The Chengdu Market Supervision Administration in Sichuan Province has released a "Compliance Reminder on the Production, Sale, and Use of Electronic Pricing Scales." This initiative aims to regulate the market order of electronic pricing scales from the source, strictly crack down on metrology violations such as "cheating scales," and effectively protect consumers' legitimate rights and interests.
The compliance reminder explains the core requirements of two newly issued national metrology technical specifications: the "Type Evaluation Program for Electronic Pricing Scales (Trial)" (JJF2184—2025) and the "Verification Regulation for Electronic Pricing Scales (Trial)" (JJG1204—2025). It provides specific compliance guidance for all business entities in Chengdu involved in the production, sale, and use of these scales.
According to a unified deployment by the State Administration for Market Regulation, the "Type Evaluation Program for Electronic Pricing Scales (Trial)" officially came into effect on January 8, 2026. The "Verification Regulation for Electronic Pricing Scales (Trial)" will officially take effect on January 8, 2027.
The compliance reminder emphasizes that since January 8 of this year, all electronic pricing scales produced and sold for trade settlement must fully comply with the new technical standards, including "shell locking mechanism, three-code-one-seal, and uniqueness verification." Non-compliant inventory products manufactured before this date are prohibited from entering the trade settlement sales channel.
Starting January 8, 2027, all electronic pricing scales used for trade settlement must fully adhere to the new requirements. Existing models that have passed mandatory verification and are qualified can continue to be used until January 7, 2027, after which they must be replaced. Furthermore, a transition period for internet-connected electronic pricing scales currently in use is permitted until January 8, 2030.
According to the two specifications, manufacturing enterprises should accelerate product technology upgrades and modifications based on the type evaluation program, improve anti-cheating designs and unique information identification management, and apply for type approval (CPA) from provincial market supervision departments. The production of any electronic pricing scales for trade settlement that do not comply with the new regulations is prohibited from January 8, 2026, onward.
Sales enterprises are prohibited from purchasing or selling older model electronic pricing scales produced after January 8, 2026, and should systematically manage their existing inventory. Starting January 8, 2027, the sale of electronic pricing scales is strictly forbidden if they lack a type approval certificate, have technical parameters inconsistent with the new regulations, lack or have invalid unique identity information, have incomplete "three-code-one-seal" markings, or possess damaged lead seals. These enterprises must strictly implement purchase inspection systems and accurately record purchase details.
User entities, including farmers' markets, shopping malls, supermarkets, catering businesses, and retail merchants, should immediately conduct self-inspections and corrections. When procuring electronic pricing scales manufactured after January 8, 2026, they must select products that meet the new regulatory requirements.
The Chengdu Market Supervision Administration specifically advises user entities to focus on the following key acceptance checkpoints during procurement: First, check the identification marks on the scale body for clear labeling of the "CPA Metrology Instrument Type Approval Mark and Number" and the statement "This scale does not have characteristics for deceptive use," and verify details like manufacturer name, model, serial number, accuracy class, maximum capacity, minimum capacity, software identification, verification scale interval, and manufacturing date. Second, inspect the lead seals, paying close attention to key areas such as screw holes on the scale body and range adjustment devices, ensuring the seals are intact, undamaged, and show no signs of tampering. Third, verify the unique identity information through official designated channels or by scanning a QR code on the scale, checking for consistency with the details in the CPA certificate. Fourth, report for verification: electronic pricing scales intended for trade settlement must be registered and filed with the local market supervision department before use. They can only be put into service after passing a mandatory verification conducted by a legal metrology verification institution and receiving a conformity mark. The verification cycle is set at one year; any scale used beyond this period or failing verification must not continue to be used.
The Chengdu Market Supervision Administration stated that since the release of the compliance reminder, all business entities in the city should immediately begin self-inspections, replace electronic pricing scales in use according to the specified deadlines, and continuously standardize their metrology practices. Market supervision departments will maintain a high-pressure stance, intensify enforcement and supervision, and strictly investigate and punish illegal activities according to the law. These include selling non-compliant electronic pricing scales, using scales that are unverified or have failed verification, and deliberately tampering with the accuracy of metrology instruments.