck refuelers; 

 electronic computing and non-computing bench, counter, floor, and platform scales with a capacity up to 

1000 kg (2000 lb); 
NTEP Committee 2014 Final Report 

NTEP - 4 

 weighing/load receiving elements with a capacity of up to 1000 kg (2000 lb); 

 electronic weight indicating elements (except those that are software based [i.e., programmed by 

downloading parameters]); and 

 mechanical scales up to 10 000 kg (20 000 lb). 

MC, NTEP, and all of our mutual stakeholders agree that the MRA is a benefit for the North American weights and 

measures industry. The NTEP Committee appreciates the efforts and cooperation of Measurement Canada. The 

Committee continues working with MC to explore the possibility of expanding the scope to include Multiple 

Dimension Measuring Devices (MDMD) and higher capacity scales. Technical obstacles have prevented inclusion 

of both MDMD and higher capacity scales for now, but NTEP and MC remain committed to continue to discuss 

expansion. NTEP also requested that tests conducted at manufacturers’ premises under the supervision of an NTEP 

evaluator be included in the scope of the MRA. MC expressed the desire to keep these evaluations outside the scope 

of the MRA for scales, load receiving elements, and electronic weight indicating elements. 

NCWM private sector members continue to reiterate their desire to see MDMD included under the MRA. MC and 

the NTEP Committee continue to discuss and evaluate matters regarding such an expansion of the MRA. During the 

2013 Annual Meeting, MC agreed to give further consideration to expansion of the MRA to include MDMDs and to 

recognition of data collected by NTEP evaluators at manufacturing facilities. During the 2014 Interim Meeting, MC 

expressed their interest in including MDMDs under the MRA. NTEP has notified the MDMD Work Group and has 

charged them with: 1) identifying differences in requirements and test procedures; 2) making recommendations to 

harmonize NIST Handbook 44 when appropriate; and 3) making recommendations to change NCWM Publication 

14 as deemed appropriate. 

Mettler-Toledo commented that their company has experienced MRA application issues due to differences in the 

test weights used for evaluation of high precision Class I and II balances. NTEP will discuss the issues with MC. 

During the 2014 Annual Meeting, MC announced their agreement to accept test data recorded by an NTEP evaluator 

at a manufacturer’s facility, as per the NTEP contingency plan, if the test site and test plan were agreed upon prior to 

testing. 

The NTEP Committee is in discussion with MC to include Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices (MDMD) in the 

MRA. MC is requesting that they be the primary laboratory for MDMD evaluations conducted under the MRA. The 

Committee is requesting input from U.S. manufacturers and the MDMD Work Group (WG). A meeting of the 

MDMD WG has been scheduled for October 28-29, 2014 in Reynoldsburg, OH. 

510-2 Mutual Acceptance Arrangement (MAA) 

Background/Discussion: 

Information regarding the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) MAA can be found at 

www.oiml.org/maa. NCWM has signed the OIML MAA Declaration of Mutual Confidence (DoMC) for 

Recommendation (R) 60 Load Cells as a utilizing participant. A utilizing participant is a participant which does not 

issue any OIML Certificate of Conformance (CC) nor OIML Test Reports and/or Test Reports under a DoMC but 

does utilize the reports issued by issuing participants. 

A meeting of the Committee on Participation Review (CPR) for R 60 and R 76 was held September 21 - 23, 2011, in 

Braunschweig, Germany. Dr. Ehrlich, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Office of Weights 

and Measures (OWM); Mr. Barton, NIST, OWM; and Mr. Truex, NCWM attended the meeting. A recent meeting 

of the CPR was hosted by NIST March 18 - 19, 2014, and was attended by Dr. Ehrlich, Mr. Barton, and Mr. Darrell 

Flocken, NCWM. 

