OIML standards on performance requirements for acoustical instruments

Abstract

The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) is a treaty organization, having currently 53 (voting) member and 40 (non‐voting) member nations, most of the latter nations being characterized as developing. OIML’s objective is to harmonize national regulations for the performance requirements of legal measuring instruments among member nations in order to facilitate international commerce of measuring instruments and affected products, to ensure public health and safety, and to protect the environment. This effort intends to avoid or minimize technical barriers to international trade. An OIML technical committee or subcommittee develops OIML recommendations (standards or model performance regulations) to address particular types or classes of instruments. If approved, member nations have a moral obligation to implement a recommendation in their national regulations for the instrument addressed. The obligation applies both to new regulation and to harmonizing any existing regulations. This presentation addresses OIML work projects for acoustical instruments and the potential impact of relevant OIML recommendations on instrument manufacturers. The basis for requirements including electromagnetic compatibility and the means by which the United States participates in the work are covered.