NTEP Precision Balances & Legal-for-Trade Scales

MNM Scales stocks NTEP certified scales and legal-for-trade precision balances for dispensaries, jewelers, gold buyers, pharmacies, delis, packing rooms and labs, with A&D, OHAUS and other leading brands in one place. As one of the largest scale distributors in Texas, we ship every scale free, and our Cypress, TX shop can calibrate your balance before it leaves.

What NTEP certified means

The National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) tests a scale design against NIST Handbook 44 and issues a Certificate of Conformance (CC) for the approved models. A model with a CC is approved for legal-for-trade use, where a price or fee is based on weight, and each scale is then placed in service under state rules. Three details on the certificate matter most when you choose a scale:

• Accuracy class. Class II covers precision balances for jewelry, precious metals, cannabis and pharmacy. Class III covers most retail, food, shipping and bench scales.
• Verified division (e). This is the increment you sell by. The A&D FX-200iN reads 0.001 g, and its legal-for-trade division is e = 0.01 g.
• Capacity. Choose a capacity that covers your largest sale plus any container.

Our guide what is NTEP and legal for trade explains classes, divisions and sealing in plain terms.

Popular NTEP balances and scales in stock

• A&D FX-200iN NTEP precision balance: 220 g x 0.001 g, Class II with e = 0.01 g, a dispensary and jewelry favorite at $649.
• A&D FX-1200iN, FX-2000iN and FX-3000iN: 1,220 g, 2,200 g and 3,200 g x 0.01 g, Class II with e = 0.1 g, from $628.
• A&D GF-203AN Apollo: 220 g x 0.001 g, NTEP and Measurement Canada Class II, with selectable e = d and e = 10d modes and a pharmacy mode, $1,029.
• A&D GF-2002AN Apollo: 2,200 g x 0.01 g, Class II, the current replacement for the GF-2000N, $1,015.
• A&D EK-12Ki Everest: 12,000 g x 1 g, Class II, for larger jewelry and precious metals lots, $427.
• A&D EK-6000i Everest: 6,000 g x 1 g, Class III, a compact retail and shipping scale at $339.
• A&D HV-60KC bench scale: 30/60/150 lb x 0.01/0.02/0.05 lb, NTEP, with comparator lights for checkweighing, $689. The HV-15KC covers 6/15/30 lb.
• A&D SE-60KAM washdown bench scale: 130 lb x 0.02 lb, IP68, NTEP Class III, $739.
• A&D SJ-15KWP washdown scale: 33 lb x 0.001 lb, IP67, NSF and NTEP, $369.

Shop NTEP scales by type and brand

Narrow the range with A&D NTEP precision balances, NTEP milligram precision balances, OHAUS NTEP gold and cannabis scales and OHAUS. For larger loads, see NTEP bench scales, NTEP floor scales, price computing scales and checkweighing scales, or browse every NTEP legal-for-trade scale we carry.

Choosing the right legal-for-trade scale

Jewelry, gold and precious metals

Buying and selling gold, silver and gemstones calls for a Class II balance with carat, pennyweight and troy ounce units. The A&D FX-iN series and GF-203AN fit most counters. Read our legal-for-trade jewelry scale guide.

Cannabis dispensaries

Dispensaries usually sell by the gram at e = 0.01 g, so a Class II balance such as the FX-200iN or GF-203AN is the common choice. See the best scale for a cannabis dispensary.

Pharmacy and compounding

The A&D GF-AN Apollo series includes an NTEP pharmacy mode for prescription counting. Compare models in our pharmacy balance guide.

Delis, produce and retail counters

Selling food by the pound uses Class III scales, often with price computing or label printing. Start with price computing scales.

Shipping, packing and checkweighing

For freight charges and pack-out checks, the HV-C bench scales give triple-range resolution and comparator lights. Wet rooms call for IP-rated models such as the SE-60KAM or SJ-15KWP; see all washdown scales.

Calibration and Texas placed-in-service

Every scale on this page can ship calibrated from our Cypress, TX shop. Calibration is priced by the scale’s maximum capacity:

A scale whose capacity is exactly at a tier limit uses the lower tier.

An FX-200iN falls in the up to 2.2 kg tier, and an EK-12Ki falls in the 6.2–35 kg tier. Calibration usually takes 1–3 business days after we receive the scale, and our mail-in scale calibration service covers scales bought anywhere. In Texas, a commercial scale must be placed into service and registered with the Texas Department of Agriculture. MNM Scales is TDA licensed, with TDA-Registered Technicians for all scale classes, and our technicians handle the RWM-780 and RWM-700 paperwork for you. Read placing a scale in service in Texas and legal-for-trade calibration in Texas.

On-site service in Houston

Our technicians calibrate, repair and certify legal-for-trade scales on-site across the Houston area and surrounding suburbs, with Dallas, Austin and San Antonio on request. On-site service is $295 plus $2 per mile round trip, charged once per visit, with calibration priced per scale on top. See balance calibration in Houston and scale repair, which covers all brands. Need a trade scale for a market or event? Ask about scale rentals.

Buying NTEP scales for several locations

Opening several stores or dispensaries? Our wholesale scales program quotes volume pricing, and the bulk buying guide covers matching models across sites. Call (832) 290-3120, or contact us any time, 24/7.

NTEP certified scale FAQ

What is an NTEP certified scale?

It is a scale model that has passed NTEP type evaluation and holds a Certificate of Conformance. NTEP certified scales are approved for legal-for-trade use, where you charge by weight.

Which accuracy class do I need?

Class II suits jewelry, precious metals, cannabis and pharmacy work at 0.01 g to 0.1 g divisions. Class III suits deli, produce, shipping and most bench scales. Each product page lists the class.

Why does my balance read finer than its legal-for-trade division?

Many balances display one extra digit for internal use. The A&D FX-200iN reads 0.001 g and sells by e = 0.01 g, and the GF-AN Apollo series lets you choose e = d or e = 10d.

Do you place scales in service in Texas?

Yes. Our TDA licensed technicians install, calibrate and place trade scales in service, and we handle the RWM-780 and RWM-700 paperwork.

Can you calibrate my scale before it ships?

Yes. Add an in-house or NIST calibration in the tier that matches your scale’s maximum capacity, and we calibrate it at our Cypress shop, usually within 1–3 business days.

Is shipping free?

Yes. NTEP scales ship free, and we offer UPS 2nd Day and Next Day for faster delivery.

Are your scales Measurement Canada approved too?

Several are. The A&D GF-AN Apollo series carries both NTEP and Measurement Canada Class II approval, and the A&D HV-C bench scales and SE-60KAM list Measurement Canada approval on their product pages.