[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 245 (Friday, December 21, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65634-65637]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27600]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology


National Conference on Weights and Measures Interim Meeting

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Interim Meeting of the National Conference on Weights and 
Measures (NCWM) will be held in Charleston, South Carolina, from 
Sunday, January 13, 2019, through Wednesday, January 16, 2019. This 
notice contains information about significant items on the NCWM 
Committee agendas but does not include all agenda items. As a result, 
the items are not consecutively numbered.

DATES: The meeting will be held from Sunday, January 13, 2019, through 
Wednesday, January 16, 2019, on Sunday through Tuesday, from 8:00 a.m. 
to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and on Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 
p.m. Eastern Time. The meeting schedule is available at www.ncwm.net.

ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held at the Francis Marion Hotel, 387 
King Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Douglas Olson, NIST, Office of 
Weights and Measures, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2600, Gaithersburg, MD 
20899-2600. You may also contact Dr. Olson at (301) 975-2956 or by 
email at [email protected]. The meeting is open to the public, but 
a paid registration is required. Please see the NCWM website 
(www.ncwm.net) to view the meeting agendas, registration forms, and 
hotel reservation information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Publication of this notice on the NCWM's 
behalf is undertaken as a public service; NIST does not endorse, 
approve, or recommend any of the proposals or other information 
contained in this notice or in the publications produced by the NCWM.
    The NCWM is an organization of weights and measures officials of 
the states, counties, and cities of the United States, and 
representatives from the private sector and federal agencies. These 
meetings bring together

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government officials and representatives of business, industry, trade 
associations, and consumer organizations on subjects related to the 
field of weights and measures technology, administration, and 
enforcement. NIST participates to encourage cooperation between federal 
agencies and the states in the development of legal metrology 
requirements. NIST also promotes uniformity in state laws, regulations, 
and testing procedures used in the regulatory control of commercial 
weighing and measuring devices, packaged goods, and for other trade and 
commerce issues.
    The NCWM has established multiple committees, task groups, and 
other working bodies to address legal metrology issues of interest to 
regulatory officials, industry, consumers, and others. The following 
are brief descriptions of some of the significant agenda items that 
will be considered by some of the NCWM Committees at the NCWM Interim 
Meeting. Comments will be taken on these and other issues during 
several public comment sessions. At this stage, the items are 
proposals. This meeting also includes work sessions in which the 
Committees may also accept comments, and where recommendations will be 
developed for consideration and possible adoption at the NCWM 2019 
Annual Meeting. The Committees may withdraw or carryover items that 
need additional development.
    These notices are intended to make interested parties aware of 
these development projects and to make them aware that reports on the 
status of the project will be given at the Interim Meeting. The notices 
are also presented to invite the participation of manufacturers, 
experts, consumers, users, and others who may be interested in these 
efforts.
    The Specifications and Tolerances Committee (S&T Committee) will 
consider proposed amendments to NIST Handbook 44, ``Specifications, 
Tolerances, and other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring 
Devices.'' Those items address weighing and measuring devices used in 
commercial applications, that is, devices that are used to buy from or 
sell to the public or used for determining the quantity of products or 
services sold among businesses. Issues on the agenda of the NCWM Laws 
and Regulations Committee (L&R Committee) relate to proposals to amend 
NIST Handbook 130, ``Uniform Laws and Regulations in the area of Legal 
Metrology and Engine Fuel Quality'' and NIST Handbook 133, ``Checking 
the Net Contents of Packaged Goods.''

NCWM S&T Committee

    The following items are proposals to amend NIST Handbook 44:

GEN--General Code

Item GEN-3 G-A.1. Commercial and Law-Enforcement Equipment and G-S.2. 
Facilitation of Fraud
    The S&T Committee will consider a proposal that would expand the 
application of NIST Handbook 44 to include accessory equipment (e.g., 
credit/debit card ``skimmers) that can be used to defraud or collect 
unauthorized personal or financial information from a user when that 
accessory equipment is used in connection with a commercial weighing or 
measuring device. The proposal would also expand paragraph G-S.2. 
Facilitation of Fraud by requiring credit/debit card readers and other 
devices capable of customer initiated electronic financial transactions 
used in conjunction with weighing and measuring equipment to: (1) Be 
designed and constructed to restrict access and tampering by 
unauthorized persons; and (2) include an event counter that records the 
date and time of access.
    In 2018 the S&T Committee assigned this item to a NCWM Task Group 
for further development. The Task Group is expected to provide an 
update on its development of this item at the 2019 NCWM Interim 
Meeting.