The United States (NTEP) supported the OIML B 10 documents for the MAA with the provision that the use of 

manufacturer test data was clearly identified on the MAA test report because NTEP cannot use manufacturer test 

data towards issuance of an NTEP certificate. Consequently, the CIML voted and approved the Amendment to B 10 

to allow the inclusion of test data from manufacturers, on a strictly voluntary basis, at its October 2012 meeting in 
NTEP Committee 2014 Final Report 

NTEP - 5 

Bucharest, Romania. Dr. Ehrlich gave an update to the Committee during the 2013 Interim Meeting, reviewing the 

history of the above discussions, deliberations, and CIML votes, confirming that the outcomes aligned with the NTEP 

Committee's recommendations and the instructions provided by the NCWM Board of Directors.

Dr. Ehrlich requested in January 2013 that NCWM review its MAA policy regarding participation in R 76. The 

NCWM Board recapped the decision process to participate as a utilizing participant for R 60. Existing policy from 

2006 is not to participate in R 76 until NCWM is able to do so as an Issuing Participant. The Board revisited the 

2006 discussions leading to that decision, including considerations for NTEP labs’ workload, potential lost 

expertise, concerns with quality of evaluations at some foreign labs, etc. Dr. Ehrlich wanted NCWM to reconsider 

and, if there was no possibility in sight that the NCWM could become an Issuing Participant, then it should consider 

becoming a Utilizing Participant for OIML R 76. Some U.S. manufacturers support NCWM policy, but others 

would like to have one-stop shopping. The MAA also includes R 51 (water meters) and R 117 (RMFD) may be 

added soon. Since there are no new developments to effect the decision, the NCWM Board of Directors agree to 

maintain existing policy at this time. 

From January 2011 to June 2014, 32 NTEP certificates for load cells were issued under the MAA. The NTEP 

Administrator reviewed all MAA test data and drafted the CCs. 

520 ACTIVITY REPORTS 

520-1 NTEP Participating Laboratories and Evaluations Reports 

Background/Discussion: 

During the 2014 Annual Meeting, Mr. Truex, NTEP Administrator, updated the Committee on NTEP laboratory and 

administrative activities. 

The NTEP weighing and measuring laboratories held a joint meeting April 2 - 4, 2013, in Greensboro, North 

Carolina. The NTEP laboratories, NTEP Committee, and NCWM Board of Directors expressed appreciation to 

Gilbarco for allowing the NTEP measuring laboratories to utilize their facilities and equipment for hands on 

training. Special thanks were extended to Gordon Johnson and Gilbarco employees that participated in the training 

exercises. 

The NTEP weighing laboratories met in August 2013 prior to the meeting of the NTEP Weighing Sector in Albany, 

New York, and the NTEP measuring laboratories met in October 2013, prior to the NTEP Measuring Sector meeting 

in Charleston, West Virginia. The 2014 meeting of the NTEP Participating Laboratories was held April 1 - 3 in 

Albany, New York. 

In 2011 the Committee announced plans survey NTEP customers and NTEP laboratories regarding customer 

service. The survey is released to active CC holders. The Board routinely reviews the results of the survey to form 

a continuous improvement plan for NTEP. With any survey, the challenge is to develop a document that is concise 

enough that customers will respond, while also providing a meaningful set of data. To date, the NCWM Board of 

Directors is finding general approval of NTEP services. 

During the 2014 Annual Meeting, Mr. Truex updated the Committee on NTEP laboratory and administrative 

activities. The Committee reviewed NTEP statistics through June 2014. The review of statistics shows that 

incoming applications are relatively comparable to normal, and there exist no significant laboratory backlog issues. 

The State of Oregon has expressed their intent to pursue authorization as an NTEP Participating Field Laboratory for 

large capacity weighing devices. NTEP is working with Oregon toward that goal. 
NTEP Committee 2014 Final Report 

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520-2 NTEP Sector Reports 

Background/Discussion: 

All NTEP Sector reports were available to members at the time NCWM Publication 15 was published. The NTEP 

Committee is committed to ensuring that electronic versions of Sector reports are available with NCWM Publication 

15 in the future. Please note that the Sector reports will only be available in the electronic version of NCWM 

Publication 15 at ncwm.net/meetings/interim/archive; they will not be available in the printed versions of NCWM 

Publication 15. 

