Address:
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Standards Building No. 4
, Tunney's Pasture Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C9, Canada
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Abstract:
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The OIML is facing critical challenges in the coming years. The globalization of the marketplace calls for increasing the scope of measurements in trade, society requires more applications of measurement for health, safety and the environment, technologies are changing at an accelerated rate, and developing countries need support in the development of their metrology system. The OIML addresses these needs: - by adapting its methods of work, making it more open and efficient, using new information technologies, - by working closely with other organizations, in particular the Metre Convention, ILAC, IAF, ISO, IEC, IT-U, UNIDO, - by setting up elements of conformity assessment at the international level, and by developing mutual confidence, mutual acceptance and mutual recognition. OIML is an observer at the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade Committee and participates actively in the development of tools and actions to reduce technical barriers to trade and to facilitate the participation of developing countries. A Mutual Acceptance Arrangement, adopted in 2003, is now progressively coming into force. Declarations of Mutual Confidence (DoMCs) related to type testing of load cells and of Non automatic weighing instruments, should be signed within a couple of months by 20 countries, and further DoMCs are in preparation. Other future systems for mutual confidence, acceptance or recognition are being developed: prepackages contents, assurance of conformity to type, etc. Co-operation with the Metre Convention and with ILAC is being continuously strengthened and the three Organizations work together to provide members with appropriate technical support and guidance (e.g. application of the Guide for Uncertainties in Metrology), and to build a scientific and technical background for social and economic development, that will support all countries and constitute a Global Measurement System.
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