SCL--Scales

Item SCL-2 S.1.8.5. Recorded Representations, Point of Sale Systems
    The S&T Committee will consider a proposal requiring additional 
sales information to be recorded by cash registers interfaced with a 
weighing element for items that are weighed at a checkout stand. These 
systems are currently required to record the net weight, unit price, 
total price, and the product class, or in a system equipped with price 
look-up capability, the product name or code number. The change 
proposed would add ``tare weight'' to the list of sales information 
currently required. This change has been proposed as a nonretroactive 
requirement with an enforcement date of January 1, 2022. If the 
proposal is adopted, the additional information (i.e., the tare weight) 
would be required to appear on the sales receipt for items weighed at a 
checkout stand (Point of Sale Systems) on equipment installed into 
commercial service as of January 1, 2022. This proposed change would 
not affect equipment already in service. The further development of 
this item was assigned to an NCWM Task Group in 2018 at the request of 
the S&T Committee. The Task Group is expected to provide an update on 
its development of this item at the 2019 NCWM Interim Meeting.
SCL-3 Sections Throughout the Code To Include Provisions for Commercial 
Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) Vehicle Scale Systems
    The S&T Committee will consider a proposal to amend various 
sections of NIST Handbook 44, Scales Code to address WIM vehicle scale 
systems used for commercial applications. This ``Carry-Over'' item has 
appeared on the S&T Committee's agenda since 2016. An NCWM Task Group 
(TG) was formed in 2016 at the request of the S&T Committee to consider 
a proposal that would expand the NIST Handbook 44, Weigh-In-Motion 
Systems Used for Vehicle Enforcement Screening--Tentative Code to also 
apply to legal-for-trade (commercial) and law enforcement applications. 
The TG, that is still active today, is made up of representatives of 
WIM equipment manufacturers, NIST Office of Weights and Measures, state 
weights and measures agencies, and others. Members of the TG agreed in 
2016 to eliminate from the proposal any mention of a law enforcement 
application and focus solely on WIM vehicle scale systems intended for 
use in commercial applications. Members of the TG later agreed that 
commercial application of WIM vehicle scale systems should be addressed 
by the Scales Code of NIST Handbook 44, rather than the Weigh-In-Motion 
Systems Used for Vehicle Enforcement Screening--Tentative Code. Recent 
activity by the TG has focused on providing evidence supporting the 
claims of WIM scale manufacturers regarding the performance 
capabilities of these devices. The TG has requested this evidence to 
indicate whether devices being manufactured at this time can comply 
with commercial device tolerance applied to comparable static weighing 
devices. The submitter of this proposal (a WIM manufacturer) has 
initiated a process where preliminary testing can be done to provide 
the TG with data to substantiate the claims regarding device 
performance.
    An additional focus of the TG, since its formation in 2016, has 
been to concentrate on the development of official test procedures that 
can be used to verify the accuracy of a WIM vehicle scale system given 
the different axle and tandem axle configurations of vehicles that will 
typically be weighed by a system and a proposed maintenance and 
acceptance tolerance of 0.2 percent on gross (total) vehicle weight. 
The TG is

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expected to provide an update on its development of this item at the 
2019 NCWM Interim Meeting.
Item SCL-6 UR.3.11. Class II Scales
    The S&T Committee will consider a proposal to add a new paragraph 
to the Scales Code of NIST Handbook 44 requiring users of Accuracy 
Class II scales equipped with a different verification scale division 
value (e) than the displayed division value (d) to base all commercial 
transactions on the verification scale division (e). When these two 
scale divisions (identified as ``e'' and ``d'') are different, a 
difference in scale's resolution is established. The variation in scale 
divisions within a scale's capacity range will produce either a 
reduced, or a greater resolution in the representation of values for 
loads applied to the scale. According to NIST Handbook 44, when these 
division values aren't equal on Class II scales, the value of ``e'' is 
required to be larger than the value of ``d.'' This proposal will 
require that all commercial transactions conducted using Class II 
scales will be based on ``e'' (the larger of the two divisions).
Item SCL-7 T.N.3.6. Coupled-In-Motion Railroad Weighing Systems; 
T.N.4.6. Time Dependence (Creep) for Load Cells During Type Evaluation; 
UR.5. Coupled-In-Motion Railroad Weighing Systems; and Appendix D--
Definitions: Point-Based Railroad Weighing Systems
    The S&T Committee will consider a new proposal (which replaces one 
from the same submitter that appeared on the Committee's agenda in 
2018) to amend the Scales Code of NIST Handbook 44 to allow for the use 
of point-based, in-motion railroad weighing systems in commercial 
applications. The current proposal has eliminated many of the changes 
proposed in the previous proposal but has retained recommended changes 
listed below.

