Global Metrology Experts Meet in New Delhi for CIML Session
Global metrology experts have gathered in New Delhi as India hosts the 61st meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology, or CIML, for the first time. The gathering, scheduled from October 26 to 28, is intended to advance cooperation on measurement standards, consumer welfare and fair trade.
The meeting opened with an international seminar on 'Developments in Legal Metrology', after which the first formal session of the 61st CIML meeting began. Dr. Bob Joseph Mathew, President of the CIML, welcomed participants. He emphasised that legal metrology is central to protecting consumers, ensuring fair trade and building international partnerships.
Renee Hansson, the CIML's First Vice President from Sweden, examined the evolving function of legal metrology as digital technologies and new market conditions reshape the sector. She urged member nations to adopt harmonised measurement standards and to work closely with one another.
Anthony Donelan, Director of the International Bureau of Legal Metrology, discussed the OIML Certification System, which makes it easier to accept test results across borders. He also highlighted capacity-building efforts. He spoke about machine-readable standards, artificial intelligence and digital transformation initiatives now under development.
Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, addressed the conference and described India's hosting as a matter of national pride. She observed that precise and internationally harmonised measurement is the basis of fair trade, consumer trust, industrial innovation and economic growth.
She underlined India's commitment to protecting consumers while making business easier. Khare pointed to the Jan Vishwas reforms of 2023 and 2026. These reforms decriminalise specified offences and encourage a proportionate regulatory framework.
Khare further stated that the Government Approved Test Centres, known as GATCs, have been expanded to improve verification capacity. A national e-Maap portal has been built to deliver integrated digital services for legal metrology. She also noted that India has been recognised as an issuing authority under OIML-CS, which will help domestic manufacturers access global markets.
She highlighted the 'One Nation, One Time' project, a national time dissemination programme meant to provide accurate and reliable Indian Standard Time nationwide. Its benefits are expected in banking, telecommunications, 5G networks, navigation and power systems.
Ashutosh Agarwal, Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs, delivered a presentation titled 'Development and Reform of Legal Metrology in India'. He discussed simplified compliance, the e-Maap portal, regulation of pre-packaged goods and the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology located in Ranchi.
International specialists debated EV charging equipment, digital transformation, the OIML's Smart Recommendations initiative and the use of AI in measurement systems. A strategy workshop of the OIML will be held on October 27, and on October 28 delegates will visit the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory.