Trade sector tables

Version 1.7

The effective date of version 1.7 is October 25, 2021. This version supersedes all previous versions.

Table of contents


Audience and use

This document is intended for use by recognized technicians employed by authorized service providers (ASPs) and Measurement Canada employees who are required to complete:

  • device examination certificates under the authority of the Weights and Measures Act and the Weights and Measures Regulations,
  • certificates and reports related to commodities under the authority of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and the Weights and Measures Act and regulations,
  • complaint and dispute examinations.

Inspectors referencing this document for commodity examination purposes should disregard references to measuring devices and determine the trade sector based on the product examined.

The controlled version of this document is published on the Measurement Canada website.

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Sectors and subsectors subject to mandatory examinations

The letter M in parentheses (M) appears after the trade sectors and subsectors subject to mandatory examinations.

Terms, conditions and termination

Users of the Online Reporting Application (ORA) are bound by the Online Reporting Application terms and conditions of use and must always comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's website terms and conditions. Measurement Canada may, at its sole and absolute discretion, cancel or terminate your right to use this application or any part of the application at any time, without notice or liability to you or any other person.

Selection of a trade sector

Selecting the trade sector requires attention to the establishment's customers in order to determine if the transactions are of a retail or wholesale nature. The definitions of wholesale and retail trade appear below.

Where a device is used in more than one trade sector that is subject to mandatory examinations, the sector with the shortest interval between examination periods is applied.

Where a device is used in more than one trade sector and only one of the sectors is subject to mandatory examinations, the device must be coded to the trade sector subject to mandatory examinations, regardless of its primary use.

Where a device is used in more than one trade sector and none is subject to mandatory examinations, the trade sector should represent the primary source of revenue from the measuring device.

Note: The term "trade sector" is equivalent to the term "category of trade" under the Weights and Measures Act and regulations.

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General exemptions

Measuring devices used only to weigh or measure standard quantity commodities are exempt from the requirement for:

  • approval,
  • initial examination, and
  • mandatory examination.

Note: The commodities do not have to be packaged (enclosed) and the exemption only applies if the device is used only for the above-mentioned purpose.

Measuring devices used only for batching (i.e. to determine the quantity of ingredients in mixed products) or for internal activities such as inventory control are not considered as being used in trade and are therefore exempt from the requirements of the Weights and Measures Act.

Definitions

Retail trade
Direct sale of goods on the basis of measure to the public (consumers).
Wholesale trade
Sale of goods in large quantities on the basis of measure to businesses, restaurants, hotels or institutions. This includes sales to businesses that resell these commodities to other businesses such as retailers who repackage them for direct sale to consumers.

Summary trade sector tables

The tables below present the trade sectors and subsectors that are subject to mandatory examination.

All other trade sectors are exempt from mandatory examinations.

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Table 1: Fishing trade sector and subsectors

Table 1: Fishing trade sector and subsectors
01 Fishing Subject to mandatory examinations Mandatory examination frequency
0116 Fish products, wholesale Yes 1 year
0117 Fishing, wholesale Yes 1 year
0199 Other wholesale fish products No  

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Table 2: Forestry trade sector and subsectors

Table 2: Forestry trade sector and subsectors
02 Forestry Subject to mandatory examinations Mandatory examination frequency
0202 Logging and forestry Yes 1 year
0203 Wood products manufacturing Yes 1 year
0206 Pulp and paper manufacturing Yes 1 year
0207 Wood fuel, retail Yes 1 year
0214 Other paper products manufacturing Yes 1 year
0215 Paper products, wholesale Yes 1 year
0216 Forest products, wholesale Yes 1 year
0299 Other forest products, wholesale Yes 1 year

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Table 3: Grain and field crops trade sector and subsectors

Table 3: Grain and field crops trade sector and subsectors
03 Grain and field crops Subject to mandatory examinations Mandatory examination frequency
0303 Canadian Grain Commission weighing devices Yes 1 year
0304 Elevator and wholesale grain trade Yes 2 years
0305 Field crop farms Yes 2 years
0306 Feed Yes 2 years
0308 Seed Yes 2 years
0399 Other grains and crops, wholesale Yes 2 years

Table 4: Mining trade sector and subsectors

Table 4: Mining trade sector and subsectors
05 Mining Subject to mandatory examinations Mandatory examination frequency
0502 Ore, wholesale Yes 2 years
0504 Manufacturing of metals No  
0599 Other mining and metals No  

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Table 5: Downstream petroleum trade sector and subsectors

Table 5: Downstream petroleum trade sector and subsectors
06 Downstream petroleum Subject to mandatory examinations Mandatory examination frequency
0601 Petroleum products excluding marinas, wholesale Yes 2 years
0603 Liquefied petroleum gases, wholesale Yes 2 years
0605 Marinas Yes 2 years

