- India has reached an important milestone by becoming the 13th nation to be designated as an OIML (International Organisation of Legal Metrology) certificate-issuing authority.
- Australia, Switzerland, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Slovakia round out the list.
Understanding OIML
- The OIML, headquartered in Paris and founded in 1955, is a well-known international standard-setting organisation in the field of legal metrology.
- Its principal function is to create model regulations, standards, and associated papers for use by legal metrology agencies and companies around the world.
- These standards are critical in harmonising national laws and regulations regarding the performance of measuring equipment such as clinical thermometers, alcohol breath analyzers, radar speed measurement instruments, port ship tanks, and petrol distribution units.
India’s membership in the OIML
- India joined the OIML in 1956.
- Concurrently, India signed the metric convention, emphasising its adherence to international metrology standards.
The Importance of OIML Certification
- The OIML-CS (Certificate method) is a worldwide recognised method for issuing, registering, and using OIML certificates, as well as the OIML type evaluation/test reports that go with it.
- With the addition of India, the number of nations authorised to produce OIML certifications has increased to 13.
- The OIML certificate is a single document that is internationally acknowledged.
- For example, if a Noida-based equipment manufacturer wants to export their products to the United States or another nation, they no longer need to seek certification from one of the 12 other authorised countries.
- India’s certification is now worldwide recognised, allowing for more streamlined exports and international compliance.
Advantages for the Indian Economy
- India’s newly acquired status as an OIML certificate-issuing authority provides various benefits to the Indian economy:
- Increased Exports: Indian producers can now more easily export their products, lowering trade barriers and expanding their worldwide market reach.
- Foreign Exchange Earnings: India’s certification services would entice surrounding countries and foreign manufacturers. This rush of clients seeking certification services will increase India’s foreign exchange profits.
- Creation of Employment: In order to fulfil the increased need for certification services, India is likely to see an increase in job possibilities in the legal metrology sector.
- Resource Efficiency: By reducing redundancy and saving vital resources, the certification process will become more efficient.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/now-india-can-issue-internationally-accepted-oiml-certificate-for-selling-weights-and-measures/article67308432.ece