Standardising Commercial Measuring Tools Vital for India's Economy
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare emphasises the need for global measurement standards to boost trade and remove non-tariff barriers.
In a significant move toward enhancing international trade and economic growth, the Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Nidhi Khare, has highlighted the critical need for the commercial measuring tools standardisation and the harmonisation of legal metrology frameworks. Speaking on the sidelines of the 61st International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) meeting, Khare emphasised that global accountability in measurement standards is essential to eliminate non-tariff barriers and streamline international commerce.
The Foundation of Robust Trade
According to Secretary Khare, legal metrology serves as the very foundation of any country's trade and commerce system. She pointed out that when measurements are accurate and standardised, trade becomes seamless, preventing unnecessary obstacles that can hinder economic progress.
The Secretary noted that as technology evolves, new instruments are continuously entering the market, appearing in everything from everyday household items to complex commercial practices. This constant shift in industrial equipment and consumer goods means that standardisation bodies must remain agile and keep pace with innovation.
"Therefore it becomes very important for the trade and commerce of the country, for the growing economy of our country to learn from the global perspective and reasonably and adequately update the measures," Khare stated.
India Hosts Landmark Global Gathering
For the first time, India is hosting the annual gathering of this prestigious international body. The event has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including:
- Domestic regulatory authorities.
- Representatives from various member states.
- International technical institutions.
The primary goal of this assembly is to address and refine measurement standards across a wide array of expanding commercial sectors to ensure they meet global benchmarks.
Preparing for the Future: AI and Digitalization
The conversation around measurement is not just about traditional scales and gauges but is rapidly shifting toward high-tech integration. CIML President Bobjoseph Mathew addressed the existing gaps between domestic practices and international standards, stressing the need for "institutional readiness."
Mathew expressed his ambition to make the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) "future-ready." He highlighted that the integration of modern technologies has created regulatory deficits that the international community must urgently resolve.
The Challenge of Unregulated Tech
A key area of concern is the rise of software-driven measurements. Mathew specifically pointed to the following emerging fields that currently lack sufficient regulation:
- Digitalization: The general shift toward digital measurement systems.
- Artificial Intelligence: The increasing involvement of AI in calculating and verifying measurements.
- Specialized Software: The reliance on complex software for commercial weighing and measuring.
The OIML is now focusing on developing the necessary recommendations, guidelines, and guides to ensure that the global community can manage these technological shifts without compromising accuracy or fairness in trade.