Table 6: Dairy sector and subsectors

Table 6: Dairy sector and subsectors
15 Dairy Subject to mandatory examinations Mandatory examination frequency
1501 Dairy farms Yes Bulk meters: 1 year
Weighing machines: 2 years
1504 Fluid milk Yes Bulk meters: 1 year
Weighing machines: 2 years
1507 Dairy products Yes Bulk meters: 1 year
Weighing machines: 2 years
1599 Other dairy products No  

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Table 7: Retail petroleum sector and subsectors

Table 7: Retail petroleum sector and subsectors
18 Petroleum, retail Subject to mandatory examinations Mandatory examination frequency
1801 Petroleum retailers Yes 2 years
1804 Automotive propane retailers Yes 1 year
1805 Small marinas Yes Propane meters: 1 year
Gas pumps and other devices: 2 years
1808 Service stations with card-lock or key-lock systems Yes 2 years
1809 Residential heating fuel truck meters Yes 2 years
1813 Airports Yes Propane meters: 1 year
All other devices: 2 years
1823 Propane bottle fill scales Yes 2 years
1899 Other petroleum industries, retail Yes Propane meters: 1 year
All other devices: 2 years

Table 8: Retail food sector and subsectors

Table 8: Retail food sector and subsectors
22 Food, retail Subject to mandatory examinations Mandatory examination frequency
2201 Canadian supermarkets and grocery stores Yes 5 years
2205 Candy and nut stores Yes 5 years
2207 Fruit and vegetable stores Yes 5 years
2209 Meat markets Yes 5 years
2215 Other food specialty stores Yes 5 years
2299 Other retail food industries Yes 5 years

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Table 9: Mass sector and subsector

Table 9: Mass sector and subsector
90 Mass Subject to mandatory examinations Mandatory examination frequency
9001 Mass Possibly (refer to the description for additional information) 1 year

Trade sectors and subsectors

01 Fishing

Establishments in this trade sector sell only to wholesale customers.

Exclusions

Scales used to weigh or package fish, fish products and seafood to retail consumers. These scales are included in the retail food trade sector.

0116 Fish products, wholesale (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a one-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used in wholesale trade to weigh and measure processed:

  • finfish and shellfish (including fish roe, mollusks and crustaceans)
  • marine vegetation
  • marine animals without fur
  • seals

Also includes the products and by-products resulting from their processing (e.g. fish oil).

Note that "processing" means eviscerating, skinning, filleting, breading, precooking, blanching or otherwise processing fish.

Exclusions

Marine animals with fur other than seals.

0117 Fishing, wholesale (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a one-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used in wholesale trade to weigh and measure the following products obtained through catching and gathering from the ocean, inland waters and aquaculture farming:

  • finfish and shellfish
  • marine vegetation
  • marine animals without fur
  • seals
  • harvested freshwater and saltwater products

Exclusions

Marine animals with fur other than seals.

0199 Other fish products, wholesale

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in wholesale trade that are not listed elsewhere in this trade sector.

No devices should be coded to this subsector. If you believe that a device you are examining belongs in this subsector, please contact the ORA support desk.

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02 Forestry

Inclusions

  • trees
  • logs
  • firewood
  • wood by-products (other than methyl alcohol and wood resins)
  • paper (other than recycled paper in its untreated form)

Where the sale of the above products is based on weight or measurement, the devices are subject to mandatory examinations.

Exclusions

Devices used in the process of recycling paper and chemicals produced from forest products are included in sectors other than the forestry trade sector. Examples of these excluded products include:

  • methyl alcohol by-products
  • wood resin by-products
  • recycled paper in its untreated form

0202 Logging and forestry (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a one-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used in trade to weigh or measure:

  • trees
  • logs
  • rough, round, hewn, or riven primary wood
  • wood chips (at the logging site)

Also includes devices used in the cutting and transportation of timber.

0203 Wood products manufacturing (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a one-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used in trade to weigh and measure in the manufacturing of wood products such as:

  • rough and dressed lumber
  • shingles
  • other sawmill and planed mill products
  • hardwood and softwood veneer
  • plywood

0206 Pulp and paper manufacturing (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a one-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used in trade to weigh and measure in the manufacturing of products such as:

  • pulp
  • paper
  • paperboard
  • building and insulation board

0207 Wood fuel, retail (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a one-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used in trade to weigh and measure in the retail sale of wood fuel products such as:

  • firewood
  • loose wood products
  • wood pellets

0214 Other paper products manufacturing (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a one-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used in trade to weigh and measure paper products such as:

  • asphalt saturated roofing and siding materials
  • coated and treated paper
  • paper stock converted into stationery supplies

0215 Paper products, wholesale (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a one-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure in the wholesale of stationery and office supplies.

 0216 Forest products, wholesale (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a one-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure in the wholesale trade of forest products such as:

  • logs
  • bolts
  • poles
  • pilings
  • pulpwood logs
  • wood chips

0299 Other forest products, wholesale (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a one-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure in the wholesale trade of forest products not already listed elsewhere, including the wholesale of wood as fuel.

