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At the recent 24th APLMF Meeting I advised I would provide an overview and regular updates on the work of the SRBs. The Specialist Regional Bodies Forum (SRB)[1] was established in 2007, to bring together the SRB’s to work with the APEC Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance (SCSC) and other related fora. The goal of the SRB Forum is to facilitate the implementation and development of standards and conformance infrastructure in each APEC member economy and across the region. SRB SCSC meetings at APEC SOM 1 in Papua New Guinea in 25-27 February 2018. The focus of the meeting was to have the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) SCSC members and the five Specialist Regional Bodies (SRBs) as the expert regional bodies responsible for the development of the standards and conformance infrastructure in the Asia Pacific region to have a joint meeting. Stephen O’Brien as Convenor of the SRB Forum, on behalf of the Forum, invited all interested SCSC and economy representatives to attend an open session of the SRB Forum, as part of the SCSC 1 meeting, on Sunday 25 February 2018. The purpose of this interactive session was to learn more about the recent work of SRB Forum members and the future work programme of the Forum. The session focused on how the Forum’s work programme is aligned to APEC objectives and clarify how the SRB’s can support APEC to achieve its goals and priorities. The session included an opportunity for those attending to discuss current and future APEC projects or initiatives with the SRB representatives to identify potential areas where they can be enhanced through SRB member involvement. The response from the members was very positive with the APEC Secretariat encouraging member economies to consult SRBs to utilize their expertise in their respective works plan/programs for APEC funded projects. The interactive, open session was found to be informative and useful by those SCSC and SRBs representatives who attended. As a result, the SRBs plan to hold similar open sessions at future SOM 1 Meetings. The SRBs identified projects that their expertise would be of value and this was shared with the SCSC members. [1] APMP – Asia-Pacific Metrology Programme, APLMF – Asia Pacific Legal Metrology Forum, APLAC – Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation, PAC – Pacific Accreditation Cooperation, and PASC – Pacific Area Standards Congress
The theme for World Metrology Day 2018 is Constant evolution of the International System of Units. This theme was chosen because in November 2018, the General Conference on Weights and Measures is expected to agree one of the largest changes to the International System of Units (the SI) since its inception. The proposed changes are based on the results of research into new measurement methods that have used quantum phenomena as the basis for standards that are fundamental. The SI will be based on a set of definitions each linked to the laws of physics and have the advantage of being able to embrace further improvements in measurement science and technology to meet the needs of future users for many years to come.
Indeed more widely metrology, the science of measurement, plays a central role in scientific discovery and innovation, industrial manufacturing and international trade, in improving the quality of life and in protecting the global environment. World Metrology Day is an annual celebration of the signature of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875 by representatives of seventeen nations. The Convention set the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and in its industrial, commercial and societal applications. The original aim of the Metre Convention - the world-wide uniformity of measurement - remains as important today as it was in 1875. The World Metrology Day project is realized jointly by the BIPM and the OIML. For more information about World Metrology Day 2018 please visit the official website. The Verification of Weighbridges training course was held in Beijing, China and ran from 26 - 29 September 2017. China and New Zealand provided trainers for the course.
