Direct answer
Calculate TNE from the nominal quantity using the official band, rounding percentage-based values up to the nearest 0.1 g or ml. Then use TNE within the full Three Packers Rules; it is not a recommended filler target or a substitute for batch-average and sampling control.
Official TNE bands
The current GOV.UK table alternates between percentage and fixed-value bands. Where TNE is calculated as a percentage, the result is rounded up to the nearest 0.1 g or ml.
| Nominal quantity | TNE |
|---|---|
| 5 to 50 g/ml | 9% of nominal quantity |
| 50 to 100 g/ml | 4.5 g/ml |
| 100 to 200 g/ml | 4.5% of nominal quantity |
| 200 to 300 g/ml | 9 g/ml |
| 300 to 500 g/ml | 3% of nominal quantity |
| 500 to 1,000 g/ml | 15 g/ml |
| 1,000 to 10,000 g/ml | 1.5% of nominal quantity |
| 10,000 to 15,000 g/ml | 150 g/ml |
| More than 15,000 g/ml | 1% of nominal quantity |
Do not use TNE as the target
TNE defines a permitted negative-error threshold within the average system. It does not mean the filler should aim one TNE below nominal. The batch average must still meet the nominal quantity requirement and only the allowed small proportion may pass beyond one TNE.
Set the production target using measured process variation, tare, temperature or density effects, sample frequency and the risk of drift.
Connect TNE to checkweigher capability
The weighing system must distinguish the required limits at production speed with the real pack. Dynamic effects, conveyor vibration, air movement, pack stability and product movement can increase variation compared with a static bench scale.
Conduct repeated challenge tests at the relevant weights and document detection, rejection and reject confirmation. Do not set limits tighter than the validated system can reliably classify.
Investigate trends before packs fail
Use trend data to find gradual nozzle drift, product-supply changes, tare shifts or recipe errors before many packs cross a limit. Link each intervention to a timestamp and affected product window.
Review mean, spread and outliers. A stable but badly centred process needs a target adjustment; a centred but highly variable process needs root-cause work.
Information to prepare
- Confirm nominal quantity and measurement unit
- Select the correct official TNE band
- Round percentage results up to 0.1 g or ml
- Calculate the twice-TNE absolute threshold
- Measure filler and tare variation
- Validate checkweigher repeatability and reject action
- Use TNE within the full quantity-control plan
Weigh Fillers
Weigh-filling and quantity-control routes for products sold by mass.
Official references
Check the current source before relying on dates, thresholds or legal duties.