The legal metrology landscape in India recently witnessed a significant milestone with the country becoming the 13th nation globally to possess the authority to issue OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) Certificates. The Legal Metrology Division, Department of Consumer Affairs, has been officially given this responsibility.
Understanding Legal Metrology
Legal Metrology is a particular domain of metrology focusing on regulations and laws linked to measurements and measuring tools. The purpose of this branch is to ensure accuracy, consistency, and fairness, especially in commercial transactions or other fields where measurement plays an integral role. Metrology, in general, refers to the science of measurement and its application.
The target of legal metrology is to protect both producers’ and consumers’ interests by establishing clear and uniform standards for measurements. India’s National Metrology Institute is the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL-India), which maintains the standards of SI units in the country and calibrates weights and measures of the nation.
The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) Explained
Established in 1955 and headquartered in Paris, OIML is an international standard-setting organization that develops model regulations, standards, and related documents for use by legal metrology authorities and industries. OIML plays an essential role in harmonising national laws and regulations relating to measuring instruments’ performance. This includes tools like clinical thermometers, alcohol breath analysers, and radar speed measuring instruments to name a few.
India’s Journey with OIML
India became an OIML member in 1956, the same year it signed the Metric Convention or the Treaty of Metre. The Metric Convention of 1875, signed on May 20th, led to the establishment of the International System of Units (SI), marking the modern form of the metric system.
OIML Certification
OIML-CS is a certification system for obtaining and using OIML certificates along with their associated OIML type evaluation/test reports. To sell a weight or measure in the global market, an OIML Pattern Approval certificate is crucial. This certificate holds worldwide acceptance. With India now authorised to issue these certificates, 13 countries globally possess this authority.
India’s Journey to Becoming an OIML Certificate Authority
The change will bring tremendous ease to manufacturers looking to export their products requiring the OIML certification. Instead of visiting one of the other 12 eligible countries for certification, they can now obtain the authority within India itself. This not only simplifies the process but also makes the product universally acceptable without additional testing fees.
Economic Impact on India
Economically, this new establishment will come with several benefits, including increased exports, foreign exchange earnings, and job generation. Given that only 13 countries are authorised, neighbouring manufacturers can also approach India for certification, increasing India’s foreign exchange revenue.