The OIML and other Organizations

In addition to the OIML's close links with the Metre Convention, detailed in this joint web site Portal, the OIML additionally enjoys active cooperation and liaisons with a number of other organizations.

Confidence in calibration, testing, certification and inspection is essential for legal metrology, at both national and international levels. The OIML has close relations and has signed (or is about to sign) Memoranda of Understanding with the International Accreditation Organizations ILAC and IAF, who provide tools for developing the required confidence. The OIML MAA - and more generally all the OIML work aimed at achieving recognition - are carried out in close cooperation with ILAC and the IAF.

OIML publications lay down requirements and test procedures. For this, the OIML has active liaisons with the International Standardization Organizations ISO, IEC and IT-U, in order to avoid duplication of work and to ensure consistency with the international standards they develop.

Legal Metrology addresses most fields of measurement: trade, health, food, the environment, safety, etc. The OIML therefore has also therefore set up liaisons with Field-specific International Organizations such as FAO/Codex, WHO, OIE, OIV, etc. and with International Scientific Fora such as IUPAC, IUPAP, IMEKO, etc.

Since the OIML produces harmonization documents, which require the same level of consensus as international standards, we have developed liaisons with International or Regional Federations representing manufacturers and users of measuring instruments, and consumers.

A large number of OIML Member States and the majority of Corresponding Members are Developing Countries. The issue of Developing Countries is a very important one in the global OIML policy, and we enjoy very active cooperation on this issue with the WTO, ITC, and UNIDO (a tripartite OIML/Metre Convention/UNIDO MoU is being drawn up).

Working together in this way saves time and money, and ensures we reach the objectives we have set whilst furthering legal metrology throughout the world in close cooperation with similar organizations for the benefit of the consumer.