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03 Grain and field crops

Inclusions

This sector includes the following field crops and seed for the crops:

  • cereal grains
  • oil seeds
  • grain corn
  • wheat
  • forage
  • hay
  • dry field peas
  • beans

0303 Canadian Grain Commission weighing devices (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a one-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

All weighing devices used in Canadian Grain Commission-licensed elevators including primary, process, terminal and transfer elevators used for the storage of grains or the wholesale buying and selling of grain.

0304 Elevator and wholesale grain trade (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure for the purpose of:

  • grain storage services at an elevator or terminal
  • wholesale buying and selling of grain

Exclusions

Weighing devices used by the Canadian Grain Commission (see subsector 0303) and farms (see subsector 0305).

0305 Field crop farms (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used by farms to weigh and measure in the wholesale trade of field crops.

0306 Feed (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used at establishments for the wholesale trade of hay, processed feeds and grain used as fodder.

Devices used in wholesale trade to weigh and measure during the manufacturing of feed grains and other animal foods processed by feed mills such as:

  • balanced feeds
  • pre-mixes
  • feed concentrates
  • custom ground and mixed feed

The feed can contain ingredients such as:

  • ground or rolled oats
  • molasses
  • animal proteins
  • vegetable proteins
  • minerals
  • vitamins
  • antibiotics

0308 Seed (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used in trade to weigh and measure in the wholesale trade of seeds used to grow field crops.

0399 Other grains and crops, wholesale (M)

All weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure in other grain or crop businesses not listed elsewhere in this trade sector.

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04 Upstream petroleum

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in trade transactions to measure unrefined (crude) petroleum products are not subject to approval or examination. This is applicable to all weighing and measuring devices in the upstream petroleum trade sector, including vehicle and railway scales.

0408 Crude petroleum and natural gas production

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing or measuring devices used to carry out the following activities:

  • Exploring for and/or producing crude oil and natural gas by conventional or non-conventional methods.
  • Operating field gathering lines containing the raw product, prior to product cleaning.

0410 Services incidental to petroleum and natural gas

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the provision of drilling and other services to petroleum and natural gas industries.

0411 Pipeline transport

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the operation of pipelines for the transport of natural gas, crude oil and other products, from gas fields or processing plants to local distribution systems.

0499 Other upstream petroleum industries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used to carry out any other upstream petroleum activities not already listed in this trade sector.

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05 Mining

Exclusions

Measuring devices used for gauging ship holds that are used in the wholesale trade of mining products.

0502 Ore, wholesale (M)

All devices used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used in wholesale trade in the operation of mines to weigh or measure extracted metal and non-metal ores:

  1. at the raw state (initial mining of the raw materials)
  2. at the primary refined or primary transformed state, including:
    • concentration of the ore (such as by crushing or floating)
    • preparation for transportation
    • enrichment required for transport
    • ingots sold for further processing (ore that has been cast into a shape such as a block or a pellet)
    • primary refined precious metals and precious stones
    • pieces of marble, granite or other stones that have gone through a primary transformation
    • crushing of salt that will be applied to roads for de-icing

Mining products include gold, copper, nickel, asbestos, peat, gypsum, marble, flat stones of shale, limestone, basalt, granite or gneiss, salt, potash, coal, etc.

Exclusions

Examples:

Sales at a retail level or devices used to weigh or measure:

  • products transformed beyond their primary refined state such as cast iron, steel and steel beams
  • subsequently refined precious metals and precious stones
  • scrap metal
  • sand
  • gravel, stone and concrete that are used for construction
  • dimension stone
  • marble, granite or other dimensioned or polished stones (in their final state or form)

0504 Manufacturing of metals

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

A weighing or measuring device used in trade for the purpose of metal manufacturing products, such as:

  • ferro-alloys
  • steel castings
  • coke from an oven operated in connection with blast furnaces
  • steel and aluminum alloys in primary shape
  • pipe tubing and powder
  • copper and copper alloys that have been cast or extruded
  • other non-ferrous metals (such as zinc, lead and nickel) that have been cast or extruded
  • steel wire and wire products
  • communication and energy wires and cables
  • conduit for electric wiring

0599 Other mining and metals

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in other metal manufacturing establishments not already listed in this trade sector, such as devices used in trade to measure oil sands and other crude petroleum products (measured prior to refining).

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06 Downstream petroleum

Inclusions

The trade of downstream petroleum occurs between the following parties:

  • petroleum refineries
  • gas processing facilities
  • wholesalers
  • retailers
  • commercial customers

Exclusions

  • Devices used to weigh and measure sulphur and crude oil.
  • Natural gas and mixtures of natural gas liquids (except as defined in 0603).
  • Trade transactions of a retail nature. These are included in the upstream petroleum industry (trade sector 04) or the retail petroleum trade sector (trade sector 18).
  • Devices used for gauging and strapping tanker ship holds or tanks that have a capacity of more than 55 000 L.

