By Rupin Chopra and Shantam Sharma
Introduction
In a significant milestone for India’s metrology and manufacturing sectors, the country has achieved the coveted status of an OIML (International Organisation of Legal Metrology) certificate-issuing authority1 , cementing its position among the likes of Australia, Switzerland, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, United Kingdom, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden and Slovakia. It is a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards becoming a global player in legal metrology and trade. This achievement not only streamlines the certification process for Indian manufacturers but also has far-reaching implications for the nation’s economy, trade, and international recognition.
Understanding the OIML
The OIML, or International Organisation of Legal Metrology, is a prestigious international standard-setting body headquartered in Paris, France. Established in 1955, its primary role is to develop model regulations, standards, and related documents to be used by legal metrology authorities and industries worldwide. This organization plays a crucial role in harmonizing national laws and regulations concerning the performance of measuring instruments, such as clinical thermometers, alcohol breath analyzers, radar speed measuring instruments, ship tanks found at ports, and petrol dispensing units.
India’s Journey to OIML Authority Status
India’s association with the OIML dates back to 1956 when it became a member of this esteemed organization, signing the metric convention in the same year. However, the recent achievement of becoming an OIML certificate-issuing authority marks a significant step forward.
The OIML-CS (OIML Certificate System) facilitates the issuance, registration, and use of OIML certificates for various measuring instruments, including digital balances and clinical thermometers. With India’s inclusion, the number of countries authorized to issue OIML certificates has now reached 132 .
Benefits for India
The importance of OIML certification can be gauged by its far and wide global acceptance. Since OIML certificate is recognized worldwide, it will simply export process for Indian manufacturers. Previously, Indian manufacturers had to seek certification in one of the 12 other countries, incurring additional costs and delays. Now, with certification services available in India, domestic and international manufacturers can have their instruments tested and certified locally, making their products exportable and acceptable worldwide.
India’s attainment of OIML certificate-issuing authority status carries several significant economic advantages:
Boost to Exports: OIML certification is a globally recognized quality mark. Indian manufacturers can now demonstrate the quality and accuracy of their products to potential international customers more efficiently. This, in turn, can boost exports and enhance the competitiveness of Indian products in global markets.
Foreign Exchange Earnings: The ability to provide certification services to foreign manufacturers and neighboring countries can contribute to foreign exchange earnings for India. This additional revenue can play a vital role in strengthening India’s economic growth and stability.
Employment Opportunities: As the Indian manufacturing sector grows due to increased exports and certification services, it can generate more employment opportunities across various skill levels. This is a significant boon for the country’s workforce and contributes to economic development.
Resource Savings and Efficiency: Streamlining the certification process in India can lead to resource savings and increased efficiency. It eliminates the duplication of efforts and resources that might have been required if Indian manufacturers had to seek certification from foreign authorities. Now, Indian manufacturers of measuring and weighing instruments have the advantage of obtaining OIML certificates locally. This streamlined certification process eliminates the need to send products abroad for testing and certification, resulting in substantial cost savings and faster time-to-market.
Global Recognition: India’s inclusion as an OIML certificate-issuing authority enhances its international recognition in the field of legal metrology. It signifies India’s commitment to ensuring accuracy and fairness in trade and commerce, which is essential in the global marketplace.
For example, consider a manufacturer in Noida producing digital balances. With India now authorized to issue OIML certificates, this manufacturer can have their digital balances certified locally. Subsequently, these certified digital balances can be exported to the United States, Europe, Asia, or any other part of the world with ease. The certificates issued in India will be universally accepted, simplifying market access and trade for Indian manufacturers.
A Promising Future
India’s attainment of OIML certificate-issuing authority status is a testament to its commitment to global standards of measurement and accuracy. This achievement not only simplifies the certification process for domestic manufacturers but also opens doors for international manufacturers and neighbouring countries to benefit from India’s certification services. As the Indian manufacturing sector thrives and exports increase, it is poised to contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and global standing. The journey towards becoming an OIML authority marks a promising future for India’s metrology and manufacturing sectors.
1Available at https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1957429#:~:text=OIML%20is%20an%20Intergovernmental%20organization,measures%20anywhere%20in%20the%20world
2 Available at: https://www.oiml.org/en/structure/members/Members