--Increase the tolerance allowed during official testing of these types 
of commercial devices used for dynamic weighments of unit trains.
--Provide an exemption for ``point-based'' in-motion railroad weighing 
systems from the performance of ``creep tests'' during official 
evaluations.
--Require the user of dynamic weighing systems for railway cars to 
provide a suitable static weighing scale, located in close proximity to 
the dynamic system to use as a reference scale during dynamic scale 
testing.

    Provide a definition for ``point-based'' railroad weighing systems.

BCS--Belt-Conveyor Scales

Item BCS-1 S.1.3. Value of the Scale Division; S.1.9. Zero-Ready 
Indicator; S.4. Accuracy Class; S.5. Marking Requirements; N.1. 
General; N.2. Conditions of Test; T.1. Tolerance Values; T.2. Tolerance 
Values; and UR.3. Maintenance Requirements--Scale and Conveyor 
Maintenance
    The S&T Committee will consider a proposal amending the Belt-
Conveyor Scale Systems Code of NIST Handbook 44 in multiple sections of 
the code. This proposal has been submitted by the U.S. National Work 
Group on Belt-Conveyor Scales and recommends several changes to the 
existing code. Many of the recommended changes are intended to clarify 
the application of tolerances to material tests that are either 
performed under the same or under varying conditions. These changes 
specify that a less stringent application of tolerances is to be used 
when comparing results of totalization operations that are performed 
under different flow rates of material. Additional recommended changes 
would establish two different accuracy classes for these systems. In 
addition to the currently recognized systems, an accuracy class would 
be added to the code to encompass systems capable of complying with 
more stringent performance requirements (tolerance of 0.1%) as compared 
to the existing tolerance (0.25%).

ABW--Automatic Bulk Weighing Systems

Item ABW-3 A. Application; S. Specifications; N. Notes; UR. User 
Requirements; and Appendix D--Definitions: Automatic Bulk Weighing 
System
    The S&T Committee will consider a proposal to amend the Automatic 
Bulk Weighing Systems Code that would broaden the scope of the code to 
encompass additional automated weighing systems. This proposal would 
eliminate language in the Application Section of the code that 
currently constrains the code's use to automatic weighing systems that 
operate only as specified. The proposal would also amend the definition 
of ``automatic bulk weighing system'' in Appendix D of NIST Handbook 44 
by broadening its application to encompass additional automatic 
weighing systems that do not meet the current definition. Additionally, 
the proposal would update the code in recognition of more recent 
designs and technology that has evolved and is being used in automated 
weighing systems.

LMD--Liquid Measuring Devices

Item LMD-5 UR.3.4. Printed Ticket
    The S&T Committee will consider a proposal that would provide an 
exemption to the requirement that the identification of liquid 
measuring devices (e.g., dispenser #1) be included on a customer's 
receipt. This exemption would apply to establishments with a single 
dispenser having multiple meters or not more than one dispenser with a 
single meter for each product delivered.

LPG--Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Anhydrous Ammonia Liquid-Measuring 
Devices

Item LPG-2 S.2.5. Zero-Setback Interlock, Stationary and Vehicle 
Mounted Meters, Electronic
    The S&T Committee will consider a proposal to add a new 
nonretroactive paragraph (effective date to be determined) that 
requires both stationary and vehicle mounted electronic LPG and 
anhydrous ammonia liquid-measuring devices be designed with an 
automatic interlock system that must engage following completion of a 
delivery. The proposal specifies that the interlock system must prevent 
a subsequent delivery from occurring until such time the indicating 
elements and recording elements, if so equipped, have been reset to 
zero. The proposal also requires the automatic interlock system to 
activate within three minutes of product flow cessation and this 
``timeout'' feature be sealable at the indicator.