0601 Petroleum products excluding marinas, wholesale (M)

All devices used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the sale of refined liquid petroleum products.

Examples of measured products include:

  • heated refined liquid petroleum products
  • petroleum-based products derived from the refinery (such as aviation gas, gasoline, diesels, home heating oil, lube oil, greases, waxes, bunker and asphalt)
  • denatured ethyl alcohol, biodiesel and blends that are intended for use as transportation or heating fuel
  • liquid alternative fuels

0603 Liquefied petroleum gases, wholesale (M)

All devices used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the bulk production or distribution of liquefied propane gas or other petroleum-based secondary products such as butane, ethane and pentane.

Portions of trade operations at natural gas processing plants.

0605 Marinas (M)

All devices used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used in the sale of refined liquid petroleum products at marinas where petroleum products such as fuel and lube oil are sold to commercial customers refuelling watercraft.

Exclusions

Retail sales of petroleum to consumers (refer to trade sector 18).

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07 Livestock and poultry

0701 Livestock

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used to weigh and measure in the sale of:

  • cattle, hogs, sheep and goats
  • horses and other equids, or a combination of these
  • other livestock or non-domestic animals such as bison, deer, elk, rabbits, wild boars, llamas, etc.

0703 Poultry

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure in the wholesale trade of:

  • poultry and eggs
  • ostriches
  • emus
  • pheasants, etc.

Weighing and measuring devices used in chick hatcheries and for egg grading and processing poultry products from packing plant industries.

0719 Livestock products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure products obtained from the slaughtering of animals and/or the processing of:

  • meat from abattoirs and meat packing plants
  • animal fats and oils

0799 Other livestock industries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh or measure any other livestock products not already listed in this trade sector.

08 Electricity

0801 Electricity

Inclusions

Meters used to generate, transmit and/or distribute electricity, including the generation and transportation of electric power even if all or most of the power is used in a particular manufacturing, mining or other plant.

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09 Food and beverage manufacturing, wholesale

0903 Bakery products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the wholesale manufacturing of products such as biscuits, bread and other bakery products.

0905 Sugar and chocolate confectionery

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used to carry out the following activities:

  • Caramelizing, syrup kneading, compressing, extruding, stamping or otherwise manufacturing starch goods (jelly candy of all kinds), hard sugar candy, cocoa powder and chocolate confectionery.
  • Cooking unsweetened or sweetened chocolate products.

0910 Manufactured food, wholesale

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used for the wholesale trade of manufactured food products. Also includes devices used by wholesale dealers, distributors and facilities that manufacture these products.

0914 Vegetable oil mills (except corn oil)

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in crushing, expressing, oxidizing, dehydrating or otherwise processing oil seeds.

The output from this industry is crude vegetable oil along with by-products such as meal and oil cake used as ingredients for livestock feed or fertilizer. Margarine and salad oil are secondary products of establishments in this trade sector.

0920 Soft drinks

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the manufacturing of:

  • non-alcoholic carbonated beverages, mineral waters and concentrates
  • syrups for the manufacture of carbonated beverages

0922 Cane and beet sugar

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the processing of raw cane sugar, sugar beets or starches to finished sucrose, glucose or fructose.

0999 Other food products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used at the wholesale level for:

  • manufacturing or preparing teas and coffees, dry pastas, potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, malt and other food products not already listed in this trade sector.
  • the sale of food by catering and distribution companies to restaurants and food services in institutions.

Exclusions

Retail sale of food at:

  • cafeterias
  • restaurants
  • food services in institutions (including salad bars in hospitals and schools) included in the retail food trade sector.

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10 Chemical products

1002 Pharmaceutical and medicine

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the manufacturing of drugs and medicines for human or animal use.

1004 Industrial chemicals

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the manufacturing of:

  • industrial organic chemicals such as aliphatic acids, alcohols (except ethyl alcohol), glycols, unsaturated monomers, etc.
  • plastic materials not shaped
  • additives for petroleum products
  • industrial inorganic chemicals such as acids, alkalis, salts, compressed gases, radioactive chemical elements, dry bulk power and other inorganic compounds

1006 Paints and varnishes

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the manufacturing of:

  • paints, varnishes, lacquers, enamels and shellac
  • products such as putty, filler, oil stain and thinner

1008 Printing inks

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the manufacturing of printing inks

1010 Agricultural chemicals

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the manufacturing of:

  • chemical fertilizers
  • fertilizer materials
  • mixed fertilizers including custom mixing

1012 Other agricultural chemical industries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the manufacturing of herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and other agricultural chemicals.

1020 Soaps and cleaning compounds

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the manufacturing of:

  • soap in any form, detergents, cleaners, cleansers, bleaches and fabric softeners.
  • dry cleaning preparations.

