Notice2022-00036
National Conference on Weights and Measures 2022 Interim Meeting
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
January 6, 2022
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Institute of Standards and Technology
Abstract
The 2022 Interim Meeting of the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) will be held using a virtual meeting platform and in-person at the Westin Tampa Waterside Hotel, Tampa Florida, from Sunday, January 9 through Wednesday, January 12, 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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 4 (Thursday, January 6, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 4 (Thursday, January 6, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 754-756]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00036]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
National Conference on Weights and Measures 2022 Interim Meeting
AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The 2022 Interim Meeting of the National Conference on Weights
and Measures (NCWM) will be held using a virtual meeting platform and
in-person at the Westin Tampa Waterside Hotel, Tampa Florida, from
Sunday, January 9 through Wednesday, January 12, 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 Interim Meeting will be held from Sunday, January 9,
through Wednesday, January 12, 2022. The meeting schedule will be
available on the NCWM website at <a href="http://www.ncwm.com">www.ncwm.com</a>.
ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held using a virtual meeting platform
and in-person at the Westin Tampa Waterside Hotel, Tampa Florida.
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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#016a6075736862642f6d68717160416f6872752f666e77"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="046f6570766d67612a686d747465446a6d77702a636b72">[email protected]</span></a>. The meeting is open to the public, but
a paid registration is required. Please see the NCWM website
(<a href="http://www.ncwm.com">www.ncwm.com</a>) 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 private sector and federal regulatory
agencies. These meetings can bring these government officials together
with representatives of business, industry, trade associations, and
consumer organizations to discuss proposed laws and regulations and
other 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 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 accept comments, and where recommendations will be developed for
consideration and possible adoption at the NCWM 2022, 107th 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 following are brief descriptions of some of the significant
agenda items that will be considered at the 2022 Interim Meeting.
Comments will be taken on these and other recommendations to amend NIST
Handbook 44, ``Specifications, Tolerances, and other Technical
[[Page 755]]
Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices'' (NIST Handbook 44 or
HB 44), NIST Handbook 130, ``Uniform Laws and Regulations in the areas
of Legal Metrology and 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). These NIST Handbooks are regularly
adopted by reference or through the administrative procedures of all
the states.
NCWM S&T Committee (S&T 2022 Interim Meeting)
The Specifications and Tolerances Committee (S&T Committee) will
consider proposed amendments to NIST Handbook 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.
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 as an ``Informational'' item 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 the minimum scale division ``d''. Adoption of
this proposal would have a significant impact on scales, particularly
in cases where the values of ``e'' and ``d'' are not equal.
Item Block 4 (B4): Electronically Captured Tickets or Receipts
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. in various
specific codes. At the 2021 NCWM Annual Meeting, the S&T Committee
designated this ``block'' proposal as ``developing'' for further
comment and consideration.
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 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. 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 the committee agreed to a developing status for this item for
further comments and consideration.
VTM--Vehicle Tank Meters
VTM-18.1: S.3.1.1. Means for Clearing the Discharge Hose and UR.2.6.
Clearing the 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 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 the committee agreed to keep this item developing for
further comments and consideration.
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 the committee
recommended a developing status for this item for further comments and
consideration.
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 the Committee recommended a developing
status for this item to review the results of additional data.
TMS/TNMS--Taxi Meters and Transportation Network Measurement Systems
Item BLOCK 3 (B3): Tolerances for Distance Testing in Taximeters and
Transportation Network Systems.
The S&T Committee will further consider changes included in this
block affecting the 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 requirement T.1.1. ``Distance Tests'' by
[[Page 756]]
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 and the Committee agreed to a developing status for this item for
further comment and consideration.
NCWM L&R Committee
NIST Handbook 130 and NIST Handbook 133
The following items are proposals for NIST HB 130 Uniform Method of
Sale (MOS) and the Uniform Fuels and Automotive Lubricants Regulation
(FLR):
Item Block 1 (B1)--
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., NET-19.3. NIST HB 133 create a
Chapter 5. Specialized Test Procedures. The L&R Committee will also be
addressing a proposal to include adoption of a test procedure for the
total quantity declaration on multiunit or variety packages. In
addition, in NIST HB 130, Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation,
the proposal would clarify Section 2.8. Multiunit.
Item MOS-22.4. Section 2.16. Compressed or Liquefied Gasses in
Refillable Cylinders
The L&R Committee will consider a proposal to modify the existing
language for the method of sale of Compressed or Liquefied Gases in
Refillable Cylinders. The proposed amendments are being considered so
that current HB 130 requirements are not in conflict between the tare
weight and other labeling requirements for compressed gas cylinders in
the Method of Sale of Commodities Regulation and similar Federal
regulations published by the U.S. DOT.
Item MOS-20.5 Section 2.21 Liquefied Petroleum Gas
The L&R Committee will consider a proposal to modify the existing
language for the method of sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas. Consider
changes to the existing language 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 system with a maximum capacity
less than 20 gal/min. Effective January 2030, 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
The Committee will consider a proposal to modify the language to
clarify the language as to how compressed firewood bricks shall be
sold. This also clarifies the terms for plural and singular
representation for the units.
Item 22.1. Uniform Regulation for E-commerce Products
The L&R Committee will consider a proposal to add a new regulation
into HB 130 for Uniform Labeling for E-commerce for consumer
commodities and non-consumer commodities. This regulation will provide
guidance to those state that adopt such a regulation. It also provides
for required information that shall be provided when the product is
delivered. This regulation would also lay out the terms that shall
appear on an e-commerce website.
Item Block 3 Cannabis
B3: PALS-22.1. Section XX. Cannabis and Cannabis-Containing
Products. The Committee will consider a proposal to establish
definitions within 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. HB 130 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 0.6 <plus-minus> -0.5, when
unprocessed Cannabis is sold or transferred.
Alicia Chambers,
NIST Executive Secretariat.
[FR Doc. 2022-00036 Filed 1-5-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-P
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