NIST OWM Study Guide-Packaging & Labeling Page 1 of 11 Rev 04/17/20

NIST, Office of Weights and Measures

Study Guide

for

Packaging and Labeling Inspections

and Method of Sale

NIST OWM Study Guides are designed for use by weights and measures officials and service personnel 

to enhance and strengthen their knowledge of specific areas of legal metrology inspection and testing. 

These study guides are not intended to be a comprehensive summary of all training and development 

opportunities recommended for inspectors working in a specific topic area. Rather, they are intended 

to help individuals in their professional development by targeting the use of information and resources 

available on the NIST OWM website. Study guides are particularly ideal for use by individuals who are 

working remotely and are striving to enhance and strengthen their technical knowledge.

Included in this study guide are:

• An overview of resources available on the NIST OWM website, including self-study course 

material; videos; and newsletter articles and guidance documents on legal metrology issues.

• Suggestions for how each of these resources might be used for either independent, individual 

study or by groups of inspectors/service personnel led by an instructor or supervisor.

• Information on other training opportunities, including both on-line training and in-person 

instructor-led training and other resources for professional development.

We hope you find this guide useful in your continued development as a legal metrology professional. 

Please contact NIST OWM at owm@nist.gov if you have questions about this guide or suggestions for 

its improvement.

I. Reference Documents

The following provides links on the NIST OWM website to the current editions of NIST Handbooks 

and/or other documents specifically relevant to the inspection and testing of packaged goods. 

These documents are available for viewing or downloading at no charge. Some documents are 

available for download either in entirety or in individual sections. Note that your state may adopt 

earlier editions of the NIST Handbooks.
NIST OWM Study Guide-Packaging & Labeling Page 2 of 11 Rev 04/17/20

1. NIST HB 130, Uniform Laws and Regulations in the Areas of Legal Metrology and Fuel 

Quality

Current Edition:

https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/publications/nisthandbooks/other-nist-handbooks/other-nist-handbooks-2-1

Earlier Editions from 2005 to Current:

https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/publications/nisthandbooks/other-nist-handbooks/other-nist-handbooks-2

2. NIST Handbook 133, Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods

Current Edition:

https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/publications/nisthandbooks/other-nist-handbooks/other-nist-handbooks-2-0

Earlier Editions from 1986 to Current:

https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/publications/nisthandbooks/other-nist-handbooks/other-nist-handbooks-2

II. Newsletter Articles – NIST OWM

NIST OWM staff have developed newsletter articles on a variety of technical topics over the years; 

many of these articles are available for review and/or download from the NIST OWM web site. 

The following articles, listed alphabetically by topic along with the NIST OWM web site link, are 

relevant to the inspection of the net contents of packaged goods and package labeling. Each article 

takes approximately 10-20 minutes to read.

1. Additives to Meat and Poultry – Product Labeling

Changes for Product Labeling for Meats and Poultry with Added Solutions – June 2015

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/04/26/f-039.pdf
NIST OWM Study Guide-Packaging & Labeling Page 3 of 11 Rev 04/17/20

2. Animal Bedding – Proposed Revisions to Method of Sale and Test Procedures

See Method of Sale – Animal Bedding and Peat Moss – Proposed Revisions

Also see NIST Handbook 130, Method of Sale in NIST HB130 – Animal Bedding and NIST 

HB 133 Test Procedure for Animal Bedding (Section 3.15) and Peat Moss (Section 3.9)

3. Baler Twine – Corrections to NIST Handbook 133

Technical Correction to NIST Handbook 133, 2015 Edition – June 2015

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/04/26/wmconnection-vol6-

issue4-june25-2015.pdf

4. Display of Packages - Retail Stores

The Display of Packages in Retail Stores and the Principal Display Panel Requirement

for Packaged Goods – Winter 2017 

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/12/18/wmconnections-vol8-

issue4-dec2017.pdf

5. Education and Outreach – Retailer Compliance Through Outreach

Ideas for Obtaining Retailer Compliance Through Education and Outreach – September 

2008 (Article F-025)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/04/28/F-025.pdf

6. Fair Packaging and Labeling Act – Inclusion of NIST Handbook 133 Conversion Tables

NIST Handbook 133 Conversion Tables Incorporated into FTC’s Fair

Packaging and Labeling Act – March 2016 (Article F-043)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/04/26/F-043.pdf

