• Conducts surveillance inspections at all levels (manufacturer, importer, distributor and retailer) in the market to ensure that consumers receive fair measure and legal requirements are met.
• Continually verifies the accuracy of measuring instruments and measures;
• Calibrates measures and measuring instruments on site and in the laboratory;
• Conducts technical training courses for its own staff and businesses involved in installation, maintenance, verification and calibration of measuring instruments;
• Takes immediate action to stop the sale of goods when legal requirements are not met.

In order to provide further protection to the consumer Legal Metrology also operates a voluntary pre-pack certification scheme – the “e” Mark Scheme. In order to participate in the scheme packers must prove that they consistently meet requirements regarding quantity packed and labelling, and that they have adequate management systems in place to ensure that they continue to comply.

Legal Metrology continually strives to ensure that its standards for inspection and competence of employees are world class, through accreditation to SANS17020 - General criteria for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection. Accreditation provides formal recognition of the competence of the inspection function.