NTEP Belt-Conveyor Scale Sector: 

The NTEP Belt-Conveyor Scale Sector last met February 22 - 23, 2012, in St. Louis, Missouri. A final draft of the 

meeting summary was provided to the Committee prior to the 2013 NCWM Interim Meeting for review and 

approval (See Appendix B). A meeting for the Sector had been scheduled for February 19 - 20, 2013, in North 

Carolina. The meeting was cancelled due to a lack of significant NTEP agenda items; however, a meeting of the 

U.S. National Work Group was held.

The NTEP Belt-Conveyor Scale Sector meeting was held February 20, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For 

questions on the current status of Sector work or to propose items for a future meeting, please contact the Sector 

Technical Advisor: 

Technical Advisor 

Mr. John Barton 

NIST, OWM 

100 Bureau Drive, MS 2600 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899 

Phone: (301) 975-4002 

Fax: (301) 975-8091 

E-mail: john.barton@nist.gov 

NTEP Grain Moisture Meter and NIR Protein Analyzer Sectors: 

The NTEP Grain Moisture Meter and NIR Protein Analyzer Sectors held a joint meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, 

August 20 - 21, 2013. A draft of the final summary was provided to the Committee prior to the 2014 NCWM 

Interim Meeting for review and approval. (See Appendix C) 

The next meeting of the NTEP Grain Moisture Meter and NIR Protein Analyzer Sectors is scheduled for 

August 20 21, 2014, in Kansas City, Missouri. For questions on the current status of Sector work or to propose 

items for a future meeting, please contact the Sector Technical Advisor: 

Technical Advisor 

Ms. G. Diane Lee 

NIST, OWM 

100 Bureau Drive, MS 2600 

Gaithersburg, MD 20707 

Phone: (301) 975-4005 

Fax: (301) 975-8091 

E-mail: diane.lee@nist.gov 

NTEP Measuring Sector: 

The NTEP Measuring Sector met October 9 - 10, 2013, in Charleston, West Virginia. A draft of the final summary 

was provided to the Committee prior to the 2014 NCWM Interim Meeting for review and approval. (See 

Appendix D.) 

The next meeting of the NTEP Measuring Sector Meeting is scheduled for October 3 - 4, 2014, in Raleigh, North 

Carolina, in conjunction with the Southern Weights and Measures Association’s 2014 Annual Meeting. For 
NTEP Committee 2014 Final Report 

NTEP - 7 

questions on the current status of Sector work or to propose items for a future meeting, please contact the Sector 

Technical Advisor: 

Technical Advisor 

Mr. Clark Cooney 

NIST, OWM 

100 Bureau Drive, MS 2600 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899 

Phone: (301) 975-4615 

Fax: (301) 975-8091 

E-mail: clark.cooney@nist.gov 

NTEP Software Sector: 

The NTEP Software Sector met March 19 - 20, 2013, in Columbus, Ohio. A final draft of the meeting summary was 

provided to the Committee prior to the 2014 NCWM Interim Meeting for review and approval. (See Appendix E.) 

The next meeting of the NTEP Software Sector is scheduled for August 27 - 28, 2014, in Atlanta, Georgia. The first 

day of the meeting will be a joint meeting of the NTEP Weighing and Software Sectors. For questions on the 

current status of Sector work or to propose items for a future meeting, please contact the Sector Chair and/or the 

NTEP Administrator: 

Chair 

Mr. James Pettinato 

FMC Technologies Measurement Solutions, Inc. 

1602 Wagner Avenue 

Erie, PA 16510 

Phone: (814) 898-5250 

Fax: (814) 899-3414 

E-mail: jim.pettinato@fmcti.com 

NTEP Administrator 

Mr. Jim Truex 

NCWM 

1135 M Street, Suite 110 

Lincoln, NE 68508 

Phone: (740) 919-4350 

Fax: (740) 919-4348 

E-mail: jim.truex@ncwm.net 

NTEP Weighing Sector: 

The NTEP Weighing Sector met August 27 - 28, 2013, in Albany, New York. A final draft of the meeting summary 

was provided to the Committee prior to the 2014 NCWM Interim Meeting for review and approval (see 

Appendix F). 

