The difference between calibration and verification

DAkkS calibration (area not regulated by law)

Verification (area regulated by law)

Why?

DAkkS calibration is always necessary when checking equipment (Balance or test weight) is to be used in a QM process (e.g. nach ISO 9000ff, TS 16949, VDA 6.1, FDA, GLP, GMP, ...).

Why?

Applications with mandatory verification of balances and test weights include:

- in commercial trade when the price of a commodity is determined by weighing
- the manufacture of pharmaceuticals in pharmacies
- the production of pre-packaged goods
- in medical applications

What?

Any checking Equipment in proper condition can be DAkkS calibrated.

What?

You can only verify balances which have a certificate of compliance and test weights which conform to OIML standards.

How?

Determination of accuracy worldwide by a laboratory which is accredited to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025. Traceability to internationally recognised standards. The DAkkS calibration certificate confirms both the metrological characteristics of the checking equipment and the general requirements for the monitoring of checking equipment.

How?

Testing to verification error limits to protect the consumer. When introducing balances and weights onto the market, they are subject to EU directives. The subsequent monitoring of the market is regulated at a national level, in Germany through the MessEG (Weights and Measures Act) and MessEV (Verification ordinance).

Where?

Internationally recognised. This is monitored by ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) and in Germany for example the DAkkS (German accreditation Point).

Where?

Nationally recognised.

When?

The Operator controls the use of checking Equipment and periodic recalibration time intervals themselves.

When?

The legislative body governs the use of balances and test weights as well as time intervals for re-verification.