Service

National approval for measuring instruments in Switzerland

The national approval based on Article 16 of the Measuring Instruments Ordinance (SR 941.210; MIO) confirms compliance with binding requirements for measuring instruments and thus enables the legally compliant placing of your measuring instrument on the market. The application for national approval is usually submitted by the manufacturer or the Swiss distributor.

• What is national approval for measuring instruments?

  National approval is a necessary prerequisite for placing on the market measuring instruments that fall within the scope of the Measuring Instruments Ordinance pursuant to Article 3 (Measuring Instruments Ordinance, SR 941.210). National approval confirms that a type meets the legal requirements. Before an individual measuring instrument of an approved type can be used for legally regulated measurements, it must also undergo initial verification. National approval for measuring instruments in Switzerland can only be granted by METAS.

Our services

• Type examination of the required type samples incl. granting national approval
• Initial verification of individual measuring instruments incl. affixing the verification mark and issuing the verification certificate if applicable

Who we work for

• Manufacturers of legally regulated measuring instruments
• Importers and distributors of legally regulated measuring instruments

FAQ

• When do I need national approval and when do I need a conformity assessment?

  There are two ways of legally placing a measuring instrument on the market: Conformity assessment or national approval and initial verification. The procedure used for placing your measuring instrument on the market is governed by the measuring instrument-specific ordinances.

  Further information:

  Placing measuring instruments on the market

  Legally regulated measuring instruments

• What are the requirements for the measuring instruments that must be met for national approval?

  The requirements for the measuring instruments result from the Measuring Instruments Ordinance (SR 941.210; MIO) and the respective measuring instruments-specific ordinance. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant laboratory at METAS.

• Does METAS recognise test reports from external laboratories for national approval?

  METAS may recognise test reports from external laboratories, provided they cover all requirements and the laboratory can provide appropriate proof of proficiency.

• How can I find out whether a specific measuring instrument has national approval?

  

  Measuring instruments with national approval can be identified by the stylised “S” (type approval) on the type plate.

• Is there a publication of all measuring instruments that METAS has approved?

  Yes. The approved measuring instruments can be found in Legnet. There is also a list of approved electricity meters and a list of approved instrument transformers.

  • Elektrizitätszähler - Zulassungen von 1958 bis 1991

    PDF798.31 kB9 July 2026

  • Messwandler - Zulassungen von 1955 bis 1991

    PDF485.43 kB9 July 2026

• Can measuring instruments whose national approval has expired continue to be used?

  Yes. The valid approval is an essential prerequisite for placing the measuring instrument on the market. Once a measuring instrument has been placed on the market, it may continue to be used as long as the prescribed procedures for maintaining measurement stability are adhered to.

• Can a foreign manufacturer apply for national approval?

  The applicant for national approval must have a registered office in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein. However, the manufacturer of the measuring instrument may have its registered office abroad. For example, a foreign manufacturer can apply for national approval via its Swiss subsidiary or a distributor in Switzerland.

National approval by field of expertise

Select one of the tiles below to find out more about national approvals in the respective field and to contact the relevant laboratory directly.

More information

• Ordinance on Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments (SR 941.213)
  (in accordance with EU Directive 2014/31/EU)