The Liberia Standards Authority (LiSA) is to launch a comprehensive nationwide enforcement campaign to verify, and certify all trade weighing scales and commercial illegal gas stations.
Weleegbeh Nicholas Williams, Head of the Metrology Department, made the pronouncement during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT).
Williams highlighted the importance of the measures in alignment with World Metrology Day, celebrated on May 20.
He spoke of how accurate measurement science plays a critical role in protecting consumer finances and ensuring public health.
On imminent enforcement action, Williams said, LiSA inspectors will be deployed nationwide for an “intensive verification exercise” scheduled from June to July, 2026.
Certification:
“Any weighing or measuring instrument that is not verified during this two-month period will be strictly prohibited from use in trade. Uncertified equipment will be confiscated on-site.”
Gas Station Audits: LiSA teams will conduct thorough audits and certifications of commercial gas stations to ensure that consumers receive the exact fuel volume they have paid for.
Why Metrology Matters to Every Liberian
“Metrology is not merely the act of measuring; it is the science that guarantees measurements are accurate, consistent and reliable.”
The Metrology Department focuses on equity in public healthcare:
Accurate measurements of vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, and weight are crucial for effective medical treatments.
Inaccurate clinical instruments can lead to misdiagnoses and preventable fatalities.
Agricultural Trade:
Local cocoa farmers depend on precise scale readings to ensure they receive fair market value for their products.
Pre-packaged Commodities:
Consumers need assurance that everyday purchases, such as a 25kg bag of rice or a 50kg bag of cement, correspond with the weights declared by manufacturers.
Strategic Regulatory Reforms To enhance national quality infrastructure, LiSA has implemented
the pre-Package verification; collaborating with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) to verify the actual weight and volume of staples, including rice, flour, sugar, cement, vegetable oil, paint, and beverages.
Import Quality Controls: Establishing a type approval scheme with MoCI to prevent the importation of substandard measuring instruments into the markets.
Licensing Calibration Firms: Licensing all local and temporary international private calibration companies to ensure they possess the necessary technical competence.
Medical Device Calibration: Working with the Ministry of Health to enforce mandatory calibration regulations for all clinical medical equipment.
On consumer vigilance, LiSA called on all citizens to build the first line of defense against market fraud. Consumers are meanwhile, encouraged to inspect all commercial weighing and measuring devices before making transactions, specifically looking for official LiSA certification stickers or valid permits.