In a recent update, the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) and Vehicle Certification Agency Europe (VCAE) have introduced new recommendations concerning the calibration requirements for weighing new vans and lorries. The focus has shifted towards the UKAS ISO 17025 standard for vehicle calibrations, marking a departure from the previously used ISO 9001 standard. This shift aims to enhance the precision and traceability of weighing equipment, ensuring compliance with the evolving standards in the industry.
Key Changes and Recommendations
The VCA has communicated updated calibration requirements for witness tests, specifically for EU and UN test reports in various vehicle categories, including M, N, O, L, T, R, and C. Compliance with ISO 17020 Accreditation is essential to meet the requirements of Type Approval Authorities.
The mandatory traceability of calibration to national or international standards can be demonstrated through several methods:
- Calibration certificate from a National Metrology Institute (NMI), such as the National Physics Laboratory (NPL).
- Calibration certificate from an accredited ISO 17025 calibration laboratory, with visible accreditation body marks and/or the ILAC MRA mark.
- Calibration certificates from accredited ISO 17025 laboratories with an internal calibration laboratory having a suitable scope, with reported uncertainty.
- In exceptional cases where traceable accredited calibration is not possible, a suitable justification and information may be considered.
Notably, calibration certificates from non-accredited calibration laboratories, even with an accredited reference instrument/master, are no longer accepted without a full audit by an ISO 17025 accreditation body.
Transition Period
Acknowledging the magnitude of this change, VCA and VCA Europe have provided a transition period until April 2024, during which earlier calibration options will still be accepted.
Choosing the Right UKAS Partner
Micro Weighing Solutions (MWS) stands at the forefront of this calibration evolution. As an accredited ISO 17025 laboratory with Accredited Laboratory Number 9617, MWS is well-equipped to perform UKAS calibrations on weigh pads up to 1500kg. The company can also supply brand new weigh pads with an ISO 17025 traceable certificate out of the box.
It’s essential to note that while MWS can calibrate weigh pads up to 3000kg, anything over 1500kg must be calibrated with force, not mass, and is therefore not UKAS approved.
Conclusion
The industry’s calibration landscape is evolving, with a focus on precision, traceability, and adherence to international standards. As VCA and VCAE lead the way with updated recommendations, MWS, with its UKAS accreditation, emerges as a reliable partner for businesses seeking top-notch calibration services for their weighing equipment. If you have any questions regarding the UKAS calibration of weigh pads, please contact us today and one of our vehicle weighing specialists will be happy to walk you through your options.