Kiribati
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Economy Detail
1. Laws of Metrology
1.1 Laws of Metrology
One of the key actions of the National Quality Policy is to revise the Weights and Measures Act 1984 and retitle it to Metrology as the new law to implement for Kiribati by the year 2020. It is one of the pillars of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). This has been prioritized for immediate development in order to ensure fairness in the domestic market, protect consumers from unfair trading practices related to the measurements of commodities available on the domestic market and increase export competitiveness. It is therefore important that the Weights and Measures Act, 1984 repeal to the Metrology law.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC), being the organization responsible to lead legal metrology has engaged a Metrology Expert to assess the Capacity of the Metrology Unit of the MCIC, review the Weights and Measures Act (1984) and draft an updated Metrology Bill as well as conduct training on the Introduction to Metrology, Introduction to the Verification of Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments and Introduction to the Verification of Fuel Dispensers.
The objects of the new Metrology law are to --
(a) provide the legal framework for metrology within the Republic of Kiribati;
(b) strengthen the enforcement of legal metrology;
(c) ensure measurements taken in Kiribati are traceable to the International System of Units;
(d) ensure fairness in the domestic marketplace by protecting consumers from inaccurate measurements; and
(e) support the development of local industry with a focus on improving export competitiveness.
1.2. Metrology
One of the key actions of the National Quality Policy is to revise the Weights and Measures Act 1984 and retitle it to Metrology as the new law to implement for Kiribati by the year 2020. It is one of the pillars of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). This has been prioritized for immediate development in order to ensure fairness in the domestic market, protect consumers from unfair trading practices related to the measurements of commodities available on the domestic market and increase export competitiveness. It is therefore important that the Weights and Measures Act, 1984 repeal to the Metrology law.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC), being the organization responsible to lead legal metrology has engaged a Metrology Expert to assess the Capacity of the Metrology Unit of the MCIC, review the Weights and Measures Act (1984) and draft an updated Metrology Bill as well as conduct training on the Introduction to Metrology, Introduction to the Verification of Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments and Introduction to the Verification of Fuel Dispensers.
The objects of the new Metrology law are to --
(a) provide the legal framework for metrology within the Republic of Kiribati;
(b) strengthen the enforcement of legal metrology;
(c) ensure measurements taken in Kiribati are traceable to the International System of Units;
(d) ensure fairness in the domestic marketplace by protecting consumers from inaccurate measurements; and
(e) support the development of local industry with a focus on improving export competitiveness.
One of the key actions of the National Quality Policy is to revise the Weights and Measures Act 1984 and retitle it to Metrology as the new law to implement for Kiribati by the year 2020. It is one of the pillars of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). This has been prioritized for immediate development in order to ensure fairness in the domestic market, protect consumers from unfair trading practices related to the measurements of commodities available on the domestic market and increase export competitiveness. It is therefore important that the Weights and Measures Act, 1984 repeal to the Metrology law.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC), being the organization responsible to lead legal metrology has engaged a Metrology Expert to assess the Capacity of the Metrology Unit of the MCIC, review the Weights and Measures Act (1984) and draft an updated Metrology Bill as well as conduct training on the Introduction to Metrology, Introduction to the Verification of Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments and Introduction to the Verification of Fuel Dispensers.
The objects of the new Metrology law are to --
(a) provide the legal framework for metrology within the Republic of Kiribati;
(b) strengthen the enforcement of legal metrology;
(c) ensure measurements taken in Kiribati are traceable to the International System of Units;
(d) ensure fairness in the domestic marketplace by protecting consumers from inaccurate measurements; and
(e) support the development of local industry with a focus on improving export competitiveness.
1.2. Metrology
One of the key actions of the National Quality Policy is to revise the Weights and Measures Act 1984 and retitle it to Metrology as the new law to implement for Kiribati by the year 2020. It is one of the pillars of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). This has been prioritized for immediate development in order to ensure fairness in the domestic market, protect consumers from unfair trading practices related to the measurements of commodities available on the domestic market and increase export competitiveness. It is therefore important that the Weights and Measures Act, 1984 repeal to the Metrology law.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC), being the organization responsible to lead legal metrology has engaged a Metrology Expert to assess the Capacity of the Metrology Unit of the MCIC, review the Weights and Measures Act (1984) and draft an updated Metrology Bill as well as conduct training on the Introduction to Metrology, Introduction to the Verification of Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments and Introduction to the Verification of Fuel Dispensers.