HGM--Hydrogen Gas-Measuring Devices

Item HGM-6 Tentative Code Status and Preamble; A.2.(c) Exceptions; N.2 
Test Medium; N.3. Test Drafts; N.4.1. Master Meter (Transfer) Standard 
Test; N.4.2. Gravimetric Tests; N.4.3. PVT Pressure Volume Temperature 
Test; N.6.1.1. Repeatability Tests; T.3. Repeatability; T.6. 
Tolerance--Minimum Measured Quantity (MMQ) and Appendix D. Definitions 
Where Applicable
    The S&T Committee will consider a proposal that would remove the 
tentative status of the existing code and make this a permanent code. 
With several amendments throughout this tentative code and in the 
Appendix D definitions relative to these devices, the proposal states 
this code has been sufficiently vetted and should now be made 
permanent.

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GMA--Grain Moisture Meters

Item GMA-2 Table S.2.5. Categories of Devices and Methods of Sealing
    The S&T Committee will consider a proposal that would require (on 
or after the effective date--TBD) grain moisture meters approved under 
the National Type Evaluation Program to comply with ``Category 3'' 
sealing methods. This electronic type of sealing would require an event 
logger and the ability to generate a printed copy of audit trail 
information that is available through the device or through another on-
site device.
Item GMA-3 Table T.2.1. Acceptance and Maintenance Tolerances Air Oven 
Method for All Grains and Oil Seeds
    The S&T Committee will consider a proposal that would reduce the 
tolerances applied to official grain samples used as reference 
standards established when using the Air Oven Reference Method.

MDM--Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices

Item MDM-2 S.1.7. Minimum Measurement
    The S&T Committee will consider a proposal that would amend 
requirement S.1.7. Minimum Measurement to also provide an exemption 
from that requirement for ``mobile tape-based'' MDMD devices. This 
proposal would allow measurements of less than 12 divisions made using 
mobile tape-based devices to be used in the calculation of charges for 
shipping of parcels.

NCWM L&R Committee

    The following items are proposals to amend NIST Handbook 130 or 
NIST Handbook 133:

NIST Handbook 130, Section on Uniform Method of Sale (MOS) of 
Commodities

Item MOS-7 Section 2.4. Firewood and Stove Wood
    The L&R Committee will address the request to extend the effective 
date of Section 2.4.3.(a) Packaged natural wood sold in packaged form 
in quantities less than 0.45 m\3\ (\1/8\ cord or 16 ft\3\). This could 
change the effective date of enforcement from 2019 until 2021.

NIST Handbook 130--Section on Uniform Open Dating Regulation (ODR)

Item ODR 1 and ODR NEW Section on Uniform Open Dating Regulation
    The L&R Committee will consider a proposal under Item ODR 1 to make 
changes to the language within the Open Dating Regulation. The Open 
Dating regulation provides requirements for standardized date formats 
found on perishable or semi perishable packaged foods. The proposed 
revisions replace ``Sell By'' with ``Use By'' which provides consumers 
with clearer guidance to avoid spoilage or loss of value for perishable 
or semi perishable foods.
    Under Item ODR NEW, the L&R Committee will consider a recommended 
proposal to remove the Open Dating Regulation in its entirety from NIST 
Handbook 130.

NIST Handbook 130 and NIST Handbook 133

    The following items are proposals to amend NIST Handbooks 130 and 
133:
Block 1 (B1) Items NIST Handbook 133, ``Checking the Net Contents of 
Packaged Goods,'' and NIST Handbook 130, Section on Uniform Packaging 
and Labeling Regulation (PLR), 2.8. Multiunit Package
    The L&R Committee will consider a proposal for to add a test 
procedure in NIST Handbook 133 for addressing the total quantity 
declaration on multiunit or variety packages. In addition, in NIST 
Handbook 130, it will clarify the definition of Section 2.8. multiunit 
package.

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 272(b).

Kevin A. Kimball,
Chief of Staff.
[FR Doc. 2018-27600 Filed 12-20-18; 8:45 am]
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