OIML Certification System Reports Strong Growth and Modernisation Under New Leadership
At the 60ᵗʰ CIML Meeting and 17ᵗʰ OIML Conference, Mr Marc Schmidt, Chairperson of the OIML Certification System (OIML-CS) Management Committee, delivered his first comprehensive report since assuming leadership in January 2025, highlighting significant growth, modernisation, and strategic advancements within the system.
Mr Schmidt reported that the OIML-CS now covers 41 categories of measuring instruments, 39 under Scheme A and 2 under Scheme B. As of mid-2025, the system included 14 Issuing Authorities, 28 Test Laboratories, and 38 Utilizers and Associates, up from 33 in 2021.
Since 2018, nearly 2,000 OIML Certificates have been issued, including 292 in 2024 alone, reflecting growing confidence from manufacturers and regulators in OIML-CS as a global conformity system promoting fair trade and regulatory equivalence.
The Management Committee has expanded to 24 voting members, demonstrating broader engagement, and new leadership appointments include Ms Katharina Gierschke (Germany) as Deputy Chairperson. Under Mr Schmidt’s direction, in-person meetings were held in Bern (2023), New Delhi (2024), and Prague (2025), restoring direct interaction after pandemic disruptions.
System improvements introduced during his tenure include:
- OIML D 37:2022, providing flexible guidance for Issuing Authorities to demonstrate competence using ISO/IEC 17020.
- Upgraded operational and procedural documents to simplify certification workflows.
- Establishment of working groups focused on modular approvals, digitalisation, and Conformity to Type (CTT) implementation.
These reforms have streamlined processes, reduced duplication, and aligned OIML practices with evolving international standards.
Mr Schmidt also emphasised global outreach, with workshops and webinars across Europe, Asia, and Africa, alongside new communication tools, including an animated video explaining OIML-CS benefits. Closer coordination with Regional Legal Metrology Organisations (RLMOs) such as AFRIMETS, COOMET, APLMF, GULFMET, and WELMEC has further strengthened the system’s global footprint.
Looking ahead, priorities include expanding membership in emerging economies, supporting digital transformation through e-certificates and online databases, and reinforcing cooperation with ILAC, IAF, and IECEx to ensure global interoperability.
“Our mission is to make the OIML-CS the universal language of confidence in measurements—supporting trade, safety, and sustainability,” said Mr Marc Schmidt, signalling a renewed commitment to advancing legal metrology worldwide.