The objects of the new Metrology law are to --
(a) provide the legal framework for metrology within the Republic of Kiribati;
(b) strengthen the enforcement of legal metrology;
(c) ensure measurements taken in Kiribati are traceable to the International System of Units;
(d) ensure fairness in the domestic marketplace by protecting consumers from inaccurate measurements; and
(e) support the development of local industry with a focus on improving export competitiveness.
2. Legal Units of Measurement
The current Weights and Measures Act 1984 has no provision on traceability of working standard to the international standard (SI). Replacing this law to Metrology law will ensure measurements taken in Kiribati are traceable to the International System of Units. Adoption of the International System of Units (SI) as the only legal units of measurements within Kiribati. It enacted once the new Metrology laws pass house of parliament.
- The legal units of measurement of the Republic of Kiribati shall be the International System of Units as agreed upon by the International Committee of Weights and Measures and defined in Schedule 1.
- The units of measurement in Schedule 2 may be used within the Republic of Kiribati for the uses specified therein because of their practical importance, wide usage or use in specialized fields.
- All other units of measurement not prescribed under Schedules 1 and 2 may be legal units of measurement in the Republic of Kiribati until 11 July 2025.
- For all purposes of law, the conversion from a unit of measurement to the units of measurement listed in Schedule 1 shall be calculated on the basis of the conversion factors provided in Schedule 3.
3. Structure of Metrological Control Authorities
Consumer Protection Division under the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Co-operative is the control authority of metrology work in Kiribati. The current structure is further illustrated in the diagram below:
The Metrology law has considered changes to the current structure where a separate national quality institution is created to include industrial metrology. This will be enacted in 2020. The proposed structure is shown below:
3.1 National organization for legal metrology
The Metrology Unit under the Consumer Protection Division, Business Regulatory Center within the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.
3.2 Custodian of National Standards
3.3 National organizations responsible for maintaining primary standards
Ministry of Commerce Industry Cooperative under the Consumer Protection Division.
3.4 Regional and local verification organizations
Metrology Inspectors within the Consumer Protection Division
3.5 Instrument calibration and evaluation systems
1. All measuring instruments for use in trade and for the purposes specified in subsection (2) shall be subject to:
(a) type approval as specified in section 27;
(b) initial verification in accordance with the requirements prescribed in regulations;
(c) in-service verification in accordance with the requirements prescribed in regulations; and
(d) verification after alteration, repair, adjustment or modification.
2. The purposes referred to in subsection (1), include measuring instruments used:
(a) in the field of public health;
(b) in the postal services; and
(c) for the sale of electricity and water.
3.6 Measurement standards
(b) is of a higher accuracy class than the standard being calibrated.
4. An up-to-date calibration certificate shall be maintained for every measurement standard or set of measurement standards owned by the Metrology Division.
5. If a standard is damaged, that standard shall not be used until it is recalibrated in accordance with the appropriate method of comparison and the requirements of subsections (3) and (4).
6. When any doubt arises as to the continued conformity of a measurement standard to the required limits of error, measurement uncertainty or accuracy class, that standard shall not be used until t has been recalibrated.
3.7 National measurement standards
(b) a National Metrology Institute or Designated Institute of States Parties to the Convention of the Metre with Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) published on the International Bureau of Weights and Measures Key Comparison Database for the required quantity and measurement uncertainty; or
(c) a calibration laboratory accredited by a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) to perform calibrations for the required quantity and measurement uncertainty.
2. Every national measurement standard shall be recalibrated within an appropriate time interval such as is required to maintain the metrological traceability of that standard but shall not exceed once every ten (10) years.
3.8 Reference standards
3.9 Working standards
3.10 Temporary national measurement standards
3.11 Measurements to be ascertained in accordance with appropriate standards of measurement
(b) an appropriate secondary standard which is traceable to the International System of Units;
(c) an appropriate reference standard of measurement that complies with section 6 of this Act;
(d) an appropriate working standard of measurement that complies with section 7 of this Act;
(e) an appropriate standard of National Metrology Institute or Designated Institute of States Parties to the Convention of the Metre with Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) published on the International Bureau of Weights and Measures Key Comparison Database for the required quantity and measurement uncertainty;
(f) an appropriate standard of a calibration laboratory accredited by a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) to perform the prescribed measurements;
(g) a certified reference material produced by a signatory to the Convention of the Metre with calibration and measurement capabilities to perform the prescribed measurement as documented on the International Bureau of Standards Key Comparison Database;
(h) a certified reference material produced by a laboratory accredited by a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Agreement to produce reference materials for that quantity;
and not in any other manner.
The Metrology Unit under the Consumer Protection Division, Business Regulatory Center within the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.
3.2 Custodian of National Standards
- The Secretary is the custodian of standards.
