Context: Recently, India has become an International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) certificate-issuing authority. India applied to become an OIML certificate-issuing authority in March 2023.

• India’s inclusion as an authorized issuer expands the list to 13 countries.

About International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML):

• It is an International Organisation of Legal Metrology established in 1955 and headquartered in Paris.
• India became a member of the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) in 1956. In the same year, India signed the metric convention.
• Functions: It serves as an international standard-setting body, developing model regulations, standards, and related documents for legal metrology authorities and industry use.
• Objective: To harmonize national laws and regulations concerning the performance of various measuring instruments, including clinical thermometers, alcohol breath analyzers, radar speed measuring instruments, ship tanks at ports, and petrol dispensing units.
• International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) Certificate:
  • The OIML-CS is a system for issuing, registering, and using OIML certificates, and their associated OIML-type evaluation/test reports, for instruments like digital balance, clinical thermometers, etc.

Significance for India of International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) Membership:

• Export Facilitation: Legal Metrology certificate streamlined certification process enhances export prospects for Indian manufacturers.
• Foreign Exchange Earnings: Attracts foreign manufacturers for certification, contributing to foreign exchange earnings.
• Employment Opportunities: Establishment of a specialized unit for certification can generate employment.
• Reduction of Redundancy and Savings: Local certification reduces redundancy and saves resources for manufacturers.
• Global Acceptance and Streamlined Export Process: International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML certificates are universally accepted worldwide.
  • Manufacturers in India can now obtain the necessary certification locally.

News Source: The Indian Express