Weights and Measures (Knitting Yarns) Order 1988 to be revoked
In future the manufacturers and retailers of knitting yarn will be able to decide what weight or size they produce and sell.
The Weights and Measures (Knitting Yarns) Order 1988 (Statutory Instrument 1988/895) is to be revoked by the Deregulation Bill, which was introduced into Parliament on 23 January 2014. This forms part of the government’s ‘Red Tape Challenge’, the aim of which is to reduce the amount of regulation in the UK and to encourage business growth.
The 1988 Order requires that pre-packaged knitting yarn be sold only by weight, or, when not pre-packaged, be sold only in fixed weights, known as prescribed quantities. By removing these restrictions, manufacturers and retailers of knitting yarn will be able to decide what weight or size they produce and sell. This in turn will allow greater freedom for manufacturers and retailers, but also provide more choice for consumers.
Consumers will still be given information on weight and be protected from short measure by separate requirements that apply to pre-packaged and open packaged knitting yarn under the Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 2006.
Manufacturers and retailers will not be required to change their existing practices or introduce new sizes as a result of this revocation. The changes are expected to come into force later this year.
For further information please email: lynnette.falk@bis.gsi.gov.uk.