1030 Cosmetics and toiletries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the manufacturing of perfumes, cosmetics and other toiletries.

1099 Other chemical products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Other chemical products not already listed in this trade sector, such as diesel exhaust fluid.

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11 Natural gas distribution

1101 Natural gas distribution

Inclusions

Meters used in the distribution of natural gas or synthetic gas through a system of mains. This industry is the domestic component that distributes natural gas to final demand users.

12 Textiles

1203 Textiles

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used to carry out the following activities:

  • Manufacturing filament yarn, staple fibre, elastic yarn and tire cord yarn, woollen blankets, weaving paper, maker's felt, felts, carpets, rugs, mats, fabrics, household products of textile materials, textile hygiene products, tire cord fabric cordage and twine.
  • Processing filament yarns, spinning yarn with wool, knitting broad fabrics, dying, sponging, finishing, bonding or laminating textile fabrics or materials.

1299 Other textile industries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices for use in other textile businesses not already listed in this trade sector.

13 Telecommunications

1301 Telecommunications

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used to carry out the following activities:

  • Operating telephone and other telecommunication transmission services by electromagnetic means.
  • Offering exchange, cable, telephone, overseas telephone, public telephone, satellite communication, telegraph communication (wire and radio), telephone carrier, telephone network, telephoto, teletype and ticker tape services.

1399 Other telecommunications industries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Any other telecommunications industries not already listed in this trade sector.

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14 Steam and thermal energy

1401 Thermal energy

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used to measure thermal energy.

1402 Steam

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used to measure steam.

15 Dairy

Exclusions

  • Scales used to determine butterfat content, etc. of milk. (Not considered as trade.)
  • Dairy products sold at the retail level. (Included in the retail food trade sector.)
  • Devices used to weigh or measure products for retail sales. (Included in the retail food trade sector.)

1501 Dairy farms (M)

All bulk meters and weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to the following mandatory examination frequencies:

  • Bulk meters: 1 year
  • Weighing machines: 2 years

Inclusions

Weighing machines or meters used by farms for the wholesale trade of dairy products such as raw milk and cream.

1504 Fluid milk (M)

All bulk meters and weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to the following mandatory examination frequencies:

  • Bulk meters: 1 year
  • Weighing machines: 2 years

Inclusions

Weighing machines or meters used in the wholesale trade of pasteurized and processed milk and cream.

1507 Dairy products (M)

All bulk meters and weighing machines used in this subsector are subject to the following mandatory examination frequencies:

  • Bulk meters: 1 year
  • Weighing machines: 2 years

Inclusions

Weighing machines or meters used in the wholesale trade of manufactured dairy products such as:

  • butter and butter oil
  • cheese, cheese spreads, cottage cheese, cheese curds, processed cheese, specialty cheese and paste cheese
  • condensed and evaporated milk, powdered milk, malted milk mix and milk shake mix
  • dried and powdered cream, ice cream and ice cream mix, ice milk products, sherbets, lactose and whey products

1599 Other dairy products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in trade not already listed in the dairy products trade sector.

No devices should be coded to this subsector. If you believe that a device you are examining belongs in this subsector, please contact the ORA support desk.

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16 Furs and skins

1601 Fur stores

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in the retail dealing of ready-to-wear or custom-made fur apparel, including coats and other apparel of sheepskin, leather or suede.

1603 Furs and skins, wild

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure products from the hunting and trapping of wild animals for furs and skins.

1699 Other manufactured products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in the furs and skins industries not already listed in this trade subsector, for example, fur dressing and dyeing.

17 Water

1701 Water utilities

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used to carry out the following activities:

  • Treating and distributing water for household and other purposes.
  • Distributing water by pipe for irrigation.

1703 Bulk deliveries of water

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in the distribution of bulk water by means of truck or loading facilities.

1705 Septic services

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in the collection and treatment of waste water, sewage or other effluent materials.

1799 Other water industries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in other water industries not already listed in this trade sector.

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18 Petroleum, retail

1801 Petroleum retailers (M)

With the exception of retail propane meters (see subsector 1804), all devices used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Meters used in the retail sale of:

  • transportation fuel (e.g. gas and diesel)
  • lube oil (directly into a motor vehicle crankcase)
  • liquid alternative fuels (e.g. hydrogen and ethanol)
  • petroleum products metered from multi-purpose bulk fuel trucks that crossover into other trade subsectors (e.g. 0601 and 1809)

1804 Automotive propane retailers (M)

All meters used in this subsector are subject to a one-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Meters used in the retail sale of propane motor fuel.

Meters used in the retail sale of propane motor fuel by automotive propane retailers with card‑lock or key-lock systems.

1805 Small marinas (M)

All propane meters, gas pumps and other devices used in this subsector are subject to the following mandatory examination frequencies:

  • Propane meters: 1 year
  • Gas pumps and other devices: 2 years

Inclusions

Meters used in the retail sale of fuel at small marinas to refuel small watercraft.

