Many of the weighing machines used at the markets in Moldova are not tested metrologically and are not included in the state register. Vice director of the Consumer Protection Agency Grigore Cater in a news conference said that as a result of recent visits at a number of markets in the country, inspectors established that only 46% of the 902 used scales complied with the requirements, while 54% were noncompliant, illegal or weren’t tested metrologically, PIN reports.

The inspectors didn’t withdraw the noncompliant scales for the reason that they made only visits and didn’t carry out inspections. The goal was to inform the vendors and consumers about the correct use of weighing instruments. However, after about a month and a half, when the information visits are over, inspections will start to be conducted and those who will not comply will be fined 6,000 to 9,000 lei and the fines will double in case of repeated deviations.

According to Grigore Cater, the Consumer Protection Agency aims to adopt a new approach in relation to business entities and consumers centered on counseling, informing and formation rather than on inspection.

Grigore Cater said the market administrators and vendors were informed about all the identified violations and were offered consultative assistance for complying with the legal requirements.