You can download and read the trainers report from the course here. In the December edition of the Presidents Newsletter we cover the following topics:
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Click here to read the newsletter in full.  In Canada, timber harvesting is a multi-billion dollar industry and at its core is the measurement of harvested logs. Companies buy and sell logs nationally and internationally and Canadian provincial governments charge taxes based on the volume of timber harvested when trees are from government owned (crown) land. For centuries, the volume of logs has been measured manually. Today, advances in measurement technology are available to automate the process of measuring the length, width and diameter of a log to determine its volume as the log moves thorough the mill, greatly reducing production costs. This technology can also optimize how a log should be cut to obtain the most products, such as the number of 2x4s, with the least amount of waste. The introduction of new log scanning technology, using lasers to measure the logs, is transforming trade measurement in the forestry industry. It has enabled the automation of the measurement of harvested logs, thereby improving measurement accuracy of this increasingly precious resource. Log optimizers have been used in mills for many years. However, several years ago, questions started being asked about adapting these devices to meet the Canadian federal government’s measurement requirements for accuracy and performance. When approached to determine whether or not these devices could be approved for use in trade measurement transactions, Measurement Canada staff began working collaboratively with provincial government officials, log scanner manufacturers, mill operators and other industry stakeholders. Together they developed the technical specifications, test procedures and physical test standards required to evaluate and approve this new technology. Subsequent evaluation and testing ensured the first log scanner installation complied with established requirements for accuracy and performance under actual conditions of use. The development of these requirements posed a challenge for Measurement Canada. There were no established performance or testing criteria in place. The drafting of the specifications required understanding of the environment in which the devices would be used and multiple stakeholder diverse perspectives and positions. The technical requirements and procedures had to be sufficiently rigorous as to enable reliable and accurate measurement of timber, but not so demanding as to slow the introduction of this new technology into the Canadian forestry industry. In Canada, the approval and certification of log scanning technology for use in the forestry industry was a high profile, time sensitive project, closely monitored and scrutinized by provincial government forestry ministries and industry stakeholders. The development of approval and certification requirements was also watched closely by regulators, logging companies and other stakeholders internationally as other jurisdictions could consider adopting the requirements established by Measurement Canada in the future. To date, several log scanners (also known as Timber Dimensional Measuring Devices) have been approved for use in Canada. The introduction of this measurement technology in the Canadian forestry industry has positively impacted the efficiency of timber harvesting operations, contributed to Canadian companies’ access to new measurement technologies, enhanced the provinces’ confidence in timber measurement and improved the level of protection all parties to timber harvesting transactions receive against loss due to inaccurate measurement.  PTB has the pleasure to announce that the
CONFERENCE ON PRECISION ELECTROMAGNETIC MEASUREMENTS - CPEM 2018 is taking place in Paris, France from July 8-13, 2018. The PTB is offering travel support for participants from our partner NMIs or Designated Institutes, which would like to present a lecture or a poster at this conference. You can submit your 2-page summary paper as well as your application for travel support online until January, 19th 2018. Details on the conference and application procedures can be found here: http://www.cpem2018.com/join-cpem-2018/travel-support-programme/ http://www.cpem2018.com/newsletter/04/Newsletter_04_CPEM_2018.html Applications for this role close 1 February 2018 and the CIML will select the next Director at their meeting in October 2018. For more information ...
In the September edition of the Presidents Newsletter we cover the following topics:
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Click here to read the newsletter in full. N.A. Cristaudo and J.J. Mayo National Measurement Institute, Australia (NMIA) Department of Industry, Innovation and Science GPO Box 2013, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia legislativereview@measurement.gov.au Abstract Australia is currently planning a thematic review of its national measurement legislative framework. The aim is to modernise Australia’s measurement framework towards a more principles-based approach, to provide greater regulatory flexibility, encourage investment and support innovation for new technologies. 1. Introduction Measurement which draws on appropriate scientific and technical expertise is central to the effective functioning of a modern economy. Historically legal metrology originated from the need to facilitate fair trade and placed a strong focus on requirements for measuring instruments, measurements and testing methods. More modern policy priorities place the role of government in supporting strategic measurement capabilities and processes that will enhance business and consumer confidence, providing a strong effective system that is trusted and accepted both domestically and internationally. While there has not been a systemic failure of Australia’s national measurement legislation, it is complex, overly prescriptive and outdated. To ensure that Australia’s measurement system is fit-for-purpose, there is a need for a more efficient legislative framework consistent with the government agendas for best practice regulation. 