Global Experts Convene in New Delhi for CIML Meeting on Measurement Standards and Digital Transformation
The 61st CIML meeting in New Delhi focuses on measurement standards, consumer protection, and digital transformation from October 26-28.
New Delhi, October 26 (Daily Kiran) : India is hosting the 61st meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) for the first time, taking place from October 26 to 28 in New Delhi. This gathering brings together representatives, senior officials, and technical experts from around the world to discuss measurement standards, consumer protection, and collaboration in fair trade.
The event commenced with an international seminar on “Developments in Legal Metrology,” followed by the first session of the CIML meeting. Dr. Bob Joseph Matthew, the CIML President, welcomed international delegates, emphasizing the strategic importance of legal metrology in ensuring fair trade, protecting consumers, and enhancing international cooperation.
Renee Hansen, the First Vice President of CIML from Sweden, highlighted the evolving role of legal metrology in addressing digitalization, emerging technologies, and changing market needs. She stressed the necessity for harmonized measurement standards and closer collaboration among member countries.
Anthony Donnellan, Director of the International Bureau of Legal Metrology, discussed efforts to facilitate mutual acceptance of test results through the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) certification system. He also addressed emerging initiatives related to machine-readable standards, AI, and digital transformation.
Speaking at the conference, Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, expressed pride in India hosting the CIML meeting for the first time. She noted that accurate and internationally harmonized measurement is fundamental to fair trade, consumer trust, industrial innovation, and economic growth.
Khare referred to India’s commitment to consumer protection and ease of doing business, mentioning the public trust reforms of 2023 and 2026. These reforms include decriminalizing specified offenses and promoting a proportional regulatory framework.
She also highlighted the expansion of government-approved testing centers (GATC) to enhance verification capabilities and the development of the e-Metrology National Portal to provide integrated digital services in legal metrology. Furthermore, she noted India’s recognition as an issuing authority under OIML-CS, which will assist Indian manufacturers in accessing global markets.
Khare discussed the national time dissemination project “One Nation, One Time,” aimed at providing accurate and reliable Indian Standard Time across the country. This initiative will strengthen time synchronization in banking, telecommunications, 5G networks, navigation, and electrical systems.
During the seminar, Ashutosh Agarwal, Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs, presented on “The Development and Reform of Legal Metrology in India.” He highlighted initiatives such as simplifying compliance processes, the e-Metrology portal, regulation of packaged goods, and the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology located in Ranchi.
International experts engaged in discussions on electric vehicle charging equipment, digital transformation, OIML’s smart recommendations initiative, and the use of AI in measurement systems. A strategy workshop for OIML is scheduled for October 27, followed by a visit to the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory on October 28.
