Inmetro plan inspects 45,000 products in the first phase

The task force inspected four of the 13 products that will be verified over 90 days, in an operation that has the support of the Inmetro superintendences in Rio Grande do Sul and Goiás and the 24 delegated bodies in the states (Institute of Weights and Measures – Ipem ). The action aims to curb the irregular commercialization of products in the formal market.

Inmetro’s deputy director of Conformity Assessment, Marcelo Monteiro, reported this Tuesday (9) that, in the initial stage of the plan, commercial scales, vehicular natural gas (CNG) components, motorcycle helmets and fuel pumps were checked. of gas stations.

Trade balances were the item with the highest percentage of irregularities. In the first week, from April 11th to 14th, inspectors visited 78 municipalities and 2,411 establishments to verify that the commercial scales had the Inmetro seal and that they had gone through the mandatory checks. Of the 6,703 scales analyzed, 544 (8.1%) showed some irregularity, such as an error in weighing more than allowed, lack of mandatory inscriptions or broken seals. “It was the highest irregularity value that we found”, said Monteiro. “This shows how much we need to be on the street.”

As for vehicular natural gas (CNG) components, 16,752 kits in the week of April 16th to 24th, to check if they met the safety requirements foreseen in the regulations and presented the Inmetro seal. Throughout the country, 106 irregularities were identified, or the equivalent of 0.6%. “In this item, the irregularity rate is very low.” Among these products, Monteiro cited cylinder valve, quick closing valve, supply valve, high pressure tube and pressure indicator, among other products related to CNG installation.

In the third week of the operation, from April 24th to 27th, the focus was on moped helmets. 17,198 products were checked and only 24 irregularities were identified, which represents 0.14% of the total checked. “A very good index, because a helmet is essential for a motorcyclist’s life”, said Marcelo Monteiro.

Inmetro inspected 402 gas stations and 4,644 fuel pumps in the week from April 28 to May 4, finding 273 irregularities (5.9%) in equipment that did not meet the technical and metrological requirements, showing measurement errors and absence of sealing marks, among others. “The stations were notified”, informed Inmetro.

Guidance

According to Marcelo Monteiro, the operations are orientative in nature, and the establishments where irregularities are found are instructed to correct the procedures. In case of recurrence, they are subject to the penalties provided for by law, with fines ranging from R$ 100 to R$ 1.5 million.

“Most of the time, we guide the correction of the problem and give a simple notification, without fines. When it is a question of fraud or a question against the consumer, we have a more energetic action to notify for irregularity and open an administrative process for assessment. The irresponsible supplier can be penalized according to the rigor of the law”, said Monteiro.

The penalties that can be applied range from the prohibition of the establishment and seizure of the product to fines of up to R$ 1.5 million. In all actions, technicians also guide sellers and consumers on the importance of buying certified products.

Continuity

This Monday (8), Inmetro started the second stage of the plan, with the inspection of ceramic components for masonry, such as bricks and blocks for civil construction.

At this stage, four products will also be inspected. “Each week, a different product or groups”. Over the next three weeks, it will be washing machines and refrigerators, chronotachographs and toy safety. Chronotachographs are instruments intended to indicate and record, simultaneously and instantly, the speed and distance traveled by the vehicle, as a function of the elapsed time.

Consumers who suspect irregularities should contact Inmetro’s ombudsman at site from the instituteor by calling 0800 285 1818, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.