India Celebrates 150 Years of the Metre Convention with Major Legal Metrology Reforms

On the occasion of World Metrology Day 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, held on May 20th, with a series of landmark announcements and reforms. These developments aim to align India’s legal metrology standards with global benchmarks, protect consumers, and enhance ease of doing business across the country.

Why in News?

India marked 150 years of the Metre Convention by launching new initiatives in legal metrology, including,  Gaining authorization to issue OIML Certificates (13th country worldwide), Mandating 1 mg accuracy in the gold trade, Launching the eMaap portal, Introducing “One Nation, One Time” under the Draft IST Rules 2025, and Releasing new rules for Speed Guns, Gas Meters, and other precision instruments.

Background

• The Metre Convention, signed on 20 May 1875, laid the foundation for international cooperation in measurement science.
• World Metrology Day commemorates this global agreement.
• Legal metrology ensures accuracy in weights and measures, crucial for trade, consumer protection, and law enforcement.

Major Announcements & Reforms

India Authorized to Issue OIML Certificates

• Becomes 13th country globally with this authorization.
• Enhances India’s global trade credibility and international recognition in measurement standards.

1 mg Precision Mandate for Gold Trade

• Mandated to ensure fair weighing practices in the jewellery sector.
• Aimed at strengthening consumer protection in high-value transactions.

“One Nation, One Time” Initiative under Draft IST Rules 2025

• To provide millisecond-level time accuracy through 5 Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs).
• Critical for sectors like telecom, banking, and transport.

eMaap Portal Launched

• Digitizes Legal Metrology operations in 18 states.
• Offers services like online licensing, registration, enforcement tracking, etc.
• Enhances transparency and ease of compliance.

Weekly Facilitation Helpdesk

• Video-based helpdesk every Tuesday (4–5 PM).
• Aimed at industry engagement and real-time query resolution.

New Rules for Devices

• Formal notification of Legal Metrology Rules for Speed Guns and Gas Meters.
• Upcoming rules for Breath Analysers and Moisture Meters.

Timeline Reform in Legal Metrology Rules

• All rule amendments will take effect on January 1 or July 1, with a 180-day transition period.

Stakeholder Speeches

• Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister: Emphasized metrology as an engine for economic growth and fair trade.
• Shri B.L. Verma, MoS: Stressed the role of accurate devices and regulatory clarity.
• Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, DoCA: Advocated for hassle-free compliance, technology upgrades, and voluntary compliance by industry.