7. Fair Packaging and Labeling Act – Metric Labeling

Updated Proposal to Amend the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) – Fall 

2018 (Pg. 5)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2018/10/04/wmconnections-vol9-

issue2-oct2018.pdf

and

https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/OWMWP/NIST.OWMWP.06-13-2018.pdf
NIST OWM Study Guide-Packaging & Labeling Page 4 of 11 Rev 04/17/20

8. Inspection Practices – Net Content Inspections, Location

Net Content Inspections - What and Where to Test – May 2004 (Article F-014)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/04/28/F-014.pdf

9. Inspection Practices – Polyethylene Bags for Produce

Regulatory Requirements for Fruits and Vegetables – March 2007 (Article F-022)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/04/28/F-022.pdf

10. Labeling – Consumer and Non-Consumer

Package and Labeling Differences Consumer vs. Non-consumer – March 2010

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/30/f-028.pdf

11. Labeling – Consumer and Non-Consumer

Consumer and Non-Consumer Labeling – October 2017

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/10/03/wmconnections-vol8-

issue3-oct22017.pdf

12. Labeling – Ink Jet Cartridges

Ink Jet Cartridge Labeling, Is Count Enough? – March 2005 (Article F-017)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-017.pdf

13. Labeling – Metric Only – UPLR Amendment

NCWM Amends UPLR to Allow Metric-Only Labeling – August 1999 (Article F-002)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-002.pdf

14. Labeling – Metric Only Option

Providing the Option for Metric-Only Labeling – August 2001 (Article F-004)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-004.pdf

15. Labeling – Metric Only – EU Directive and Industry Transition

Updating U.S. Packaging and Labeling Laws – May 2002 (Article F-007)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-007.pdf
NIST OWM Study Guide-Packaging & Labeling Page 5 of 11 Rev 04/17/20

16. Labeling – Metric Only

Proposed Rules Would Allow Metric Only Labeling for Some Products – March 2011

(Article F-029)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/04/26/f-029.pdf

17. Labeling – Non-Consumer Packages

Labeling Non-Consumer Packages – February 2004 (Article F-011)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-011.pdf

18. Labeling – Nutrition Labeling and Education Act

Federal Involvement in Net Content Inspection – November 2001 (Article F-005)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-005.pdf

19. Labeling – Nutrition Labeling and Education Act

Net Content Inspections - Federal Requirements – May 2004 (Article F-013)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/04/28/F-013.pdf

20. Labeling – Plants and Shrubs

Planting Season is Here! How Can Consumers Identify the Best Value? – June 2013

(Article F-032)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/30/f-032.pdf

21. Labeling – Principle Display Panels

Principal Display Panels on Random Packages – June 2014 (Article F-034)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/30/f-034.pdf

22. Labeling – Small Products

Reduced Space Symbology- Big News for Small Product Identification (Article F-003)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-003.pdf

23. Labeling – Store-Packed Packages

Labeling Requirements for Packages Labeled Using In-Store Scales – March 2016, Issue 

1 (Article F-041)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/pml/wmd/pubs/2016/03/23/F041.pdf
NIST OWM Study Guide-Packaging & Labeling Page 6 of 11 Rev 04/17/20

24. Method of Sale - Animal Bedding and Peat Moss – Proposed Revisions

The Office of Weights and Measures Proposes Revisions to the Method of Sale for Animal 

Bedding and Recommends New Test Procedures and Test Measures for Use in Verifying 

the Quantity Declarations on Packages of Peat Moss and Animal Bedding – February 

2015

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/WMConnection-Vol6-

Issue2-Feb19-2015.pdf

Also see NIST Handbook 130, Method of Sale in NIST HB130 – Animal Bedding and NIST 

HB 133 Test Procedure for Animal Bedding (Section 3.15) and Peat Moss (Section 3.9)

25. Method of Sale – Bag on Valve Technology

NCWM Affirms Method of Sale for “Products Sold in Pressurized Containers Using Bag on 

Valve Technology ” – December 2014

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/30/f-037.pdf

26. Method of Sale - Compressed and Liquefied Gas in Cylinders

NIST Handbook 130, Method of Sale, 2.16. Compressed or Liquefied Gases in Refillable 

