Notice2022-13541
National Conference on Weights and Measures 107th Annual 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
June 27, 2022
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Institute of Standards and Technology
Abstract
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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 122 (Monday, June 27, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 122 (Monday, June 27, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38064-38067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[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 <a href="http://www.ncwm.com">www.ncwm.com</a>.
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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d9b2b8adabb0babcf7b5b0a9a9b899b7b0aaadf7beb6af"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fc979d888e959f99d290958c8c9dbc92958f88d29b938a">[email protected]</span></a>. The meeting is open to the public, but
the payment of a registration fee 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
[[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 (<plus-minus> 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
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