The next NTEP Weighing Sector meeting is scheduled for August 26 - 27, 2014, in Atlanta, Georgia. The second 

day of the meeting will be a joint meeting of the NTEP Weighing and Software Sectors. For questions on the 

current status of Sector work or to propose items for a future meeting, please contact the Sector Technical Advisor: 

Technical Advisor 

Mr. Rick Harshman 

NIST, OWM 

100 Bureau Drive, MS 2600 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899 

Phone: (301) 975-8107 

Fax: (301) 975-8091 

E-mail: richard.harshman@nist.gov 

The NTEP Committee reviewed and approved all 2013 NTEP Sector reports during the 2014 Interim Meeting. 

The Board has approved a meeting of the Multiple Dimension Measuring Device Work Group for 

October 28 - 29, 2014, at the Ohio Department of Agriculture complex in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. For more 

information contact WG Chair Mr. Robert Kennington (rkennington@cubiscan.com), or NTEP Specialist 

Mr. Darrell Flocken (darrell.flocken@ncwm.net). 
NTEP Committee 2014 Final Report 

NTEP - 8 

530 CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM 

530-1 Conformity Assessment Program 

Background/Discussion: 

The Conformity Assessment Program was established to ensure devices produced after the device has been typeevaluated and certified by NTEP continue to meet the same requirements. This program has three major elements: 

1) Certificate Review (administrative); 2) Initial Verification (inspection and performance testing); and 3) Verified 

Conformity Assessment (influence factors). This item is included on the Committee’s agenda to provide an update 

on these elements. 

Certificate Review: 

Certificates are constantly under review by NTEP staff and laboratories. Many active certificates are amended 

annually because of manufacturer submission for evaluation or issues reported by the states pertaining to 

information on the certificate. When the devices are re-evaluated and certificates are amended, all information is 

reviewed and necessary steps are taken to assure compliance and that accurate, thorough information is reported on 

the certificate. 

In an effort to keep certificate information up to date, the Committee continues to offer an opportunity for active 

certificate holders to update contact information that is contained in the “Submitted By” box on certificates. This is 

offered during the payment period of their annual maintenance fee. Many Certificate of Conformance (CC) holders 

have taken advantage of the opportunity. 

Initial Verification (IV): 

The IV initiative is ongoing. Field enforcement officials perform an initial inspection and test on new installations 

on a routine basis. The Committee recognized that the states do not want IV reporting to be cumbersome. 

An IV report form has been developed. The Committee desired a simple form, perhaps web-based for use by state 

and local regulators. The form has been approved by the Committee and distributed to the states. A completed form 

can be submitted via mail, e-mail, fax, or online. The form is available to regulatory officials who are members of 

NCWM at www.ncwm.net/ntep/conformity/verification. 

During the 2014 Annual Meeting, NTEP acknowledged that the regulators have not bought into the IV report form. 

Industry representatives stated that IV is very important to ensure conformity assessment and the NCWM should 

push harder for reporting of non-compliance issues found during IV. 

VCAP: 

NCWM has been concerned about production meeting type and protecting the integrity of the NTEP CC since the 

inception of NTEP. The board has consistently reconfirmed its belief that conformity assessment is vital to NTEP’s 

continued success. 

Load cells traceable to NTEP certificates were selected for the initial assessment effort. NCWM elected to require a 

systems audit checklist that is to be completed by an outside auditor and submitted to NCWM per 

Section 221.3.3.3.5 of the VCAP requirements. A VCAP Systems Audit Checklist for Manufacturers and a VCAP 

Systems Audit Checklist for Private Label Certificate Holders have been developed and are available on the website 

at www.ncwm.net/ntep/conformity/vcap/checklists-faqs. Additionally, the Committee developed a new NCWM 

Publication 14, administrative policy to distinguish between the requirements for parent NTEP certificate holders 

(21.3.3.2) and private label certificate holders. The requirements in 21.3.3.7. track the private label checklist 

requirements: traceability to parent NTEP CC, traceability of the private label cell to a VCAP audit, purchase and 

sales records, plan to report non-conforming product and non-conforming product in stock, plan to conduct internal 

audits to verify non-compliance action, and internal audit records. 

