Declaration of quantities in case of pre-packaged and unpackaged goods
The sale of pre-packaged and unpackaged goods must always be based on the net quantity. This regulation of the declaration of quantities by the Quantity Indication Ordinance protects consumers and ensures fair trade.
Sales by net quantity
According to the Quantity Indication Ordinance (MeAV, 941.204), quantities indications must be specified as a net quantity both in unpackaged and on pre-packaged goods. The packaging material is therefore not included in the calculation: It is part of the tare weight and is deducted from the total weight of the goods so that only the goods themselves are charged.
Pre-packaged goods
Pre-packaged goods are filled, measured and sealed in the absence of customers. The quantity of goods contained therein cannot be changed without opening or noticeably changing the pack. Pre-packaged goods consist of the goods and their individual packaging. This includes both food and non-food products such as cleaning agents, cosmetics and screws.
Manufacturers of prepackaged goods are legally obliged to indicate the net weight of the goods they contain when selling said goods. The regulations provide for small, permissible negative deviations from the stated nominal quantity, as filling procedures are naturally subject to certain fluctuations. These tolerance limits ensure that consumers do not receive pre-packaged goods that are significantly underfilled.
Types of pre-packaged goods
- Pre-packaged goods of the same nominal quantity:
Each pack contains the same quantity of goods (e.g. 1 kg of spaghetti or 250 g of butter). - Pre-packaged goods of unequal nominal quantity (random packs):
The quantity contained therein varies. The specific nominal quantity must be indicated on all pre-packaged goods. This applies, for example, to goods such as meat or cheese that are sold in packaging.
Sale of unpackaged goods
In case of the sale of unpackaged goods, goods that are not pre-packaged are sold. The sale of unpackaged goods can take place in different ways:
- The sale of unpackaged goods in a self-service environment where the customer weighs the goods themselves (e.g. when selling fruit and vegetables);
- The sale of unpackaged goods with service where the sales staff weighs and packs the goods in the presence of the consumer (e.g. at butchers or cheese merchants).
In case of the sale of unpackaged goods, retailers are legally obliged to determine the price of a product on the basis of its net weight. Scales with a tare feature are usually used for this purpose, which subtracts the packaging weight by pressing a button. Packaging material (e.g. trays, paper or film/foil) is part of the tare weight and is not included in the quantity of goods.
Exceptions to the net principle are only permitted in legally defined cases.
To determine the quantity of goods, scales that are suitable for the intended use and meet the legal requirements for declaration of conformity and reverification must be used.
Enforcement of the Quantity Indication
The cantons are responsible for enforcing the Quantity Indication Ordinance. Cantonal verification officers ensure that the legal regulations pertaining to metrology are complied with. Their duties include checking the pre-packaged goods and complying with the legal requirements for the sale of unpackaged goods.
The Federal Institute of Metrology METAS supervises the cantonal inspections.
More information
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