World Metrology Day - Measurements for global trade

May 20 is World Metrology Day, commemorating the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875. This treaty provides the basis for a worldwide coherent measurement system that underpins scientific discovery and innovation, industrial manufacturing and international trade, as well as the improvement of the quality of life and the protection of the global environment.

The theme for World Metrology Day 2020 is Measurements for global trade. This theme was chosen to create awareness of the important role measurement plays in facilitating fair global trade, ensuring products meet standards and regulations, and satisfying customer quality expectations.

Across the world, national metrology institutes continually advance measurement science by developing and validating new measurement techniques at the necessary level of sophistication. The national metrology institutes participate in measurement comparisons coordinated by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) to ensure the reliability of measurement results worldwide.

Have you ever wondered how many products and services are traded across the world, or considered how much energy crosses borders as either electricity or gas? You may not be aware of the exact amounts and take measurements for granted, putting trust in what manufacturers, transporters and governments do to ensure fairness and safety in the trade and transport of commodities.

Fortunately, international systems have been established to provide the necessary assurance and confidence that these measurements are accurate, and that they are a sound basis for global trade.

According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the global trade of products was a record US$ 19.67 trillion in 2018. Considering that the price of a significant proportion of the global trade of products is determined using legal units of measurement, it becomes clear that metrology plays a huge – and indeed critical – role in global trade.

Technical regulations and standards are adopted by governments to protect both producers and consumers at national and international levels. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that about 80 % of global trade is affected by standards or regulations. A sound measurement system must be in place, so that the application of standards and regulations does not become a technical barrier to trade (TBT) which would lead to increased costs, inhibit the free flow of goods, or require repeated testing.

Trust in the assessment of conformity against specifications reduces costs and increases confidence for businesses and consumers; this is underpinned by the strong and effective worldwide metrology system.

We all depend on items that are transported to us, either from a store nearby or from a country on the other side of the world. Accurate measurements ensure that the goods and services we need are delivered safely and reliably.

These international metrology systems provide the necessary assurance and confidence that measurements are accurate, providing a sound basis for global trade today and helping us to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.

World Metrology Day recognises and celebrates the contribution of all the people that work in intergovernmental and national metrology organisations and institutes throughout the year.

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The National Institute of Metrology of the Republic of Moldova aligns its activities to the requirements of modern metrology, involving actively in the development of national metrology by participating in the works of international and European metrology organisations like: General Conference of Weights and Measures (CGPM) of the International Metrology Organisation ”Metre Convention”, International Organisation for Legal Metrology (OIML), Mutual Recognition Arrangement of national measurement standards and of calibration certificates issued by National Metrology Institutes (CIPM MRA), Regional Metrology Organisation COOMET, European Cooperation in Legal Metrology (WELMEC), European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET).

This year, we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the adherence of the Republic of Moldova to the General Conference of Weights and Measures (CGPM) of the International Metrology Organisation ”Metre Convention” in 2005 as an associated member. The initial objective of the Metre Convention – uniformity of measurements at global level – is today as actual as it was in 1875.

Using this opportunity, the National Institute of Metrology wishes health, prosperity, success in the professional area, traceable, uniform and accurate measurements to all those who activate in the field of metrology!