As a result of VCAP activities, 24 load cell certificates, involving 12 different certificate holders, were changed to 

“inactive” status. 
NTEP Committee 2014 Final Report 

NTEP - 9 

In 2012, the Committee announced that the next device category is weighing/load receiving elements, 2000 lb 

capacity and less, using load cells that are not traceable to their own NTEP certificate. The following compliance 

timeline was developed for weighing/load receiving element CC holders with active certificates using non-NTEP 

load cells. The Committee encourages affected certificate holders to start the process immediately. 

NCWM/NTEP VCAP Compliance Timeline 

Weighing/Load Receiving Element, 2000 lb Capacity and Less Using Non-NTEP Load Cells 

January 2012 – 

Ongoing 

July 2012 – 

November 2013 

July 2012 – 

May 2014 

July 2012 – 

November 2013 December 2013 June 2014 

 NTEP to 

review and 

refine VCAP 

procedures 

 NTEP answers 

incoming 

questions 

 NTEP notifies 

active CC 

holders of 

VCAP 

requirements 

 Parent CC 

holders to put 

VCAP QM 

system in 

place 

 CC holder to 

have audit 

conducted by 

Certified Body 

 Submit audit 

report to 

NCWM/NTEP 

 Private Label 

CC holders to 

put VCAP QM 

system in 

place 

 CC holder to 

have audit 

conducted by 

Certified Body 

 Submit audit 

report to 

NCWM/NTEP 

 NTEP 

evaluates 

incoming 

audit reports 

 NTEP 

contacts CC 

holders not 

meeting 

VCAP 

requirements 

to encourage 

compliance 

 NCWM 

declares CCs 

inactive if 

Parent CC 

holder fails to 

comply with 

VCAP 

 NCWM 

declares CCs 

inactive if 

Private Label 

CC holder 

fails to 

comply with 

VCAP 

NTEP reported that 25 weighing element certificate holders (44 active NTEP CCs) were identified and all were 

notified. The following disclaimer has been advertised and communicated by NCWM: “NCWM is working to 

identify all active certificates for weighing elements 2000 lb capacity and less, using non-NTEP load cells. As a 

courtesy, certificate holders are being notified of VCAP requirements and the established timeline. Please note that 

the NCWM Board of Directors does not consider it to be NCWM's responsibility to notify all certificate holders and 

affected certificates. Certificate holders are responsible for reviewing their active NTEP certificates and compliance 

with VCAP.” As a result of VCAP, 13 certificates, involving 10 different certificate holders, were declared inactive 

January 1, 2014.

The Committee has received letters, questions, and many other inquiries pertaining to VCAP. The Committee has 

worked diligently to answer the questions submitted in a very timely manner. The Committee knows that additional 

questions will be posed as VCAP progresses. Certificate holders and other interested parties are encouraged to 

submit written questions to the NTEP Committee. The Committee is pleased to report that it has been successful in 

answering all the questions to date. Clerical changes have been made to affected VCAP documents as deemed 

necessary. 

The Committee had discussions about the required number of audits for facilities that manufacture multiple device 

types. For example, if a company had successful audits for two device types, they might submit a request for a 

delay from audit requirements for remaining device types, stating that they are all subjected to the same processes 

and will be audited in the next cycle. The Committee agreed to the request in principal and directed the NTEP 

Administrator to develop NCWM policy language for consideration during the next Board meeting. As a result the 

following policy was adopted by the NCWM Board in October 2013.

Adding Device Categories to VCAP: 

Purpose: To establish criteria for NTEP and NTEP certificate holders who have successfully completed a VCAP 

audit in the proper response when a new device category is added to the VCAP. 

Background: It has come to the attention of the NTEP Committee that when a new device category is added to the 

VCAP, the addition might create a potential problem for NTEP certificate holders who have already successfully 

completed a VCAP audit. The request submitted asks NTEP to recognize previous VCAP audits when adding new 

device types to the VCAP. It makes sense to allow certificate holders, who have already successfully completed a 
NTEP Committee 2014 Final Report 

NTEP - 10 

VCAP certification audit, to cover the new device category under their existing quality management system until the 

due date of their next VCAP audit. Once all the device types have been added, the question will become moot 

within three years since the next regularly scheduled audit will address all device types within that facility. 

