MID directive : the Prisma group accompanies your production line from design to periodic inspection.

Prisma Paper #2

Prisma Industriale and Prisma Cert: 2 realities, one Partner at your side.

In the food industry, and beyond, compliance is not an option; it is a must. Every manufacturer is now required to comply not only with official national and European regulations, but also more stringent standards dictated by players such as Marks & Spencer, BRC and IFS, designed to ensure total control of the supply chain and maximum protection for the final consumer in the inspection and quality control.

It is in this scenario that the Prisma group offers a complete proposal: Prisma Industriale designs and produces checkweighers for product weight control, in full compliance with the MID (Measuring Instruments Directive), while Prisma Cert , through its accredited metrology laboratory, guarantees the continuity of compliance over time, thanks to periodic checks on the Italian territory.

What is the MID directive and why it is your point of reference

The MID directive applies to all automatic measuring instruments for legal use, including checkweighers used in a wide variety of production sectors. Its goal is to harmonize the technical requirements of measuring instruments so that they can be freely marketed and used throughout the European Union - a common ground that protects both businesses and consumers.

The requirements laid down by the MID concern two fundamental areas: 

- metrological performance - the accuracy and reliability of measurement;

- legal requirements - full applicability and validity for regulatory purposes.

Relying on an MID certified checkweigher means having the certainty that every measurement carried out in line is legally valid, metrologically accurate and fully protecting the market and the final consumer.

From design to commissioning: the MID certification path

The directive allows manufacturers to design and produce measuring instruments according to specific modules, described in the annexes of the MID itself, based on the function and complexity of the instrument.

The path is divided into two distinct phases:

- at the design stage, an independent notified body is always required to verify that the design fully complies with the requirements of the Directive;

- during the production phase, the manufacturer may self-certify that individual instruments conform with the design already approved, provided that an appropriate quality management system is in place and is periodically inspected by the notified body.

Prisma Industriale operates throughout this process with a structured quality management system, solid and constantly checked, to ensure that every instrument that comes out of our production is 100% compliant with what was approved in the design phase.

It should also be recalled that the scope of the MID Directive extends from design to the placing on the market of the instrument. After verification, the instrument receives the CE marking together with the additional metrology mark "M" and the last two digits of the year of manufacture. Each Prisma Industriale checkweigher is also accompanied by a declaration of conformity, with which the manufacturer assumes full responsibility for the instrument’s compliance with MID requirements.

After placing on the market: periodic checks with Prisma Cert

The conformity of a checkweigher does not end with its installation: MID and national regulations require that the instrument maintains its metrological characteristics over time, through periodic checks.

For this reason, the Prisma Group can offer a complete service also on this front: Prisma Industriale through its notified inspection body Prisma Cert, (identifier PR250), is authorized to carry out the periodic verification of checkweighers with automatic operation approved according to the MID directive and national legislation, throughout Italian territory. Verifications are carried out using sample masses referable to LAT centers (Accredited Calibration Laboratories), ensuring the full metrological validity of control measures.

Relying on Prisma Group therefore means having a single point of reference for the entire life cycle of the instrument: from MID certified design and production, to periodic verification that attests to its continued compliance over time.

 The concrete advantages for your production line

- Legal compliance guaranteed - each instrument is aligned with the requirements of the MID directive.

- Continuity of compliance over time - thanks to the periodic checks carried out by Prisma Cert, with masses referable to LAT centers.

- Detection of incomplete packaging - active protection against line errors and product waste.

- Protection of brand and company reputation - a product always compliant is a brand always reliable in the eyes of the consumer and distribution.

- One contact person for the whole process - from the supply of the certified instrument to its periodic verification.

With the Prisma Group, compliance with the MID directive is not just a requirement to be met, but an added value on which to build customer trust and brand strength, from the first commissioning up to each periodic check, a Group that becomes the unique Partner for all quality control needs.