Daily Current Affairs : 16-September-2023

India has recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming the 13th country globally authorized to issue Internationally Accepted OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) Certificates. This achievement holds great importance as it enables domestic manufacturers in India to have their weighing and measuring instruments tested within the country and subsequently sell them in the international market. In this essay, we will delve into the significance of this achievement, the role of OIML, and the benefits it brings to India.

The Role of OIML

The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) is an intergovernmental organization that was established in 1955, with India becoming a member in 1956. Currently, OIML boasts 63 Member States and 64 Corresponding Members. Its primary goal is to promote and harmonize the global standards of legal metrology, ensuring that measurements related to trade, health, safety, and the environment are accurate and reliable. OIML plays a crucial role in setting international standards for measuring instruments, which are essential for global trade and consumer protection.

Significance of India’s Achievement
  1. Cost Savings for Indigenous Manufacturers

One of the most significant advantages of India being authorized to issue OIML Certificates is the cost-saving opportunity it offers to domestic manufacturers. Previously, Indian manufacturers had to incur substantial testing fees when exporting their weighing and measuring instruments to international markets. With this new capability, they can now have their instruments tested within India, eliminating the need for additional expenses. This cost-saving measure makes Indian products more competitive in the global market.

  1. Supporting Foreign Manufacturers

India’s authorization to issue OIML Certificates also benefits foreign manufacturers. India can now provide OIML pattern approval certificates through its certified RRSLs (Recognized Regional Standard Laboratories), generating foreign exchange through fees and services. This not only boosts India’s economy but also strengthens international trade relations.

  1. Influence on OIML Policies

As a country authorized to issue OIML Certificates, India gains a seat at the table in influencing OIML policies. This newfound influence allows India to contribute its insights and perspectives to shape global metrology standards. It provides an opportunity for India to advocate for policies that align with its interests and priorities, ensuring that international standards accommodate the needs of the Indian market.

  1. Joining an Exclusive Group

By achieving this milestone, India now joins an exclusive group of nations authorized to issue OIML approval certificates. This group includes countries like Australia, Switzerland, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, France, United Kingdom, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, and Slovakia. Being part of this select group reflects India’s commitment to upholding global metrology standards and its readiness to engage in international trade on a broader scale.

Important Points:

  • India has become the 13th country authorized to issue OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) Certificates.
  • This authorization enables Indian manufacturers to test their weighing and measuring instruments domestically and sell them in international markets, resulting in cost savings.
  • OIML is an intergovernmental organization that sets global standards for legal metrology, ensuring measurement accuracy for trade, health, safety, and the environment.
  • India’s membership in OIML since 1956 reflects its commitment to international metrology standards.
  • The significance of India’s achievement includes:
    • Cost savings for domestic manufacturers by eliminating additional testing fees.
    • Supporting foreign manufacturers by offering OIML pattern approval certificates and generating foreign exchange.
    • Influencing OIML policies to align with India’s interests.
    • India joins a select group of 13 countries authorized to issue OIML approval certificates.
  • This achievement enhances India’s economic prospects through increased international trade and cooperation.
Why In News

India’s remarkable achievement in obtaining Internationally Accepted OIML Certificates now places it among the select group of 13 countries worldwide. This recognition underscores India’s commitment to maintaining high standards of legal metrology and facilitating global trade through its certification authority.

MCQs about India’s OIML Certification Authorization

  1. What is the main role of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML)?
    A. Promoting global trade barriers.
    B. Harmonizing international metrology standards.
    C. Establishing import quotas.
    D. Regulating domestic measurement units.
    Correct Answer: B. Harmonizing international metrology standards.
    Explanation: OIML’s primary role is to harmonize and promote global standards for legal metrology, ensuring measurement accuracy for various purposes.
  2. How many countries, including India, are authorized to issue OIML approval certificates?
    A. 5
    B. 10
    C. 13
    D. 20
    Correct Answer: C. 13
    Explanation: India, along with 12 other countries, is authorized to issue OIML approval certificates.
  3. What benefit does India gain by issuing OIML pattern approval certificates through its certified RRSLs?
    A. Reduction in trade deficit.
    B. Enhanced consumer protection.
    C. Foreign exchange earnings through fees and services.
    D. Exclusive access to OIML resources.
    Correct Answer: C. Foreign exchange earnings through fees and services.
    Explanation: India generates foreign exchange earnings through fees and services by issuing OIML pattern approval certificates through its certified Recognized Regional Standard Laboratories (RRSLs).

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