Legal-for-Trade Scale Calibration in Texas (TDA)
If you sell by weight in Texas, your scale has to be legal for trade. MNM Scales is TDA licensed, and our registered technicians cover every TDA scale class. We place commercial scales into service, calibrate and seal them, and take care of the Texas Department of Agriculture paperwork, including the RWM-780 service report and the RWM-700 device registration application.
What Makes a Scale Legal for Trade in Texas
- An NTEP-approved scale that suits what you weigh and sell
- Placement into service by a registered technician of a TDA-licensed service company, including installation and calibration
- An RWM-780 service report sent to TDA within 10 days of placing the scale into service
- Device registration with TDA on the RWM-700 application, renewed every year
- A posted registration certificate and consumer information sticker where customers can see them
Source: Texas Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures.
How We Place Your Scale into Service
- Choose the right scale. We help you pick an approved model: price computing and label printing scales for delis and markets, NTEP balances for jewelry and precious metals, or floor scales for shipping and receiving.
- Install and calibrate on-site. A registered technician sets up the scale at your location, calibrates it with test weights and applies the security seal.
- File the RWM-780. We submit the service report to TDA within the 10-day window.
- Register the device. We prepare the RWM-700 device registration application with you, so you can post your certificate and sticker.
- Keep it compliant. After any repair, adjustment or seal change we recalibrate and file a new RWM-780.
Who Needs Legal-for-Trade Scales
- Grocery stores, delis, butchers and farmers markets pricing produce, meat and bulk foods
- Jewelers and gold buyers buying and selling by the gram or pennyweight, using scales like the A&D EK-1200i
- Restaurants and food processors selling by weight, with washdown models like the A&D SK-5000WP
- Shippers, warehouses and recyclers charging by weight
- Retail counters using bench scales such as the OHAUS Valor 4000 V41XWE15T or label printers like the Torrey W-Label20L-P
Pricing and Coverage
Legal-for-trade calibration uses our published capacity tiers, from $95 for scales up to 2.2 kg (see the full price table). On-site placement into service adds the $295 service call, charged once per visit, plus $2 per mile, round trip, across Greater Houston, including Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Pasadena, Humble and Conroe. Dallas, Austin and San Antonio are available on request with quoted pricing. For recalibration, TDA mail-in calibration is available statewide.
Recalibrating a legal-for-trade scale up to 6.2 kg, such as a jewelry or gold scale? Book online:
Up to 2.2 kg In-House $95 Up to 2.2 kg NIST $395 2.2–6.2 kg In-House $195 2.2–6.2 kg NIST $495
Placing a scale into service or calibrating a larger scale? Call (832) 290-3120 or request a quote.
Legal-for-Trade FAQ
What is TDA scale certification?
In Texas, a commercial scale is made legal for trade when a registered technician from a TDA-licensed service company places it into service and reports it to TDA on the RWM-780, and the owner registers the device with TDA on the RWM-700. MNM Scales handles both forms.
Who has to use a legal-for-trade scale?
Any business in Texas that sets a price or charge by weight, such as grocery stores, delis, farmers markets, jewelers, gold buyers, shippers and recyclers.
What is the RWM-780?
The RWM-780 is the TDA Licensed Service Company Service Report. A licensed company files it within 10 days of placing a commercial scale into service, or of calibrating or repairing one.
What is the RWM-700?
The RWM-700 is TDA’s Weights & Measures Device Registration Certificate Application. Businesses use it to register their commercial scales, and the registration is renewed every year.
Does MNM Scales cover all scale classes?
Yes. MNM Scales is TDA licensed, with registered technicians for every TDA scale class.
Do I need a new placement into service after a repair?
Any repair, adjustment or seal change on a commercial scale is reported to TDA on a new RWM-780. Our registered technicians handle the repair, recalibration and report together. See scale repair.
Should I buy an NTEP scale?
Yes. Choose an NTEP-approved model for trade use. Browse our NTEP legal-for-trade scales or call us for a recommendation.
Get Your Scale Legal for Trade
Call (832) 290-3120 (24/7) or schedule placement into service. See all scale services or NIST calibration certificates.