Cylinders– March 2018

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2018/03/01/wmconnections-vol9-

issue1-mar2018.pdf

27. Packaging Practices – Display of Packages

See Display of Packages – Retail Stores

28. Packaging Practices – Non-Consumer Packages

Non-Consumer Packages in the Consumer Marketplace – February 2004 (Article F-012)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-012.pdf

29. Packaging Practices – Polyethylene Bags for Produce

See Inspection Practices – Polyethylene Bags for Produce

30. Packaging Practices – Seafood, Fraudulent Practices

Seafood Alert! – Winter 2009 (Article F-026)

https://www.nist.gov/document/f-026doc

31. Packaging Practices – Seafood, Fraudulent Practices - Update

Seafood Fraud – Where Are We Now? – December 2011 (Article f-031)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/30/f-031.pdf
NIST OWM Study Guide-Packaging & Labeling Page 7 of 11 Rev 04/17/20

32. Packaging Practices – Tare Procedures, Industry

Report of Meeting on Tare – November 2005 (Article F-019)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-019.pdf

33. Peat Moss – Proposed Revisions to Method of Sale and Test Procedures

See Method of Sale – Animal Bedding and Peat Moss – Proposed Revisions

Also see NIST Handbook 130, Method of Sale in NIST HB130 – Animal Bedding and NIST 

HB 133 Test Procedure for Animal Bedding (Section 3.15) and Peat Moss (Section 3.9)

34. Standards – Field Standards, Calibration Intervals

NIST-suggested Field Standards & Calibration Intervals – August 2005 (Article F-018)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-018.pdf

35. Standards – Field Test Standards

Field Standards for Weights and Measures – April 2013

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/WMConnections-Vol4-

Issue2-April-2013.pdf

36. Standards – Documentary, NIST Handbook 133

Intent and Scope of NIST Handbook 133 – August 2002 (Article F-008)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-008.pdf

37. Standards – Thermometers

NIST Launches New Website to Educate Industry About Alternatives to Mercury 

Thermometers – March 2013, Issue 1

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/WMConnections-Vol4-

Issue1-Feb-25-2013.pdf

38. Test Procedures – Animal Bedding and Peat Moss

The Office of Weights and Measures Proposes Revisions to the Method of Sale for Animal 

Bedding and Recommends New Test Procedures and Test Measures for Use in Verifying 

the Quantity Declarations on Packages of Peat Moss and Animal Bedding – February 

2015

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/WMConnection-Vol6-

Issue2-Feb19-2015.pdf
NIST OWM Study Guide-Packaging & Labeling Page 8 of 11 Rev 04/17/20

Also see NIST Handbook 130, Method of Sale in NIST HB130 – Animal Bedding and NIST 

HB 133 Test Procedure for Animal Bedding (Section 3.15) and Peat Moss (Section 3.9)

39. Test Procedures - Chamois

Test Procedure for Checking the Area Measurement of Chamois Revised – March 2020

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/13/Weights%26Measures

Connection_Vol10-Issue1_2.pdf

See NIST Handbook 133, Section 4.8. for the latest version (2019) 

40. Test Procedures – Chitterlings

Announcing the Availability of a Draft Procedure for Determining the Amount of Purge 

from Chitterlings – August 2014

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/30/f-036.pdf

See NIST Handbook 133, Section 2.7. for the latest version (2015)

41. Test Procedures – MAVs – USDA Products

MAVs and USDA Products – August 2004 (Article F-015)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-015.pdf

42. Test Procedures – MAVs – USDA Products, Clarifications

USDA Clarifies MAVs – March 2005 (Article F-016)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-016.pdf

43. Test Procedures – Moisture Loss Allowances

Moisture Loss: What is it? How much is allowed? – February 2002 (Article F-006)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-006.pdf

44. Test Procedures – Moisture Loss Allowances

Moisture Allowance—The Official’s Nemesis; Industry’s Nightmare! – March 2006 

(Article F-021)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-021.pdf

45. Test Procedures – Packages, Largest Declared Unit

Package Testing Based on the Largest of the Declared Quantities – September 2013

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/30/f-030.pdf
NIST OWM Study Guide-Packaging & Labeling Page 9 of 11 Rev 04/17/20

46. Test Procedures – Tare, Stored Tare

Tare Verification “Ensuring the Accuracy of Pre-Packaged Tare” – September 2011

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/wmconnections-vol2-

issue6-sept2011-ver3_wmconnections.pdf

47. Test Procedures – Tare, Wax on Cheese

Is the Wax Coating on Cheese Considered Tare? – June 2008 (Article F-024)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/F-024.pdf

