Eichämter

Eichämter are government authorities in German-speaking countries responsible for legal metrology, including the calibration, verification, and certification of measuring instruments used in commerce and public life. They ensure that devices meet defined accuracy standards and carry the legally required seals or markings.

The main duties of Eichämter include testing devices for compliance, issuing approvals and seals after successful verification, and maintaining registries of approved instruments. They monitor and enforce correct use and handling of measuring devices by manufacturers, retailers, service providers, and users. Eichämter also provide guidance on metrology-related matters and coordinate with national metrology institutes to ensure consistent standards and procedures.

The range of instruments covered typically includes commercial weighing scales, cash registers, petrol pumps, taximeters, and gas, water, or electricity meters. Thermometers and other precision instruments used in trade or regulatory contexts may also fall under their remit. The exact scope can vary by country and region, depending on national legislation.

Organizationally, Eichämter are usually state or regional authorities within the public administration, though the precise structure differs among countries. In Germany, they operate within state ministries or regulatory agencies and coordinate with the national metrology institute (the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, PTB) to set standards and procedures. In Austria and other German-speaking regions, similar bodies perform analogous functions under national or regional laws. The Eichamt system forms part of the broader legal metrology framework (Meß- und Eichwesen), aimed at safeguarding fair trade and consumer protection.

Historically, the Eichamt tradition emerged with the standardization of weights and measures in the 19th century and continues to adapt to modern measurement technologies, while retaining the core role of ensuring instrument accuracy and legal traceability.