- The Secretary may assign custody of a standard to an officer of the Ministry, an inspector, Metrologist or an Authorized Agency.
- All custodians of standards shall maintain and preserve each standard in their custody.
3.3 National organizations responsible for maintaining primary standards
Ministry of Commerce Industry Cooperative under the Consumer Protection Division.
3.4 Regional and local verification organizations
Metrology Inspectors within the Consumer Protection Division
3.5 Instrument calibration and evaluation systems
1. All measuring instruments for use in trade and for the purposes specified in subsection (2) shall be subject to:
(a) type approval as specified in section 27;
(b) initial verification in accordance with the requirements prescribed in regulations;
(c) in-service verification in accordance with the requirements prescribed in regulations; and
(d) verification after alteration, repair, adjustment or modification.
2. The purposes referred to in subsection (1), include measuring instruments used:
(a) in the field of public health;
(b) in the postal services; and
(c) for the sale of electricity and water.
3.6 Measurement standards
- The Minister shall procure, maintain, or cause to be maintained, such standards of measurement including the required facilities, equipment, measuring instruments and reference materials, as are necessary to facilitate the realization and dissemination of the International System of Units.
- The Director shall ensure that every standard owned by the Metrology Division is maintained, calibrated and stored in such a way as to ensure it conforms to the appropriate class or uncertainty requirements.
- Every standard shall be calibrated by a standard that either:
(b) is of a higher accuracy class than the standard being calibrated.
4. An up-to-date calibration certificate shall be maintained for every measurement standard or set of measurement standards owned by the Metrology Division.
5. If a standard is damaged, that standard shall not be used until it is recalibrated in accordance with the appropriate method of comparison and the requirements of subsections (3) and (4).
6. When any doubt arises as to the continued conformity of a measurement standard to the required limits of error, measurement uncertainty or accuracy class, that standard shall not be used until t has been recalibrated.
3.7 National measurement standards
- Every national measurement standard shall be calibrated and thereafter recalibrated either by:
(b) a National Metrology Institute or Designated Institute of States Parties to the Convention of the Metre with Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) published on the International Bureau of Weights and Measures Key Comparison Database for the required quantity and measurement uncertainty; or
(c) a calibration laboratory accredited by a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) to perform calibrations for the required quantity and measurement uncertainty.
2. Every national measurement standard shall be recalibrated within an appropriate time interval such as is required to maintain the metrological traceability of that standard but shall not exceed once every ten (10) years.
3.8 Reference standards
- Every reference standard shall be calibrated and thereafter recalibrated by a national measurement standard or other reference standard possessing a smaller measurement uncertainty than the reference standard being calibrated.
- Every reference standard shall be recalibrated within an appropriate time interval such as is required to maintain the metrological traceability of that standard but shall not exceed once every five (5) years.
3.9 Working standards
- The Minister shall provide working standards for use by inspectors, and shall maintain, calibrate and from time to time, replace such working standards.
- Working standards shall be calibrated by national measurement standards, reference standards or other working standards possessing a smaller measurement uncertainty than the working standard being calibrated, and if necessary, be adjusted to within such limits of error as may be prescribed.
- Working standards that are adjusted to be within the required limits of error shall be recalibrated.
- Every working standard shall be recalibrated within an appropriate time interval such as is required to maintain the metrological traceability of that standard but shall not exceed once every two (2) years.
3.10 Temporary national measurement standards
- The Minister may, in the absence of a national measurement standard, declare a reference standard as the temporary national measurement standard.
- A temporary standard may only be used for the purposes of this Act if it has been calibrated in accordance with the appropriate method of comparison and the requirements of section 14.
3.11 Measurements to be ascertained in accordance with appropriate standards of measurement
- When, for any legal purpose, it is necessary to ascertain whether a measurement of a physical quantity for which there are legal units of measurement has been made or is being made in terms of those units that fact shall be ascertained by means of, by reference to, by comparison with or by derivation from:
(b) an appropriate secondary standard which is traceable to the International System of Units;
(c) an appropriate reference standard of measurement that complies with section 6 of this Act;
(d) an appropriate working standard of measurement that complies with section 7 of this Act;
(e) an appropriate standard of National Metrology Institute or Designated Institute of States Parties to the Convention of the Metre with Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) published on the International Bureau of Weights and Measures Key Comparison Database for the required quantity and measurement uncertainty;
(f) an appropriate standard of a calibration laboratory accredited by a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) to perform the prescribed measurements;
(g) a certified reference material produced by a signatory to the Convention of the Metre with calibration and measurement capabilities to perform the prescribed measurement as documented on the International Bureau of Standards Key Comparison Database;
(h) a certified reference material produced by a laboratory accredited by a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Agreement to produce reference materials for that quantity;
and not in any other manner.
