No Calibrated Scale Inside – For a Reason

Anyone who fills and sells honey commercially must comply with the requirements of the German Measurement and Calibration Act (MessEG). Many beekeepers therefore wonder: shouldn’t a calibrated scale be integrated directly into the filling machine? The short answer: no – and for good reason.

In this article, we explain what the calibration law requires, how calibration and recalibration work, and why an external calibrated control scale is the better solution.

The German Measurement and Calibration Act (MessEG) and the Measurement and Calibration Ordinance (MessEV) regulate the use of scales for the commercial sale of honey by weight, for example, in 500 g jars. Specifically, this means:

• Anyone selling honey commercially by weight must use a calibrated and recalibratable scale (§ 25 MessEG, § 31 MessEV).
• The stated filling quantity on the label (e.g., “500 g”) must be reliably maintained.
• Regular weight checks are legally required.

Only those hobby beekeepers are exempt from these requirements who give away their honey solely on an occasional basis and without the intention of making a profit, e.g., to family, friends, or in exchange for goods. Once honey is sold regularly or at markets/shops – even in small quantities – this counts as commercial sale, and a calibrated scale is required.

An integrated scale may sound practical, but in practice, it is neither legally nor technically sensible. Calibrated scales are subject to strict requirements that are difficult to reconcile with a flexible filling machine. The main reasons:

• Calibration is tied to fixed conditions: installation location, temperature, alignment, and environmental factors must remain constant – which is hardly feasible for movable, product-handling devices.
• Changes void the calibration: cleaning, product changes, or modifications can render the calibration invalid.
• High effort for calibration and recalibration: integrated scales would have to be checked regularly on-site by the calibration office or an authorized body, which is expensive and time-consuming.
• Limited flexibility: handling different jars, filling media, or small batches would be more complicated.

Even though our filling machines weigh only about 20 kg and are theoretically portable, calibration applies to the entire system (device, scale, operating environment). Mobile calibration is therefore hardly feasible or economical in practice.

Use our precise, volume-based filling machine and regularly check the weight with an external calibrated bench scale.

This approach is:

• Legally compliant: meets the requirements of the MessEG.
• Practical: easy to integrate into existing workflows.
• Cost-efficient: no expensive recalibration of the entire device.
• Flexible: suitable for different jar sizes and batches.

If you would like personal advice on choosing the right filling solution for your beekeeping business, feel free to contact us.

Suitable scales can be found at specialized retailers for calibrated measuring equipment or through repair companies recommended by the local calibration office.

Key criteria when choosing a scale:

• Calibration capability: marked with “M” or accompanied by a conformity certificate (proof that the scale meets legal requirements).
• Regular recalibration: usually every two years, depending on the type of scale.
• Stable placement: on a quiet, level, and stable surface.

A scale is initially calibrated by the manufacturer or an authorized testing body:

• It is tested under defined conditions.
• It receives a calibration mark (e.g., “M24” for 2024).
• It is sealed or secured with a calibration lock.

Calibration is usually valid for two years, after which recalibration by the calibration office or certified testing bodies is required. Tampering or damage (e.g., through improper cleaning) can void the calibration. Always use the scale according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Our filling machines deliberately do not include an integrated calibrated scale because this is technically and economically impractical. An external calibrated control scale is legally compliant, flexible, and cost-efficient. This way, you can easily meet the legal requirements of the Measurement and Calibration Act – and focus on what really matters: filling and selling your honey.