[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 122 (Monday, June 27, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38064-38067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-13541]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology


National Conference on Weights and Measures 107th Annual Meeting

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The 107th Annual Meeting of the National Conference on Weights 
and Measures (NCWM) will be held in Tacoma, Washington from Sunday, 
July 10, 2022, through Thursday, July 14, 2022. 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 2022 Annual Meeting will be held from Sunday, July 10, 2022, 
through Thursday, July 14, 2022. The meeting schedule is available on 
the NCWM website at www.ncwm.com.

ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held at the Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway 
Tacoma, Washington 98402.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Katrice Lippa, NIST, Office of 
Weights and Measures, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2600, Gaithersburg, MD 
20899-2600. You may also contact Dr. Lippa at (301) 975-3116 or by 
email at [email protected]. The meeting is open to the public, but 
the payment of a registration fee is required. Please see the NCWM 
website (www.ncwm.com) 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 and does not itself constitute 
an endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology 
(NIST) of the content of the notice. NIST participates in the NCWM as 
an NCWM member and pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 272(b)(10) and (c)(4) and in 
accordance with Federal policy (e.g., OMB Circular A-119 ``Federal 
Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus 
Standards'').
    The NCWM is an organization of weights and measures officials of 
the states, counties, and cities of the United States, and 
representatives from the

[[Page 38065]]

private sector and federal agencies. These meetings bring together 
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 hosted the first meeting of the NCWM in 1905. Since 
then, the conference has provided a model of cooperation between 
Federal, State, and local governments and the private sector. 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 Annual 
Meeting. Comments will be taken on these and other issues during 
several public comment sessions. At this stage, the items are 
proposals.
    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 2022 Annual 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'' (NIST Handbook 44 or HB 44). 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'' 
(NIST Handbook 130 or HB 130) and NIST Handbook 133, ``Checking the Net 
Contents of Packaged Goods'' (NIST Handbook 133 or HB 133).

NCWM S&T Committee (S&T 107th Annual Meeting)

    The following items are proposals to amend NIST Handbook 44:

FRN-2022 Annual Meeting (S&T Items)

Item Block 2 (B2) Define True Value for Use in Error Calculations
BLK-2: (SCL-20.3, SCL-20.4, SCL-20.5, SCL-20.6, SCL-20.7, and SCL-20.8)

    The S&T Committee will further consider a proposal that has been 
designated ``Assigned'' meaning that the Committee wants to allow more 
time for review by stakeholders and possibly further development to 
address concerns. This ``block'' proposal includes six individual items 
related to the application of NIST Handbook 44 requirements based on 
the values of a scale's verification scale division ``e'' or minimum 
scale division ``d''. Adoption of this proposal would have a 
significant impact on high-precision scales of Accuracy Class I and II, 
particularly in cases where the values of ``e'' and ``d'' are not 
equal. Whereas the classification and accuracy of a scale are currently 
based on a scale's verification scale division ``e'' in NIST Handbook 
44, when a scale's minimum scale division value ``d'' is different than 
its verification scale division ``e'' on Class I and II scales, the 
``d'' value is the smaller of the two and makes possible the reading of 
the indication to a significantly higher resolution.

Item Block 4 (B4) Electronically Captured Tickets or Receipts
BLK-4: (GEN-21.2, LMD-21.2, VTM-21.1, LPG-21.1, CLM-21.1, MLK-21.1, 
MFM-21.2, CDL-21.1, HGM-21.1, and OTH-21.2)

    The S&T Committee will further consider a proposal to allow for the 
expanded use of electronically captured tickets and receipts by 
amending NIST HB 44 Sections 1.10. General, 3.30. LMD, 3.31. VTM, 3.32. 
LPG, 3.34. CLM, 3.37. MFM, 3.38. CDL, 3.39. HGM, 3.35. Milk Meters, and 
the definition of ``recorded representation'' in Appendix D, 
Definitions. The Committee amended this carry-over block of items 
during the 2020 Interim Meeting based on comments it received 
expressing a continued need for printed tickets. As a result, the 
proposal now references NIST HB 44 paragraph G-S.5.6. Recorded 
Representation in various specific codes. At the 2021 NCWM Annual 
Meeting, this item remained ``Developing'' for further comment and 
consideration. At the 2022 Interim Meeting the S&T Committee again 
designated a ``Developing'' status for this block of items to provide 
stakeholders the opportunity for further review and additional comments 
on the various devices affected by this proposal.