1808 Service stations with card-lock or key-lock systems (M)

With the exception of meters used for the retail sale of propane motor fuel (see subsector 1804), all devices used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Meters used for retail and commercial fuel sales at service stations with card-lock or key-lock systems.

1809 Residential heating fuel truck meters (M)

All devices used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Bulk truck meters used in the retail sale of residential heating oil.

1813 Airports (M)

All propane meters and devices used in this subsector are subject to the following mandatory examination frequencies:

  • Propane meters: 1 year
  • All other devices: 2 years

Inclusions

Meters used for the retail sale of fuel at airports to refuel aircraft.

1823 Propane bottle fill scales (M)

All scales used in this subsector are subject to a two-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Scales located at retail gasoline and propane outlets used to weigh propane bottles during filling.

1899 Other petroleum industries, retail (M)

All propane meters and other devices used in this subsector are subject to the following mandatory examination frequencies:

  • Propane meters: 1 year
  • All other devices: 2 years

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh or measure in the retail trade of liquid refined petroleum products and liquid alternative fuels not already listed in this trade sector.

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19 Fruit, vegetables and other crop farming, wholesale

1901 Fruit and vegetables

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the canning, drying, preserving and freezing of fruit and vegetables including juices, soups, pickles, ketchup and similar fruit and vegetable products.

1903 Fruit and other vegetable farms

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used on farms to weigh or measure fruits and/or other vegetables for wholesale.

1905 Potato farms

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used on farms to weigh or measure potatoes.

1907 Horticultural specialties and other crop farming

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in wholesale trade at farms, greenhouses, nurseries and other locations where horticultural specialty products are grown or harvested.

These products include but are not limited to the following:

  • mushrooms
  • nursery plants
  • forest stock
  • flowers
  • turf
  • ornamental grass and trees
  • Christmas trees
  • maple sugar
  • herbs
  • ginseng
  • other horticultural specialties

1999 Other fruit and vegetable industries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Any other fruit and vegetable businesses not already listed in this trade sector.

20 Scrap metal

2006 Automobile wrecking

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used to carry out the following activities:

  • Buying and dismantling old automobiles.
  • Selling used auto parts and scrap metal.

2099 Other scrap metal industries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Any other scrap metal businesses not already listed in this trade sector.

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21 Transportation

2101 Postal and courier services

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the operation of postal and courier services.

Also includes mail service contracts, government, post office box operation and service, rural mail carrier service, messenger service (courier), parcel delivery and express service courier, etc.

2103 Air cargo transportation

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Scheduled, non-scheduled, chartered and non-scheduled charter air transport, including charter services for air cargo, air express, air freight, air passengers, air transport and aircraft.

2107 Truck transport

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the provision of trucking, transfer and related services. Truck broker-operators are included in this industry.

2109 Railway transport

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the operation of railways for the transport of freight and passengers. This includes interurban railways, but excludes street railways and urban rapid transit.

2111 Ship transportation

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the operation of vessels for the transportation of freight and passengers in ferry operation, marine towing, ship chartering and other water transportation.

2199 Other transportation industries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Any other transportation industries not already listed in this trade sector.

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22 Food, retail

Exclusions

  • Food service market segments such as branded restaurants.
  • Institutional food services segments, including catering and distribution.

2201 Canadian supermarkets and grocery stores (M)

All devices used in this subsector are subject to a five-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure in grocery stores and supermarkets that sell a wide range of products.

Exclusions

Specialty stores specializing in the sale of one or a few products.

2205 Candy and nut stores (M)

All devices used in this subsector are subject to a five-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh or measure products in the retail sale of candy, nuts and confections.

2207 Fruit and vegetable stores (M)

All devices used in this subsector are subject to a five-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh or measure in the retail sale of fresh fruit and vegetables.

2209 Meat markets (M)

All devices used in this subsector are subject to a five-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh or measure at meat markets, delicatessens and butcher shops specializing in the retail sales of fresh, frozen, cured or cooked meats and poultry.

2215 Other food specialty stores (M)

All devices used in this subsector are subject to a five-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh or measure in the retail trade of products not listed elsewhere such as:

  • ethnic food
  • natural food
  • food sold at farmers' markets
  • fish and seafood
  • health and dietary food
  • coffee and tea
  • cheese and other dairy products

2299 Other food industries, retail (M)

All devices used in this subsector are subject to a five-year mandatory examination frequency.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure other retail foods not already listed in this trade sector. This includes products sold at the retail level at cafeterias, restaurants and institutions, such as hospitals.

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23 Waste collection and disposal

2301 Waste collection and disposal

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used to carry out the following activities:

  • Operating utilities such as garbage collection and disposal, garbage dump operation, incinerator operation, radioactive waste disposal and service, refuse collection and disposal services.
  • Recycling waste materials such as plastic waste, paper, cardboard, waste textile, rubber waste and liquid waste recovery such as used oil.

