By the end of the 15th century, King Manuel I ordered a weight standard to be created, based on the 16 ounce arrátel proposed by King João II, which was ready in 1499. This standard is described in a Weights Regiment and shortly after, in 1502, the king issued an Ordination that required everyone to use weights according to the standard.

In order for this legislation to be known and enforced throughout the country, a little later (possibly in 1504), a Regulations of the Officials of the Cities, Villages and Places of these Realms was published which, in addition to this Ordination and the Weights Regiment, included other legislation relevant for the municipalities, namely the Title of the Almotacés and things that belongs to their offices.

This small compilation is, as far as is known today, the first legislative collection printed in Portugal and was sent to the municipalities, together with the municipal standards that were made in Flanders.