LMD--Liquid Measuring Devices
LMD-21.1 Table S.2.2. Categories of Device Method of Sealing

    The S&T Committee will further consider a proposal to amend NIST HB 
44 Section 3.30. Liquid-Measuring Devices to permit the use of an 
electronic log, in lieu of a printed copy for devices with Category 3 
sealing. The current ``Category 3'' sealing requirements in NIST HB 44 
Liquid-Measuring Devices Code Section 3.30. specify that a printed copy 
of an event logger must be available on demand through the device or 
through another on-site device and that the information may also be 
available electronically. The new proposal would amend the language in 
Table S.2.2. ``Categories of Device and Methods of Sealing'' to permit 
either a printed or electronic form of the event logger be made 
available at time of inspection. This item, LMD-21.1 was previously a 
``block'' item with LMD 20.1. Both items were similar proposals, so the 
submitters of both items agreed to withdraw LMD-20.1 and further 
develop LMD 21.1. At the 2021 NCWM Interim Meeting, the Committee 
agreed to withdraw item LMD-20.1 from the previous block of items and 
designated LMD-21.1 as a developing item so that the submitters of both 
items could work together to further develop item LMD-21.1. At the 2021 
NCWM Annual Meeting this item remained ``Developing'' for further 
comments and consideration. At the 2022 NCWM Interim Meeting both 
industry and regulatory participants were in support of the changes to 
allow the option of printed or electronic format for event loggers, as 
a method of sealing for Liquid Measuring Devices. As such, the 
Committee designated a Voting status for this item.

VTM--Vehicle Tank Meters
VTM-18.1 S.3.1 Diversion of Measured Liquid and S.3.1.1. Means for 
Clearing the Discharge Hose and UR.2.6. Clearing the Discharge on a 
multiple-product, single discharge hose

    The S&T Committee will further consider this item, which proposes 
to provide specifications and user requirements for manifold flush 
systems designed to eliminate product contamination on VTMs used for 
multiple products. This proposal would add specifications on the design 
of VTMs under S.3.1.1. ``Means for

[[Page 38066]]

Clearing the Discharge Hose.'' and add a new user requirement UR.2.6. 
``Clearing the Discharge Hose.'' During open hearings of previous NCWM 
meetings, comments were heard about the design of any system to clear 
the discharge hose of a product prior to the delivery of a subsequent 
product which could provide opportunities to fraudulently use this type 
of system. At the 2021 NCWM Annual Meeting this item remained 
''Developing'' for further comments and consideration. At the 2022 
Interim Meeting the committee agreed to add a new paragraph UR.2.6.2., 
Minimizing Cross Contamination, to address issues raised about the 
possibility of cross contamination in receiving tanks with the use of 
this equipment. The committee designated a Voting status for this item.

EVF--Electric Vehicle Fueling Systems
EVF-20.1 S.1.3.2. EVSE Value of the Smallest Unit

