The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Federal Grain Inspection Service (USDA, AMS, FGIS) has delegated official scale testing and scale authorization authority to the department.

1. (1) The USDA, AMS, FGIS scale authorization fee established in WAC 16-240-060, per hour, per employee is charged when USDA, AMS, FGIS scale authorization services are performed.
2. (2) In addition to the hourly USDA, AMS, FGIS scale authorization fee; the department may charge travel time at the scale authorization hourly rate, mileage beyond 10 miles from the scale specialist's assigned office location, per diem, or overtime, if applicable.

3. (3) All scales in Washington state under USDA, AMS, FGIS jurisdiction must comply with the following testing requirements:

   1. (a) Scales must be tested and certified for accuracy at least twice each year by an authorized Washington state department of agriculture scale specialist or a USDA, AMS, FGIS scale specialist.
   2. (b) When tested by the department or by USDA, AMS, FGIS, a seal must be placed on the scales. This seal must be dated and must indicate approval or rejection.

   3. (c) When scales are tested, copies of the test report must be:

      1. (i) Forwarded to USDA, AMS, FGIS;
      2. (ii) Maintained by the department; and
      3. (iii) Maintained at the facility where the scale is located.
4. (4) The scale authorization fee is charged in one-half hour increments.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 22.09.020. WSR 22-05-011, § 16-240-044, filed 2/4/22, effective 3/7/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 22.09.020 and chapter 34.05 RCW. WSR 17-19-051, § 16-240-044, filed 9/13/17, effective 10/14/17; WSR 16-12-076, § 16-240-044, filed 5/27/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: 2003 1st sp.s. c 25 § 309(2); RCW 22.09.790, chapter 34.05 RCW and The United States Department of Agriculture has oversight of fees charged under the Federal Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. WSR 05-11-058, § 16-240-044, filed 5/17/05, effective 6/17/05.]