Likewise, NTEP already applies the same philosophy when a new model is introduced by the same certificate 

holder. That is, the new model is considered covered by the audit because it is a process audit, not a device 

evaluation. This effectively allows a certificate holder to conduct a single audit for all device categories under the 

VCAP umbrella. 

Policy: 

When a new device category is added to the VCAP requirement, NTEP will recognize the current VCAP 

audit certification in effect, submitted by a certificate holder, for the same certificate holder and same 

production facility(s), to cover the new device category, continue the manufacturing process for devices 

covered by NTEP certificates in the newly added device category, until the due date of the next VCAP 

audit. 

Example: If a company had successful audits for two device types, they might submit a request for 

exemption from audit requirements for remaining device types, stating that they are all subjected to the 

same quality management system and will be included in the next audit cycle. The next VCAP audit must 

be done within three years of the last audit and address all applicable device types produced within that 

facility.

Seven weighing device categories subject to influence factors, as defined in NIST Handbook 44, were identified and 

are subject to VCAP audits. The VCAP process requirement is ongoing for load cells and weighing elements that 

use non-NTEP load cells. Certificate holders for these device types are encouraged to take note that the NTEP 

Committee and NCWM Board is seriously considering the application of the VCAP requirement to all five 

remaining categories in the very near future. If and when the VCAP requirements are applied, the certificate holder 

would be required to have an on-site audit of the manufacturer's quality system and on-site random and/or review of 

a production device by an outside auditor to verify compliance with VCAP. Certificate holders are encouraged to 

research the VCAP requirements on the NCWM website under the NTEP, Conformity Assessment section. 

Certificate holders are encouraged to review the VCAP requirements applicable to their devices and report concerns 

to the NTEP Committee. It is important to reiterate that the NCWM Board of Directors does not consider it to be 

NCWM's responsibility to notify all certificate holders. Certificate holders are responsible for reviewing their active 

NTEP certificates and compliance with VCAP. 

An NTEP Committee proposal to expand VCAP was advertised prior to the Annual Meeting, on the NCWM 

website and during this Annual Meeting via a handout. The Committee was strongly considering inclusion into the 

Verified Conformity Assessment Program of Electronic Weighing Instruments and Main Elements with capacities 

≤ 2000 lbs of the following Device Types: 

 Complete Scales*, 

 Indicating Elements, 

 Automatic Weighing Systems, 

 Weighing/Load Receiving Elements, 

 Belt-Conveyor Scales, and 

 Automatic Bulk Weighing Systems. 

This includes both Manufacturers and Private Label Holders of Certificates of Conformance (CC) for these Device 

Types. 

*The category of complete scales includes types such as but not limited to Computing, Non-computing Point of 

Sale, Crane, Monorail, Hopper, and Grain Test Scales. 
NTEP Committee 2014 Final Report 

NTEP - 11 

During the 2014 Annual Meeting, the Committee heard objections from several companies to expanding VCAP to 

all the device types. The Committee also heard objections to weighing/load receiving elements being included on 

the list of device types. It became obvious to the Committee that there is a difference in interpretation stemming 

from the conflicting list of device types in Publication 14 Administrative Policy (specifying weighing/load receiving 

elements using non-NTEP load cells) versus the list of devices to be tested for influence factors in Publication 14, 

DES, Technical Policy (specifying weighing /load receiving elements). 

The Committee decided to only include indicating elements at this time and approved developed timeline below. 

Certificate holders should take notice that the other categories will be considered and may be added in the very near 

future. The Committee will continue to take comments pertaining to the weighing elements conflict and ask the 

NTEP Weighing Sector for input. 