Exclusions

Automobile wrecking and buying and selling waste material such as copper scrap, lead scrap and scrap metal.

24 Taxicabs

2401 Taxicabs

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the provision of passenger transportation by automobiles not operated on regular schedules or between fixed terminals, and based on time measurement.

25 Parking lots and garages

2501 Parking lots and garages

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the operation of parking lots and garages for live storage of automobiles based on time measurement.

26 Tobacco

2601 Tobacco products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used to carry out the following activities:

  • Rolling, grinding, blending and flavouring tobacco.
  • Manufacturing tobacco products.

2603 Leaf tobacco

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the sorting, grading, redrying, treating and packing of tobacco leaves in hogsheads.

Establishments customarily store the dried tobacco for a period of time, which may be several years (i.e. aging the tobacco). Once aged, this industry may also stem the tobacco and prepare it for further manufacture before being sent to the tobacco products factory.

2699 Other tobacco industries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Any other tobacco industries not already listed in this trade sector.

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27 Quarries and sand pits

2701 Quarries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used to carry out the following activities:

  • Quarrying, crushing and pulverizing granite, limestone rock, marble, sandstone and shale for use in construction.
  • Extracting and screening igneous and sedimentary rocks from quarries.

2704 Sand and gravel pits

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the extraction, crushing, washing and screening of sand and gravel from pits or quarries.

Establishments may use devices that are secondarily engaged in trucking sand or gravel to job sites.

2799 Other

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Other quarries/pits, road asphalting and road construction not already listed in this trade sector.

28 Non-metallic minerals

2806 Concrete products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the manufacturing of concrete pipes, structural concrete products and other concrete products not elsewhere listed.

2899 Other non-metallic minerals

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Any other non-metallic mineral industries not already listed in this trade sector.

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29 Trade contractor (water well drilling)

2901 Trade contractor (water well drilling)

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used to carry out the following activities:

  • Drilling or digging water wells.
  • Installing and repairing water well pumps and well piping systems where trade measurement is conducted by the foot.

30 Honey and other apiary products

3001 Honey and other apiary products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used by farms to weigh and measure in the wholesale trade of honey, beeswax and bees. Includes apiary products, beekeeping, beeswax and honey (natural and unprocessed).

31 Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, distillery products)

3101 Alcoholic beverages, wholesale

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the wholesale dealing in beer, liquor, wine and other alcoholic beverages.

3103 Distillery products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the sale of distilled ethyl alcohol and beverages containing distilled alcohol. This industry includes only the manufacturing of ethyl alcohol used to make potable spirits.

Exclusions

Ethyl alcohol intended for use as a transportation or heating fuel is considered part of the petroleum trade/industry (see trade sectors 06 and 18).

3105 Brewery products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the steeping, boiling and fermenting of malt and hops to manufacture malt beverages.

3107 Wine

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used to carry out the following activities:

  • Pressing fruit and fermenting fruit juices to manufacture wines.
  • Producing hard cider with 2.5% or greater alcohol.

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32 Car and truck leasing

3201 Car and truck leasing

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the renting and leasing of passenger cars or trucks without drivers based on time.

33 Precious metals and stones

3301 Jewelry and precious metals

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used to carry out the following activities:

  • Manufacturing jewelry and silverware.
  • Re-refining, remelting and/or rolling precious metals with or without precious stones as well as imitation precious metals and stones.
  • Producing precious metal alloys.

3399 Other precious metals and stones industries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Any other precious metals or stones not already listed in this trade sector.

34 Piece goods, wholesale and retail

3401 Piece goods, wholesale

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in the wholesale dealing in:

  • piece goods or yard goods
  • notions or small wear (i.e. buttons, clothing fasteners, lace, millinery supplies, patterns, ribbons, thread, yarns for knitting, sewing accessories, etc.)

3403 Floor coverings, wholesale

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in the wholesale dealing in floor coverings (e.g. carpets, floor tiles, linoleum floor coverings, mats and runners, rugs and tile carpets).

3404 Floor covering stores

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in the retail dealing in:

  • carpets and rugs
  • carpet underlay
  • linoleum and floor tiles
  • mats and runners

3405 Fabric and yarn stores

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in the retail dealing in:

  • yard goods
  • yarns and related merchandise (e.g. dry goods and notions, fabric, knitting yarn and accessories, yard goods, sewing thread, textile fabrics, mill ends, textile fabric piece goods)

3407 Drapery stores

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in the retail dealing in draperies, curtains and upholstery fabric. Included are boutiques that make up draperies to customer specifications.

3499 Other piece goods industries

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used in any other piece goods industries not already listed in this trade sector.

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35 Laundries and cleaners

3505 Laundries and cleaners

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the provision of laundering, dry cleaning, valet, carpet cleaning and linen supply services.

