An Authorized California Weighmaster is a person or business licensed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Division of Measurement Standards, to legally weigh, measure, or count commodities in commercial transactions where weight is a factor in the sale. The weighmaster system ensures fairness and accuracy in trade by requiring strict compliance with standardized procedures for weighing and documentation.

Under California law, any business or individual who  Authorized California Weighmaster  weighs commodities for sale, especially where payment depends on the weight (such as in agriculture, recycling, transportation, and construction industries), must be licensed as a weighmaster. The goal is to protect both buyers and sellers from inaccurate or fraudulent weight claims.

A weighmaster license authorizes the licensee to issue a weighmaster certificate, a legal document that records the weight, measurement, or count of a commodity. This certificate is admissible in court as evidence and serves as an official statement of the facts it reports. Because of its legal weight, issuing a false weighmaster certificate can result in criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

To become an Authorized California Weighmaster, applicants must apply through the CDFA and pay a fee based on the number of business locations and deputies (employees) involved. Each business must designate responsible parties, called deputy weighmasters, who are trained and authorized to perform weighmaster duties. These deputies must follow strict procedures and maintain accurate records.

Weighmasters often work in industries such as:

Scrap and recycling centers (weighing metals, plastics, etc.)

Agriculture (weighing produce or livestock)

Transportation (verifying truckloads)

Construction and mining (weighing raw materials like gravel, asphalt, or sand)

The CDFA regularly audits weighmaster records and equipment to ensure compliance with California’s Business and Professions Code and other regulatory standards. Businesses found violating the law may face fines, license suspension, or revocation.

In summary, an Authorized California Weighmaster plays a crucial role in ensuring fair commerce where weight, measurement, or count matters. By maintaining accurate records and issuing legally binding certificates, they help uphold trust and accountability in transactions across a wide range of industries.