NCWM/NTEP VCAP Compliance Timeline 

Indicating Elements

Jan 2015 – 

March 2015 

Jan 2015 – 

May 2016 

Jan 2015 – 

Nov 2016 

Jan 2015 – 

Dec 2016 Jun 2016 Dec 2016 

NTEP notifies 

active CC holders 

of VCAP 

requirements 

Parent CC holders 

to put VCAP QM 

system in place 

Private Label CC 

holders to put 

VCAP QM 

system in place 

NTEP evaluates 

incoming audit 

reports 

NCWM 

declares CCs 

inactive if 

Parent CC 

holder fails to 

comply with 

VCAP 

NCWM declares 

CCs inactive if 

Private Label 

CC holder fails 

to comply with 

VCAP CC holder to have 

audit conducted 

by Certified Body 

CC holder to 

have audit 

conducted by 

Certified Body 

NTEP contacts 

CC holders not 

meeting VCAP 

requirements to 

encourage 

compliance Submit audit 

report to 

NCWM/NTEP 

Submit audit 

report to 

NCWM/NTEP 

540 NCWM PUBLICATION 14 – NTEP ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 

540-1 20.3.1.1. Certification Body’s Responsibilities

Source: 

NTEP Committee 

Purpose: 

Clarify that NCWM employees may perform VCAP audits under the NTEP Conformity Assessment Program. 

Item under Consideration: 

Amend NCWM Publication 14, Administrative Policy as follows: 

21.3.3 NTEP Verified Conformity Assessment Program Procedures 

Many NTEP certified devices must meet NIST Handbook 44 requirements for influence factors. It 

is not possible to verify these requirements during the Initial Verification in the field. Therefore, 

manufacturers of metrological devices (instruments) and/or components (modules) which are subject 

to influence factors, as defined in NIST Handbook 44, must have a Verified Conformity Assessment 

Program (VCAP) in place to ensure that these metrological devices and/or components are produced 

to perform at a level consistent with that of the device and/or component previously certified. The 

Verified Conformity Assessment Program audit will be at one or more sites as required to verify 

compliance. 
NTEP Committee 2014 Final Report 

NTEP - 12 

For weighing devices that are subject to influence factors, NTEP will require an initial on-site audit 

of the manufacturer’s quality system and on-site random testing and/or review of a production 

device(s) (instrument(s)) by the Registrar or an NCWM authorized technical employee to verify 

that all items listed below are currently implemented and functioning to verify compliance to the 

appropriate sections of NIST Handbook 44. 

It is important for NTEP to know the types of devices included in the VCAP audit and it is for this 

reason that the certificate holder shall prepare a controlled quality management system (QMS) 

document listing the range of parameters that cover the devices included in the audit. The certificate 

holder shall include in this document all certificates and device parameters (For example: different 

models, capacities, e-min, n-max, sizes etc.) for the applicable device category. For example, in a 

load cell audit, a range of capacities of the load cells included in the audit shall be listed in the 

report. This document shall be available for the VCAP auditor and NTEP upon request and may be 

included as an annex to the audit report if desired. 

21.3.3.3 Certification Body’s Responsibilities and NCWM Technical Employee 

Responsibilities: 

21.3.3.3.1 The selected Certification Body is to be accredited by ANSI-ASQ National 

Accreditation Board (ANAB). The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board is the 

U.S. accreditation body for management systems. ANAB accredits certification 

bodies (CBs) for ISO 9001 quality management systems (QMS) and ISO 14001 

environmental management systems (EMS), as well as a number of industryspecific requirements, or equivalent. 

21.3.3.3.2 With accreditation to Standard Industry Classification (SIC) codes (3596/3821) or 

equivalent. 

Sequence Number 2007 NAICS, U.S. Code 2007 NAICS U.S. Title 

847 333997 Scale and Bench Manufacturing 

21.3.3.3.3 The selected Certification Body shall have international auditors available. 

21.3.3.3.4 The Certification Body or NCWM technical employee is required to notify 

NCWM when a major breakdown of the NTEP CC holder’s VCAP program is 

found. 

21.3.3.3.5 The Certification Body or NCWM technical employee shall submit a completed 

“Systems Audit Checklist” to NCWM. Submitted documents must contain a clear 

statement of compliance as a result of the VCAP audit. 