4. Range of Equipment Subject to Legal Metrology
National Reference and Working Standards. The sole measurement standard owned by the Government of Kiribati is a Class M1 mass set manufactured by Masscal and supplied by N.G. Brown & Associates Pty Ltd. of Melbourne Australia. The masses are constructed of brass and covers the nominal range 1 g to 20 kg. This mass set has not been calibrated in 19 years with the last evidence of calibration dating back to February 2, 1999. The masses shows signs of wear and oxidation and when coupled with the storage conditions and how the weights are handled by the metrology officers then there are significant doubts about the accuracy of this mass set. Pictures of the masses are provided in Figure below.
The national mass standards of Kiribati with nominal capacity of 1 g to 20 k. This is the only working artefact that currently use in Kiribati as a mean of national working standard.
# of weight Serial Number Weight
1 99016 1g-200g
2 99016 200g
3 99016 500g
4 99016 1kg
5 99016 2kg
6 99016 2kg
7 99016 5kg
8 99017 10kg
9 99017 20kg
The national mass standards of Kiribati with nominal capacity of 1 g to 20 k. This is the only working artefact that currently use in Kiribati as a mean of national working standard.
# of weight Serial Number Weight
1 99016 1g-200g
2 99016 200g
3 99016 500g
4 99016 1kg
5 99016 2kg
6 99016 2kg
7 99016 5kg
8 99017 10kg
9 99017 20kg
5. Type Approval (i.e. Pattern Approval)
- All measuring instruments used in trade and in the fields specified in section 23 (2) shall be subject to type approval in accordance with the specifications and limits of error, as may be prescribed.
- Type approval of a measuring instrument shall be subject to the payment of a prescribed fee.
- The Minister on the recommendation of the Secretary and Officers of Metrology Division may accept and utilise the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) Certification System by accepting type approval and test reports issued by approved OIML Issuing Authorities.
- Where a measuring instrument has been approved and subsequently has been found to be defective or inaccurate, the Minister may cancel the approval and notify any person of such cancellation.
Type approval of a measuring instrument shall be subject to the payment of a prescribed fee.
The Minister on the recommendation of the Secretary and Officers of Metrology Division may accept and utilise the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) Certification System by accepting type approval and test reports issued by approved OIML Issuing Authorities.
5.2 Authority responsible for issuing type approval
OIML recommendation utilise for Kiribati type approval.
5.3 Recognition/acceptance of OIML certificates
No, not at all.
5.4 Authority responsible for testing for type approval
No existing authority that issue type approval in Kiribati
5.5 List of major test facilities available
No existing metrology laboratory, it only small office room that we store a mass weight.
5.6 Fee structure
Not yet formulated once the regulation established by 2020 the fee structure will be incorporate in the Metrology Regulation.
6. Verification (Conformity Assessment), Inspection and Reverification
6.1 Legal and technical requirements for verification and reverification
Metrology inspector by the authority given from the Minister.
6.2 Range of equipment verified and reverified and any statistical information available
Non-Automatic weighing scales.
6.3 Fee structure
Not yet established it will be incorporated in the new developed Metrology Regulation.
Metrology inspector by the authority given from the Minister.
6.2 Range of equipment verified and reverified and any statistical information available
Non-Automatic weighing scales.
6.3 Fee structure
Not yet established it will be incorporated in the new developed Metrology Regulation.
7. Accreditation and Certification Systems
7.1 Accreditation systems for legal metrology, calibration and testing laboratories. Traceability to national, regional, international or foreign measurement standards
No existing laboratory for Kiribati but all instrument that we use we calibration it with the national metrology institute in Australia (NMIA)
No existing laboratory for Kiribati but all instrument that we use we calibration it with the national metrology institute in Australia (NMIA)
7.2 Legal and applied metrological activities in products certification
Not in place.
7.3 Legal and applied metrological activities in ISO 9000 quality management systems
Not in place
Not in place.
