Imagine: every day you produce or pack hundreds to thousands of prepackaged products bearing the e-mark (℮ mark). Every pack of food, supplements, cosmetics or any other product must have the exact nominal weight or volume — not too little (with the risk of fines, rejection or recalls), but not unnecessarily too much either (because that costs raw material and margin).
The WeighControl SQC Module solves this problem fully automatically — right at the scale, per product and per batch. In this blog you will read exactly what the module does, how it works and why it is indispensable for companies that use the e-mark.
What is the WeighControl SQC Module and why is it relevant for e-marked products?
The WeighControl SQC Module (Statistical Quality Control) is an advanced extension within R10 WeighControl, specially developed for statistical quality control when weighing and packing prepackaged products.
The module is built entirely on European Directive 76/211/EEC (Annex I) — the legal basis for the e-mark (℮ mark). By placing the e-mark on your packaging, you declare that you meet the strict requirements for average quantity, tolerable negative error (TNE) and batch control.
For companies that:
- produce or fill prepackaged food, supplements, cosmetics or chemical products,
- want to use or keep the e-mark (℮ mark) on their packaging,
- make private label or own-brand products,
- want to obtain or maintain ISO, HACCP or other certifications,
the WeighControl SQC Module is not a luxury, but a legal and commercial necessity. Without demonstrable statistical control, you run a risk during audits by food safety, trading standards or other metrology authorities.
The three packer's rules: the basis of the e-mark and the WeighControl SQC Module
Directive 76/211/EEC defines three rules that every batch bearing the e-mark must meet. The WeighControl SQC Module checks these automatically and in real time:
Rule 1 — Average weight ≥ nominal
The average weight (or volume) of the sample must not be below the stated nominal weight.
Rule 2 — No single pack below TU2
TU2 is the absolute lower limit (twice the Tolerable Negative Error / TNE). Does a single pack fall below it? Then the module rejects the batch immediately.
Rule 3 — A maximum of 2.5% below TU1
TU1 is one TNE below the nominal weight. A maximum of 2.5% of the sample may fall between TU1 and TU2.
After each weighing, the module evaluates whether the batch is still on track and gives clear feedback straight away: PASS or FAIL, including the exact cause. This ensures that your products meet the requirements for the e-mark.
Automatic TNE calculation in the WeighControl SQC Module
The WeighControl SQC Module calculates the TNE value automatically according to the official table in Annex I of Directive 76/211/EEC:
| Nominal weight | TNE |
|---|---|
| 5 – 50 g | 9% of nominal |
| 50 – 100 g | 4.5 g (fixed) |
| 100 – 200 g | 4.5% of nominal |
| 200 – 300 g | 9 g (fixed) |
| 300 – 500 g | 3% of nominal |
| 500 – 1000 g | 15 g (fixed) |
| 1 – 10 kg | 1.5% of nominal |
You simply set the nominal weight for each product (as a preset), activate EU automatic and the WeighControl SQC Module sets the correct limits, TU1 and TU2, for your e-marked products.
How does the WeighControl SQC Module work in practice?
- Presets per product Each item gets its own preset with nominal weight, unit, sample size, EU limits, tare weight and any price per kg.
- Starting a session The operator selects the product or scans the barcode. The system automatically records the operator, the time and the settings used for the e-mark.
- Weighing and recording Each pack is weighed on a scale with a serial connection. The system records the weight, time, zone (OK / TU1 / TU2 / overweight), running average and standard deviation.
- Automatic evaluation Once the sample is complete, it is assessed immediately against the three packer's rules. You instantly see the average, the spread and the final verdict: PASS or FAIL.
- Reporting and archiving Every SQC session is stored in the database. Ideal for internal audits, metrology advice, food safety inspections or B2B customer documentation.
Benefits of the WeighControl SQC Module for e-marked products
- Direct cost savings — Real-time insight into the spread of your weighing process helps you save an average of 1–3% on raw material costs without the risk of underfilling.
- Full demonstrability — You always have traceable reports ready for audits. That protects you during inspections relating to the e-mark.
- Fewer rejections and recalls — Structured control prevents batches from being rejected at a later stage.
- Better process control — Standard deviation and trends give you immediate insight into your filling or weighing process.
- Scalable and flexible — Works for small runs and large production runs alike, with its own settings per product.
Integration into your packaging process
The WeighControl SQC Module offers flexible integration options via the R10 WeighControl API:
- A barcode scan automatically loads the correct preset with SQC settings for the e-mark.
- Linking to batch or order numbers.
- Exporting reports to CSV or PDF for archiving and certification.
- Real-time dashboard via a web browser at every workstation.
For which products is the WeighControl SQC Module valuable?
The module is particularly suitable for companies that produce or pack e-marked products in the following sectors:
- Food (nuts, grains, coffee, tea, confectionery, dry goods)
- Supplements and sports nutrition
- Cosmetics and personal care products
- Pet food
- Horticultural and chemical products (powders, granules, liquids by weight)
Frequently asked questions
Is the WeighControl SQC Module also suitable for smaller production volumes? Yes. The module can be configured per product and works just as easily with 10 weighings a day as with 1,000.
Do I need statistical knowledge? No. Everything is calculated and assessed automatically. The operator only has to weigh.
What happens in the event of a FAIL? The batch is flagged with the reason. You can then decide to make adjustments, reweigh or stop production.
Does it work with our existing scale? The WeighControl SQC Module works with scales that support serial communication (RS-232 / USB serial). Feel free to ask about the compatibility of your scale.
Conclusion: from weighing to real e-mark quality assurance
A scale records a number. The WeighControl SQC Module turns that into a fully traceable, statistically substantiated quality verdict — automatically and fully in line with the requirements of the e-mark (℮ mark) under Directive 76/211/EEC.
For companies that take their e-marked products seriously, this is the difference between hoping a batch is good and knowing that it complies with the law.
Would you like to see the WeighControl SQC Module in action or find out more about how it supports your e-mark process? Contact us for a demo or tailored advice.