Background/Discussion: 

NCWM has hired a new employee who will serve in many facets of the NTEP Activities. One such activity is the 

Verified Conformity Assessment Program. In addition to reviewing the audit reports submitted to NCWM, the 

employee will also be available to follow up on audits and conduct VCAP audits. NCWM has establish fees 

comparable to those of other organizations providing similar services to ensure that it is not underpricing and putting 

those organizations at a competitive disadvantage on pricing. 

As VCAP expands to reach the full scope of the NTEP Administrative Policy in Publication 14 there may be a lack 

of available auditors to meet the demand. Audits are required every three years at each facility and many are in 

process now of undergoing their second audits. 

During the 2014 Annual Meeting, the Committee heard comments complimenting the actions taken by NCWM and 

heard a request that the supplemental guide go into more detail pertaining to the test sample selection criteria. 

NTEP is working to improve the guide. 
NTEP Committee 2014 Final Report 

NTEP - 13 

550 OTHER ITEMS – DEVELOPING ITEMS 

550-1 D NTEP Contingency Plan 

Source: 

NTEP Committee 

Purpose: 

NTEP Contingency Plan was created to keep NTEP operating and to ensure that NTEP services are available at an 

adequate level including an appropriate number of laboratories and personnel (evaluators) to maintain viable support 

for NTEP services, including MRAs, MAAs, and potentially to be an R 76 Issuing Participant. 

Item Under Consideration: 

The NTEP Committee discussed contingency planning for continuity of NTEP operations. With the state of today’s 

economy, one of the NTEP-authorized labs could close due to government budget cuts. How would NTEP maintain 

workflow? Are there additional states interested in applying to become an NTEP field lab or an NTEP brick-andmortar lab? The 2014 hiring of an NTEP Specialist helps with contingency concerns. The Committee continues to 

discuss these issues during long-range planning sessions and welcomes comments from the membership. 

Background/Discussion: 

The Committee continues to consider whether NCWM should: 

1. Have additional evaluators under contract to conduct testing at manufacturers’ facilities and assist state 

NTEP laboratories? 

2. Have an NCWM brick and mortar NTEP laboratory and NTEP evaluators? 

3. Use a private third party laboratory to conduct NTEP evaluations? 

4. OIML MAA Participation as an issuing or utilizing participant. 

The Committee has heard testimony expressing support and concerns pertaining to the options. Several stated that 

the Committee should consider adding OIML MAA participation as a Utilizing Participant to the list. Others have 

urged the Committee to continue working on the idea of NCWM NTEP evaluators, an NCWM NTEP lab, and 

keeping all options open. One member asked the Committee to consider accepting manufacturer compliance data in 

lieu of hiring NTEP contractors. Another suggestion from the floor was to consider strengthening and utilizing IV 

as part of the NTEP process. A representative of a state brick and mortar NTEP laboratory asked the Committee to 

move cautiously forward and not destroy the state NTEP labs. He expressed concern that the establishment of an 

NCWM NTEP brick and mortar lab could lead to significant legal complications for the states. 

The Committee continues to reiterate to the membership that, at this time, the preferred course of action would be 

the option of evaluators under contract or use NCWM NTEP staff to assist the laboratories. The Committee 

recognizes the commitment that the states with NTEP laboratories have made over the years and would only resort 

to contingency measures in the event of a severe loss of state lab resources. Labs are handling current demands 

without a need for contingency measures. The Committee is updated on the status of the participating laboratories, 

personnel, and backlog on a quarterly basis and will continue to keep NTEP contingency a priority. 

Mr. Stephen Benjamin, North Carolina | Committee Chair 

Mr. John Gaccione, Westchester County, New York | NCWM Chairman

Mr. Ron Hayes, Missouri | Chairman-Elect 

Mr. James Cassidy, City of Cambridge, Massachusetts | Member 

Mr. Jerry Buendel, Washington State | Member 

Mr. Jim Truex, NCWM | NTEP Administrator 

National Type Evaluation Program Committee 
NTEP Committee 2014 Final Report 

NTEP - 14 

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