7.3 Legal and applied metrological activities in ISO 9000 quality management systems
Not in place
8. Legal Metrology Practitioners
8.1 Numbers
Kiribati has competent bodies to support measurement administering its responsibilities legal metrology authority. These bodies include:
Competence authority for approving authorities to conduct pattern approval testing of electricity meters, water meters and evidential breath-alcohol analysers
Biosecurity authority to control boarder line in terms of pest and animals
Public ▪ bulk and Internal flow meters. ▪ Internal electrical power measurement standards and devices. ▪ Verification/Approval of domestic potable water meters before being put into service. ▪ Verification/Approval of electrical power meters before being put into service
Health Sector ▪ Verification of Class I, II and III balances. ▪ Verification of digital and liquid in glass thermometers. ▪ Verification of sphygmomanometers ▪ verification of pH meters
Construction Sector: ▪ Calibration of Class II balances. ▪ Calibration of digital and liquid in glass thermometers. ▪ Calibration of volumetric measures. ▪ Calibration of rules, tapes and other length measuring instruments. ▪ Verification of compression testing machines.
8.2 Qualification/training
Workers in their perspective areas has qualify to do their work.
8.3 Training organizations and courses organised
No
8.4 Range of functions
Public Utilities Board (PUB). PUB is responsible for the provision of electricity and potable water within Kiribati. Their primary measurement requirements are related to electrical energy consumption and the volume flow measurements for bulk and domestic potable water meters. The accuracy of these measurements is directly related to the revenue earned and often the cause of contention with citizens. The PUB reports that they have several complaints from citizens related to meters that are alleged to be inaccurate. The staff also highlighted that they have had discrepancies with one of the bulk meters used at the primary water source. The PUB currently uses eighteen (18) bulk meters that measure water from the source. There are plans to change these meters from mechanical to magnetic flowmeters. There are also approximately 400 domestic potable water meters and 500 prepaid electrical energy meters installed in South Tarawa.
There are fourteen (14) clinics in South Tarawa and each has scales, thermometers and sphygmomanometer.
9. Packaging
9.1 Legislative control for packaging
The current Weight and Measures legislation controls the measurements of pre-packed articles by quantity.
Stated under the Weight and Measures legislation manufacture, importers and sellers must comply with this pre- package clause
Pre-packed goods required by order under section 8 to be sold only be measure shall correctly clearly indicate the net weight or measure on the wrapper or container or on a ticket, card or label placed clearly seen by prospective purchaser,
Pre-package shall require the name and address of the manufacturer, packer or importer or a trademark that enables the manufacturer, packer or importer to be readily ascertained.
The new Metrology law as state in PART VI – PRODUCT QUANTITIES AND PREPACKAGE
1. Sale by Net Quantity
2. Obligation to measure
3. Pre-packages
9.2 Organization responsible
Ministry of Commerce Industry and Cooperative under Consumer Protection Division.
The current Weight and Measures legislation controls the measurements of pre-packed articles by quantity.
Stated under the Weight and Measures legislation manufacture, importers and sellers must comply with this pre- package clause
Pre-packed goods required by order under section 8 to be sold only be measure shall correctly clearly indicate the net weight or measure on the wrapper or container or on a ticket, card or label placed clearly seen by prospective purchaser,
Pre-package shall require the name and address of the manufacturer, packer or importer or a trademark that enables the manufacturer, packer or importer to be readily ascertained.
The new Metrology law as state in PART VI – PRODUCT QUANTITIES AND PREPACKAGE
1. Sale by Net Quantity
2. Obligation to measure
3. Pre-packages
9.2 Organization responsible
Ministry of Commerce Industry and Cooperative under Consumer Protection Division.
10. Sanctions
Section 32: General Penalties
Section 33: Principal liable for offences by employees and agents
Section 34: Forfeiture orders
Section 35: Offence to supply inaccurate quantity
Section 36: Court may order offender to make good any deficiency
Section 37: Sale and use of unverified measuring instrument
section 38: Refusal to produce measuring instrument
Section 39: Forgery and false marking
Section 40: Tampering with marks and measuring instruments
Section 41: Removal of or tampering with tags, seals and devices
Section 42: Injuring official standards and measuring instruments
Section 43: Offences for inspectors
Section 44: Confidentiality
Section 45: Limitation period
Section 46: Evidence of possession
Section 47: Evidence of facts
Section 48: Defences
Section 33: Principal liable for offences by employees and agents
Section 34: Forfeiture orders
Section 35: Offence to supply inaccurate quantity
Section 36: Court may order offender to make good any deficiency
Section 37: Sale and use of unverified measuring instrument
section 38: Refusal to produce measuring instrument
Section 39: Forgery and false marking
Section 40: Tampering with marks and measuring instruments
Section 41: Removal of or tampering with tags, seals and devices
Section 42: Injuring official standards and measuring instruments
Section 43: Offences for inspectors
Section 44: Confidentiality
Section 45: Limitation period
Section 46: Evidence of possession
Section 47: Evidence of facts
Section 48: Defences