    The S&T Committee will further consider a proposal that would 
specify the maximum value of the indicated and/or recorded electrical 
energy unit used in an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). This 
proposal would reduce (by a factor of 10) the current specified values 
of these units. The current maximum values of 0.005 MJ and 0.001 kWh 
would be changed to 0.0005 MJ and 0.0001 kWh respectively. The 
submitters contend that testing of these systems would be expedited 
through these changes and reduce the amount of time necessary to 
complete official tests. During the 2021 NCWM Annual Meeting additional 
changes were proposed to the Electric Vehicle Fueling System Code to 
add a new paragraph S.1.3.X to address how the value of the quantity 
unit shall be expressed and at this meeting this item remained 
``Developing'' for further comments and consideration. At the 2022 
Interim Meeting the Committee agreed to additional changes to the item 
under consideration to address how the smallest units can be expressed. 
Language was added such that the smallest unit for the megajoule is to 
be expressed as a decimal multiple or submultiple of 5 and the 
kilowatt-hour is to be expressed as a decimal multiple or submultiple 
of 1. The Committee designated a Voting status for this item.

GMA--Grain Moisture Meters 5.56. (A)
GMA-19.1 Table T.2.1. Acceptance and Maintenance Tolerances Air Oven 
Method for All Grains and Oil Seeds.

    The S&T Committee will further consider a proposal that would 
reduce the tolerances for the air oven reference method in the Grain 
Moisture Meter Code. The proposed new tolerances would apply to all 
types of grains and oil seeds. This item is a carry-over proposal from 
2019 and would replace the contents of Table T.2.1. with new criteria. 
Additional inspection data will be collected and reviewed to assess 
whether or not the proposed changes to the tolerances are appropriate. 
At the 2021 Annual Meeting this item remained ``Developing'' to review 
the results of additional data. At the 2022 Interim Meeting the 
Committee designated a Developing status for this item to allow for 
consideration of additional data.

TXI/TNS--Taximeters and Transportation Network Measurement Systems
Item BLOCK 3 (B3). Tolerances for Distance Testing in Taximeters and 
Transportation Network Measurement Systems.

    The S&T Committee will further consider changes included in this 
block affecting the NIST HB 44 Taximeters Code (Section 5.54.) and the 
Transportation Network Measurement Systems (TNMS) Code (Section 5.60.) 
that would amend the value of tolerances allowed for distance tests. 
The changes proposed in this item would change the Taximeters Code 
requirement T.1.1. ``On Distance Tests'' by increasing that tolerance 
to 2.5% when the test exceeds one mile. The change to the TNMS Code 
affects paragraph T.1.1. ``Distance Tests'' by reducing the tolerance 
allowed on overregistration under T.1.1.(a) from the current 2.5% to 1% 
when the test does not exceed one mile and would increase the tolerance 
for underregistration in T.1.1.(b) from 2.5% to 4%. These changes if 
adopted would align the tolerances values for distance tests allowed 
for taximeters and TNMS. At the 2021 NCWM Annual Meeting it was noted 
that these items were being discussed with the USNWG. This item 
remained ``Developing'' for further comment and consideration. At the 
2022 Interim Meeting the Committee designated a Developing status for 
this item and recommended that the submitter work with the USNWG to 
further develop the item.

NCWM L&R Committee

NIST Handbook 130 and NIST Handbook 133

    The following items are proposals to amend NIST Handbooks 130 and 
133:

Item Block 1 (B1)--Multiunit or Variety Packages (NIST HB 130 and HB 
133)

    The L&R Committee will be addressing a group of proposals that will 
include the adoption for creating a Chapter 5, Specialized Test 
Procedures in NIST HB 133 to verify the net quantity of contents of 
retail multiunit or variety packages. In addition, modified language 
will be addressed in the following sections of NIST HB 130, PAL-19.1. 
UPLR, Sec. 2.8. Multiunit Package. NET-19.2. NIST HB 133 Modify 
``scope'' for Chapters 2 through 4, add a note following Sections 
2.3.7.1. and 2.7.3., and clarifying Section 2.8. Multiunit.