48. Test Procedures – Softwood Lumber

Testing Softwood Lumber – February 2017

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/02/09/wmconnections-vol8-

issue1-feb9-2017.pdf

See NIST Handbook 133, Section 4.11. for the latest version (2019)

49. Test Procedures - Compressed Gas in Cylinders

Update for the Test Procedure for 3.13. Determining Net Contents of Compressed Gas in 

Cylinders – March 2018

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2018/03/01/wmconnections-vol9-

issue1-mar2018.pdf

General:

50. Accuracy of Measurement

Measure for Measure – Does Accuracy Matter to You? – July 2016

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/pml/wmd/pubs/2016/06/30/WMC

onnections-Vol7-Issue4-July2016.pdf

51. International System of Units (SI) – Adoption in State Law

Adoption of the SI in State Law – March 2016, (Issue 1. Pg. 4)

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/pml/wmd/pubs/2016/03/08/WMC

onnection-Vol7-Issue1-7Mar2016.pdf

52. International System of Units (SI) – Evolution

World Metrology Day May 20, 2018 - Constant Evolution of the International System of 

Units (SI) – March 2018
NIST OWM Study Guide-Packaging & Labeling Page 10 of 11 Rev 04/17/20

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2018/03/01/wmconnections-vol9-

issue1-mar2018.pdf

NIST OWM is continually developing new articles, so be sure to consult our website for any articles 

that may have been added since the issuance of this study guide. Articles organized by topic area 

such as “weighing” or “packaging and labeling” or “metrology” or other technical areas can be 

found at the following address:

https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/weights-and-measuresnewsletter-archives

Complete newsletters published from 2010 to present can be found at the following address:

https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/weights-and-measuresconnection-newsletter-archive

III. Instructor-Led Training Opportunities

1. Webinars

NIST OWM periodically offers webinars and on-line presentations on a variety of topics related 

to legal metrology, including the inspection activity covered in this guide. OWM is currently 

working to increase its offerings of webinars related to the inspection and testing of 

commercial weighing and measuring devices. Be sure to consult our calendar of events to 

determine if there are any upcoming offerings related to the inspection activity covered in this 

study guide.

https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/about-owm/calendar-events

2. In-Person Training Events

NIST OWM periodically offers classroom-based training classes at various places around the 

U.S. Typically hosted by a weights and measures agency, this training ranges in duration from 

several days to a full week. Be sure to consult our calendar of events at the link referenced 

above for upcoming training events.

https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/about-owm/calendar-events
NIST OWM Study Guide-Packaging & Labeling Page 11 of 11 Rev 04/17/20

IV. Technical Guidance and Interpretations

1. NIST OWM Technical Staff

As always, NIST OWM staff are available to provide guidance and interpretations on technical 

issues related to legal metrology. All our technical staff are working remotely and remain 

available via email and phone. If you are holding a virtual meeting to discuss specific technical 

issues, for example, and would like our input on a particular point, we may be able to connect 

with you remotely. All International Legal Metrology work (OIML and other) is being 

maintained. For reference, our technical staff contact list is available on our web site at:

https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/about-owm/staff-and-technicalexperts-directory

2. NCWM Final Reports

Changes to NIST Handbooks 44, 130, and 133 are developed through the National Conference 

on Weights and Measures and voted on by state and local weights and measures officials. 

During the development of these changes, weights and measures officials, industry, NIST, and 

other stakeholders present and consider background information and key technical points 

regarding those changes and their anticipated impact. This information is documented in the 

final reports of the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) Specifications and 

Tolerances Committee (for NIST Handbook 44) and the NCWM Laws and Regulations 

Committee (for NIST Handbooks 130 and 133. The reports also include Committee 

recommendations; input from the NIST technical advisors; and the intended application of 

specific requirements in Handbooks 44, 130, and 133. The information in the NCWM reports 

can be helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of many of the specific Handbook 

requirements, including their intended application and associated changes over the years.

Reports issued from 2008 to present are posted on the NIST OWM website at the following 

link:

https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/publications/ncwm-annualreports

Copies of previous reports are available upon request from NIST OWM. A flash drive including 

all NCWM reports from 1905-2017 along with keyword search capability is also available upon 

request when NIST returns to normal operating status.