THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, OCTOBER 19, 2026
India will host the
61st Meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) for the
first time from October 26 to 28 in New Delhi, bringing together more than 100
international delegates and experts to deliberate on emerging technologies,
digitalisation and the future of global measurement standards.
The three-day event,
being organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs in association with the
International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), is expected to witness
participation from representatives of member countries, corresponding member
states and international organisations.
The meeting marks a
significant milestone in India's growing engagement in international
cooperation on measurement standards, fair trade and consumer protection.
As part of the
programme, an international seminar on "Evolutions in Legal
Metrology" will be held on October 26, providing a platform for experts to
exchange experiences and best practices on modernising legal metrology systems.
The seminar will
focus on digitalisation of regulatory services, international harmonisation and
recognition of measuring instruments, e-learning tools and innovative
approaches to legal metrology administration.
An OIML Strategy
Workshop will follow on October 27, bringing together participating countries
and international experts to discuss the organisation's future strategic
priorities, technological advancements, digital transformation, emerging
challenges and the evolving requirements of legal metrology systems worldwide.
During the CIML
meeting, members will deliberate on the development and revision of
international recommendations, technical activities of the OIML, the OIML
Certification System (OIML-CS), capacity building, digital transformation and
ways to strengthen international cooperation.
The meeting is
expected to facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge and experience among
participating countries, supporting efforts to strengthen measurement systems
and promote internationally recognised standards.
Representatives from
countries including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, China,
Australia, Switzerland, the United States, South Africa and Brazil are expected
to attend the meeting, along with delegates from other OIML member and
corresponding member states and associated international organisations.
The previous, 60th
CIML meeting was held in Paris on October 13 and 15, 2025, with representatives
of 55 member states present or represented, besides delegates from 12 corresponding
members and five organisations in liaison.
Key outcomes of the
Paris meeting included the approval of technical publications concerning
automated refractometers, weights and traffic speed meters, as well as
deliberations on the OIML Certification System, digitalisation and
international cooperation.
Hosting the upcoming
meeting will provide India with an opportunity to showcase its regulatory
reforms and advancements in legal metrology on an international platform.
The Department of
Consumer Affairs has undertaken several initiatives to modernise the regulatory
framework, simplify compliance procedures and promote trust-based regulation,
while facilitating ease of doing business and ensuring consumer protection.
The event is also
expected to benefit Indian manufacturers by enhancing their understanding of
international measurement standards, conformity assessment requirements and the
OIML Certification System, potentially supporting the development of quality
products and access to overseas markets.
Greater harmonisation
of measurement requirements can help reduce technical barriers to trade and
avoid duplication in testing and certification, where applicable, while
enabling businesses to better align their products with internationally
recognised requirements.
For consumers,
reliable and accurate measurements remain essential to ensuring fairness in
commercial transactions, correct quantity declarations and greater confidence
in goods and services.
The international
gathering will also offer India an opportunity to share its experience in
regulatory reforms and digitalisation, while contributing to global discussions
on efficient and transparent measurement systems.
Established in 1955, the OIML is an intergovernmental organisation that works towards the global harmonisation of legal metrology procedures. It develops international recommendations, standards and related documents for measuring instruments used in trade, industry, healthcare, safety and environmental protection.
The CIML is the principal decision-making body responsible for guiding the technical and administrative activities of the OIML. Its annual meeting serves as a global platform for discussions on policy matters, technical developments and international cooperation in legal metrology.
