Eichbehörden

Eichbehörden are official regulatory agencies in Germany responsible for overseeing and maintaining the standards of measurement and metrological accuracy within the country. The term "Eichbehörde" translates to "calibration authority" or "verification authority" and plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability of measurements used in trade, industry, and public services.

These authorities are tasked with conducting inspections, verifications, and calibrations of measuring instruments such as balances, taximeters, gas and electricity meters, and other devices used for commercial transactions or safety-critical applications. Their work helps safeguard consumer rights, ensure fair trade practices, and uphold legal metrology standards.

Eichbehörden operate under the legal framework established by the Measuring Instruments Act (Mess- und Eichgesetz) and related European regulations. Each German federal state has its own Eichbehörde, which collaborates with national and European bodies to harmonize measurement standards.

The agencies are responsible for issuing calibration certificates and verification marks, known as "Eichmark," which attest that a measuring device complies with applicable legal requirements. They also maintain registers of approved measuring instruments and carry out enforcement actions in cases of non-compliance.

In addition to their regulatory functions, Eichbehörden provide guidance and information to manufacturers, service providers, and consumers regarding metrological standards and proper instrument usage. Their work is essential for maintaining measurement consistency and trust in commercial and industrial processes across Germany.