Imperatives of Metrology and Standardization for Global Trade

Abstract

International buyers look for quality products from all over the world. Global trade demands adherence to stringent quality standards. World class quality is required at competitive prices. Metrology and standardization are two integral determinants of quality in the international trade. India is having a sound infrastructure of metrology laboratories. Most of these laboratories are established by the Government of India and are accredited with the National Accreditation Board of Laboratories. There is an urgent need that India should be a signatory to the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation and the calibration certificates from Indian metrology laboratories should be recognized internationally through the mechanism of Mutual Recognition Agreements. A national policy and commitment for the promotion of metrological infrastructure is required. New metrology laboratories should be encouraged in the private sector. Appropriate fiscal incentives and institutional support are required for private enterpreneurs to establish metrology institutes with state-of-the-art test and calibration equipment. Further a planned effort is required to maintain and upgrade the existing test and calibration equipment in government funded laboratories. Corporatization of government metrology laboratories will improve their productivity, make them more efficient and ensure optimum utilization of existing facilities. The work ethos in government laboratories require attitudinal transformation so that services can be delivered to the customers efficiently. The emergence of ISO 9000, QS 9000 and ISO 14000 standards have brought tremendous pressure on metrology laboratories for calibration and testing. The multi-lateral government agreements and global trade will depend upon the quality of metrology institutes in India.