Approved analytical balances, also called legal for trade analytical balances, are analytical balances that are subject to the local, legal requirements of "non-automatic weighing instruments", as defined in OIML R76. For approved analytical balances, the net weighing results must comply with a higher level of control. The term "approved balance" includes legal-for-trade (LFT) balances, certified balances, and registered balances. Approved balances support consumer protection and fair trade and may be required in the following cases: In certain countries, all balances need to be approved Financial transactions based on weight (e.g. vegetables in a supermarket) Weight-based pharmaceutical or medicinal applications (e.g. balance used for drug formulation)  In a court of law where a quantity needs to be determined precisely (e.g. mass of illegal drugs)