36 General merchandise

3601 General merchandise, wholesale

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure in the wholesale trade transactions of an establishment with a diversified line of merchandise of which hardware, food, clothing, sporting goods, toys and games tend to be the most important, but no line is sufficiently important to constitute a primary activity.

3602 Pet supplies

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used in trade for the retail sale of pet supplies such as bulk pet food, loose aquarium gravel, rocks, coral, petrified wood, aquarium background posters, etc. Doesn't include establishments manufacturing pet food or agricultural feed, which are included in trade subsector 0306.

3699 Other general merchandise, wholesale

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure wholesale trade transactions of other general merchandise, and general manufacturing not already listed in this or any other trade sectors.

37 Rubber products (manufacturing)

3701 Rubber products (manufacturing)

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Devices used to weigh and measure:

  • rubber hoses and belting
  • mechanical rubber goods
  • weather stripping (rubber and plastic)
  • pressure sensitive tape
  • rubber boot and shoe findings
  • tire retreading materials
  • tires and tubes, etc.

3799 Other rubber products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Any other rubber products not already listed in this trade sector.

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38 Vending machines

3801 Vending machines

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the retail dealing and use of coin-operated vending machines to dispense a variety of products.

39 Hardware stores, retail

3901 Hardware stores, retail

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Weighing and measuring devices used in the retail dealing in any combination of the basic lines of hardware such as:

  • hand and power tools
  • builders' hardware
  • fasteners
  • electrical and plumbing supplies

Establishments may use devices that are secondarily engaged in retailing housewares, electrical appliances, paint, sporting goods, etc.

3999 Other hardware products

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Any other hardware products not already listed in this trade sector.

41 Cannabis products

Exclusions

Measuring devices used only for inventory, quality or quantity control.

4101 Cannabis, retail

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used to weigh and measure 30 g or less of medical or recreational cannabis products for retail trade.

4102 Cannabis, wholesale

Not subject to mandatory examinations.

Inclusions

Measuring devices used to weigh and measure more than 30 g of medical or recreational cannabis products for wholesale trade.

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Restricted use trade sectors and subsectors

90 Mass

9001

Description

This generic mass trade sector is restricted for the use of accredited authorized service providers who are distributors of platform scales and computing scales (types 02 and 03 in the device type and subtype tables) where:

  • the sale of these devices is not to the end user, and
  • the revenue generated by products weighed or measured by these devices cannot be associated with a specific trade sector.

This trade sector should only be used in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to determine the specific trade sector (e.g. during factory examinations); otherwise, the most appropriate trade sector code should be used.

Registered organizations cannot use this trade sector, as it is not included in the scope of the registration program.

Possibly subject to mandatory examinations.

This is dependent on the device type and circumstances surrounding examinations.

Where the sector of use is unknown at the time of factory examination and the device could be used in a sector subject to mandatory examinations, a one-year next examination due date (NEDD) will automatically be applied.

91 Volume

9101

Description

This generic volume sector is restricted for the use of individuals who report their time under work elements 24 (Policy/Program Development/Technical Support), 300 (Accreditation), 310 (Registration) or 501 to 503 (Certification of Standards), when the work performed cannot be associated with a specific trade sector, but is related to liquid measuring devices, volumetric standards, or liquid-meter service organizations.

Staff should only use this trade sector in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to determine the specific trade sector, for example during factory examinations of liquid measuring devices, or developing procedures for the calibration of volumetric standards. In all other cases, the most appropriate trade sector code should be used.

92 Commodity

9201

Description

This generic commodity sector is restricted for the use of individuals who report their time under work element 24 (Policy/Program Development/Technical Support) when the work performed cannot be associated with a specific trade sector.

93 Metric

9301

Description

This generic metric sector is restricted for the use of individuals who report their time under work element 24 (Policy/Program Development/Technical Support) when the work performed cannot be associated with a specific trade sector.

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Revisions

Revisions
Version Effective date Revisions
1.7 October 25, 2021
  • Added the examination frequencies to the mandatory trade subsectors.
  • Created a summary table.
  • Made minor editorial changes.
  • Reformatted the document.
1.6 September 15, 2020
  • Updated trade subsector 1401.
  • Added trade subsector 1402.
  • Updated inclusions for subsector 1804.
1.5 July 9, 2019
  • Removed (M) from subsector 1599.
1.4 September 6, 2018
  • Added trade sector 41.
  • Made minor editorial changes.
1.3 June 1, 2018
  • Updated the Selection of a trade sector section.
  • Updated trade sector 15.
  • Updated trade subsector 1801.
1.2 December 15, 2017
  • Updated the description of subsector 9001 to include device type 02.
  • Made other minor wording changes.
1.1 April 1, 2017
  • Updated title page with new departmental name and corporate signature.
  • Updated the document so that it conforms to the Canada.ca Content Style Guide.
  • Made other minor changes.