BIML Director Highlights Digital Advances in Metrology
At the 60ᵗʰ CIML Meeting and 17ᵗʰ OIML Conference in Paris, Mr Anthony Donnellan, Director of the International Bureau of Legal Metrology (BIML), presented a comprehensive report on the Bureau’s achievements and strategic direction from 2022 to 2025. His address focused on digital innovation, organisational efficiency, and strengthened international cooperation across the global metrology community.
Mr Donnellan outlined significant progress in the OIML’s digitalisation roadmap, led by the Digitalisation Task Group (DTG). Initiatives included the development of machine-readable OIML publications, electronic certificates, and e-learning platforms, improving accessibility and engagement for Member States and CEEMS (Countries and Economies with Emerging Metrology Systems) economies.
“Our goal is to ensure that OIML standards are usable, accessible, and future-ready in a digital world,” Mr Donnellan said.
The Bureau also modernised its online information systems, enabling faster document updates, greater transparency, and improved user interactivity. CEEMS programmes expanded considerably, with BIML collaborating with PTB (Germany), NIM (China), and UNIDO to deliver over 20 training and awareness activities across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. These initiatives strengthened national metrology infrastructures and promoted alignment with international standards.
Mr Donnellan reaffirmed that fair and trusted measurement systems are essential for all economies, regardless of development level.
The BIML maintained strong administrative and financial performance, completing internal audits, streamlining processes, and enhancing data management practices. Several key Basic Publications (B 6-1, B 6-2, B 18, and B 21) were updated to reinforce governance and technical frameworks for OIML operations and the OIML Certification System (OIML-CS).
As of 2025, the OIML-CS covers 41 categories of measuring instruments, supported by 14 Issuing Authorities and 28 Test Laboratories, with 1,978 certificates issued globally, demonstrating the system’s credibility and contribution to international trade facilitation.
The BIML continues to collaborate closely with international and regional partners, including BIPM, ISO, IEC, ILAC, IAF, UNIDO, and UNESCO, while acknowledging the pivotal role of regional metrology organisations such as AFRIMETS, APLMF, COOMET, GULFMET, SIM, and WELMEC. A major milestone under Mr Donnellan’s tenure was the recognition of World Metrology Day as an official UNESCO International Day, highlighting the growing global significance of metrology.
Looking ahead to the 2026–2029 strategic cycle, Mr Donnellan confirmed BIML’s commitment to digital transformation, capacity building, and sustainability.
“The OIML of the future must be data-driven, transparent, and inclusive, empowering every Member State and CEEMS economy to benefit from innovation in legal metrology,” concluded Mr Donnellan.