Item MOS-22.4. Section 2.16. Compressed or Liquefied Gasses in 
Refillable Cylinders

    The L&R Committee will consider proposed amendments to NIST HB 130, 
Method of Sale, Section 2.16. for the method of sale of Compressed or 
Liquefied Gases in Refillable Cylinders. The amendments are being 
considered so that existing NIST HB 130 requirements are not in 
conflict with new requirements published by the U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT) in a Final Rule--entitled Hazardous Materials: 
Miscellaneous Amendments Pertaining to DOT Specification Cylinders, 
which has been implemented in 49 CFR 178.35 . It is likely that the 
conflicting requirements in the Method of Sale of Commodities 
Regulation will be preempted by these (DOT) regulations because DOT has 
exclusive authority to regulate the safety and interstate commerce of 
this commodity.

Item MOS-20.5 Section 2.21 Liquefied Petroleum Gas

    The L&R Committee will further consider a proposal to clarify the 
existing language for the method of sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas. 
This will include changes to the existing language within NIST HB 130 
that references a value of ``15.6 [deg]C'' for temperature 
determinations in metric units. According to the current industry 
practice for sales of petroleum products, the reference temperature for 
sales in metric are based on 15 [deg]C rather than the exact conversion 
from 60 [deg]F (which is 15.6 [deg]C). Thus, the temperature reference 
in metric should be 15 [deg]C. This will also add language for metered 
sales with a maximum capacity equal to or greater than 20 gal/min will 
have a metering system that automatic temperature compensates. For 
metering systems with a maximum capacity less than 20 gal/min adding an 
effective date of January 2030 to all metered sales shall be 
accomplished using a metering system that automatic temperature 
compensates.

Item MOS 22.3. Section 2.4. Fireplace and Stove Wood


[[Page 38067]]


    The Committee will consider a proposal to modify and provide 
clarity to the language as to how packaged natural wood and compressed 
firewood bricks shall be sold. This also clarifies the terms for plural 
and singular representation for the units.

Item 22.1. Uniform Labeling Regulation for Electronic Commerce 
(referred as e-commerce) Products

    The L&R Committee will further consider a proposal that has been 
designated as an ``Assigned'' item, meaning that further development 
will be done by the Packaging and Labeling Subcommittee. This proposal 
would add a new regulation into NIST HB 130 that pertains to the 
labeling of products in e-commerce for consumer commodities and non-
consumer commodities. This regulation will provide guidance to 
industry, as well as those states that adopt this regulation for the 
purpose of inspecting e-commerce websites. This regulation would also 
lay out the terms that shall appear on an e-commerce website. The 
development of this item will include outreach to stakeholders, 
including federal agencies. Adequate time should be considered for the 
implementation of this regulation for online retailers.

Item Block 3 Cannabis
B3: PALS -22.1. Section XX. Cannabis and Cannabis-Containing 
Products.\1\
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    \1\ In contrast to hemp, marijuana, defined as cannabis with a 
concentration of more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis, 
remains a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act 
(CSA). 21 U.S.C. 802(16); 21 U.S.C. 812(d); 21 CFR 1308.11(d)(23).

    The Committee will further consider proposals to establish 
definitions within NIST HB 130 Packaging and Labeling Requirements for 
Cannabis and Cannabis containing products. In addition, PAL-22.2 
Section 10.XX. Cannabis and Cannabis-Containing Products will establish 
labeling requirements. B3: NET-22.1. Section 1.XX. Cannabis and 
Cannabis-Containing Products and 2.XX. Cannabis and Cannabis-Containing 
Products. provides for a 3% moisture allowance for Cannabis containing 
more than 0.3% total Delta-9 THC or containing 0.3% less total Delta-9 
THC (hemp). B3: MOS-22.2. HB130 Section 1.XX. and Section 2.XX. 
Cannabis and Cannabis-Containing Products. The Committee will consider 
a proposal to amend these two sections to include language for a method 
of sale for Cannabis. Included within this proposal is also a water 
activity limit of 0.60 ( 0.05), when unprocessed Cannabis 
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is sold or transferred.

Alicia Chambers,
NIST Executive Secretariat.
[FR Doc. 2022-13541 Filed 6-24-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-P