The exact dimensions of the ℮-mark and its accompanying elements are specified in the European Economic Community Directive 71/316/EEC.Directive 71/316/EEC.
The system was initially proposed as a means of verifying metrologicalMetrology is the scientific study of measurement. instruments, with letters and numerals nestled inside the symbol to identify the member state and administrative subdivision where the original check was carried out. A second hexagon symbol was combined with the last two digits of the year of verification.Directive 71/316/EEC.
In 1976, the estimated sign was assigned for marking prepackaged products officially deemed within maximum permitted tolerances.Directive 76/211/EEC.
Quote from Directive 76/211/EEC.
The initial directive shows a full set of numerals and only six capitals.Directive 71/316/EEC, Annex II. Later consolidated versions reveal an expanded alphabet for writing the initials of newly adopted member states.Directive 2009/34/EC.
Inclusion in Unicode
The Estimated symbol was added to Unicode version 1.1 in June 1993.Unicode Consortium, 1993.
Directive 71/316/EEC. Council Directive 71/316/EEC of 26 July 1971 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to common provisions for both measuring instruments and methods of metrological control. Retrieved 20 September 2026 from eur-lex.europa.eu
Directive 76/211/EEC. Council Directive 76/211/EEC of 20 January 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making-up by weight or by volume of certain prepackaged products. Retrieved 20 September 2026 from eur-lex.europa.eu
Directive 2009/34/EC. Directive 2009/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 relating to common provisions for both measuring instruments and methods of metrological control (Recast) (Text with EEA relevance). Retrieved 20 September 2026 from eur-lex.europa.eu
Unicode Consortium. (June 1993). Unicode 1.1 Character List. In The Unicode Standard 1.1, p. 62. Retrieved 20 September 2026 from unicode.org