2. Australia’s national measurement legislation The principal legislation concerning legal metrology in Australia is the National Measurement Act 1960 (Cth) (the Act). The Act and its subordinate instruments, the National Measurement Regulations 1999 (Cth) and the National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009 (Cth) together with determinations and recognized-value standards of measurement issued by the Chief Metrologist form Australia’s national measurement legislative framework. Australia’s national measurement legislative framework establishes the National Measurement Institute, Australia (a division of the Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science) as Australia’s peak body responsible for a top-level infrastructure for biological, chemical, legal, physical and trade measurement. 3. Recent reviews of Australia’s national measurement system 3.1 Independent Review In 2015, an independent review of Australia’s legal metrology and measurement policy identified the need to modernise and better align Australia’s national measurement legislative framework with Australian Government and international policy objectives. The independent review noted that Australia’s national measurement legislation is currently very prescriptive by principles-based, best practice regulatory standards and should be reviewed to simplify the regulatory framework and reduce the amount of prescription. 3.2 Legal Metrology Strategic Policy Review The thematic review of Australia’s national measurement legislative framework builds on the outcomes of Australia’s 2016 ‘Legal Metrology Strategic Policy Review’ which aimed to articulate policy objectives to ensure a streamlined and effective regulatory system and measurement framework. 3.3 Labelling Review A review has commenced on the labelling and quantity information required for packages sold in Australia under Part 4 of the National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009 (Cth). This review is being undertaken to consider options to provide more flexible arrangements and encourage investment in the short-term. The thematic review of Australia’s national measurement legislation will build on the outcomes of the labelling review of Part 4 of the National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009 (Cth) to inform options to modernise the framework. 4. Thematic review of Australia’s national measurement legislation The thematic review will cover the Act and all legislative instruments made under the Act. The aim is to ensure Australia’s national measurement legislation is fit-for-purpose for current and future opportunities or challenges. The thematic review aims to develop options and recommendations in relation to:
5. Approach To accommodate for a comprehensive analysis of the entire legislative and policy framework, Australia’s national measurement legislation has initially been divided into sixteen “thematic areas” that represent broad topics that form the current legislation (see Table 1). Table 1: Thematic areas of Australia’s national measurement legislation.
The review will involve a systematic examination of the “thematic areas” and will be informed by tailored engagement and consultation. A comprehensive list of stakeholders groups has been established covering manufacturers, retailers, industry, consumers, utilities, appointed laboratories, licensed businesses, domestic and international standards and conformance bodies and other levels of government.
The thematic review will consider and consult on a wide variety of options, including options to improve competition, facilitate innovation and reduce regulatory burden on business. To assist this process an intra-government advisory group, chaired independently by Mr Edward Killesteyn, PSM, has been established to ensure the thematic review considers whole-of-government perspective on options for reform measures. The thematic review aims to be completed within a five year period (to enable sufficient time to introduce revised legislation to the Australian Parliament and allow for sufficient education and transition periods). Options for reform are aimed to be presented to government for consideration in 2020, following the conclusion of public consultation. 6. Setting the course Although Australia’s measurement system has been evolving since Federation, the current legislation which underpins the system has never been reviewed to examine the appropriateness of the entire legislative and policy framework. Changes in technology, industry and consumers call for a major rethinking of Australia’s national measurement legislative framework to ensure it continues to deliver benefits which underpin the many sectors of the Australian economy, now and into the future. Given the wide reach of any country’s measurement system, the thematic review of Australia’s national measurement legislative framework will be informed by robust and comprehensive engagement with domestic and international stakeholders. A public consultation process involving key international bodies, such as the Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum (APLMF) and the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) during the review process, will be leveraged to ensure international considerations and adoption of best practice regulation principles. 7. Engagement For further information regarding Australia’s thematic review of its national measurement legislative framework please contact: legislativereview@measurement.gov.au Dear APLMF Members and colleagues
It is hard to believe we are past the mid-point of the year. The Secretariat and I have been working hard on our 2017 work programme including our agreed actions following the 23rd APLMF meeting. We have been communicating with you quite a bit; requesting feedback on various documents, surveys for completion and our first online voting. Thank you for your efforts to date and we encourage all member economies to engage with these activities to ensure all your voices are heard. Current deadlines:
24th Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum and Working Group Meetings The meeting webpage is now open and invitations have been sent out to members. I warmly invite delegates to attend these events which will be held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 October 2017. The meetings will be hosted by the National Metrology Center (NMC) of Cambodia at the Apsara Angkor Resort and Conference Hotel. Please see our website for information about the programme, venue, visa requirements and online registration. To assist with arrangements we would ask that you register before 20 September 2017. See: www.aplmf.org/cambodia-2017 Workshop on ‘Modernising National Metrological Infrastructures – key issues – approaches – lessons learned’ I was lucky enough to attend this successful event held in Malacca, Malaysia from 22-23 May 2017 in addition to participation in a MEDEA project evaluation workshop and attendance at an APMP Developing Economy Committee meeting. Marian Haire and I represented APLMF at these events hosted by the National Metrology Institute of Malaysia (NMIM) and attended by approximately 60 delegates representing 20 economies. See: www.nmim.gov.my The Joint APMP/APLMF Workshop on Modernising National Metrological Infrastructure was part of the Metrology Enabling Developing Economies in Asia (MEDEA) project and held in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Metrology Program (APMP) mid-year meetings. The workshop launched the revised APLMF/APMP Joint Guide 1 on National Metrological Infrastructure as well as introduced participants to the Asia-Pacific Metrology portal that is under development. It also provided participants guidance on best practice in respect to raising awareness of the importance of metrology and case study development. World Café: Group Workshop sessions held during the event clustered participants into small groups and enabled economy representatives to share their knowledge, experience and what they have learnt from the issues they have faced with their peers and other experts present. These Café style discussions were very interesting and productive. They enabled participants to effectively share ideas and consider new approaches to address the challenges they face. Participants started to develop work programmes for implementation on their return to their respective economies and I will be very interested to follow up and hear about the tangible results of this work. Following on from the workshop we will be contacting those who suggested ideas for case studies and helping to shape their draft case studies for publication on our website. The template we have developed and the examples of case studies we eventually publish will be valuable resources for use by economies as we try to tackle issues to do with a lack of metrology awareness. 2016 Financial Report The 2016 Annual Financial Report has been signed off by the Executive Committee and full member economies have been invited to vote to adopt the 2016 Financial Report. Full members received an email on 23 May with a link to the member only pages of the APLMF website where they could view the document and cast their vote. Please note, minor updates have been made to the financial report as a result of member feedback and an updated version was posted to the website on 1 June. The changes were a result of a rounding error found in the original report and were not material. To date we have just 7 votes. As this is the first time we have used online voting we have extended to 31 July 2017 and we would encourage all member economies to participate. APLMF Strategic Plan A draft strategic plan was introduced at the 23rd APLMF meeting. Feedback from that meeting was included in a second draft which was circulated to the Executive Committee. Version 3 of the APLMF Strategic Plan 2017-2021 has now been completed and a link for voting will be sent to member economies to vote to adopt the Strategic Plan and voting will close 18 August 2017. Survey on Legal Measures mechanism on Medical Devices Member Economies where emailed the invitation to participate in this survey on 22 May 2017. The survey was developed by the Working Group on Medical Measurement. We would ask you to complete the survey by 31 July 2017 and send it directly to the Chair as noted in the information. 23rd Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum and Working Group Meetings – Highlights We hope you received our May update and have had a chance to check out the highlights from the 2016 meeting provided in video format. The first video summarises the Working Group day and guest presentations, the second video summarises the Economy Reports. The draft meeting minutes for this meeting have also been sent to all registered delegates for their feedback. We would encourage those who attended to please read the draft minutes and provide any comments to secretariat@aplmf.org by 31 July 2017. 25th Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum and Working Group Meetings In 2018 APLMF will celebrate 25 years which is an exciting milestone. I am actively looking for an economy who would like to host this auspicious event. Please contact the Secretariat if you are interested in hosting and would like some more information about what hosting a forum event involves. ‘Full Member Only’ area of the website A reminder that the primary contact for each full member economy was sent login and password details for the ‘full member only’ area of the website on 28 March 2017. It will be up to the primary contact to provide these details to staff within their economy. If your economy hasn’t received this information, please contact secretariat@aplmf.org so we can check we have the correct details for the primary contact for your economy. Consultation/feedback on draft APLMF Guide 7 – Verification of Fuel Dispensers Thank you to Australia, Papua New Guinea Thailand and Vietnam for your feedback. An updated document will be circulated to members for voting to adopt, in due course. Test Procedure Survey – Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments (NAWI) – extended to 31 July 2017 Thank you to Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Chinese Taipei and Vietnam for your responses to this survey. We would really like more responses to include in the final analysis so have extended the deadline to 31 July 2017 and encourage you to participate. New APLMF Membership The Secretariat is currently drafting a Membership discussion paper which will outline the options and impact of changing our current membership criteria. This paper will be available in July for your review and input. The intention is to have the paper finalised for final voting before our 24th APLMF meeting in Cambodia later in the year. Invoices for APLMF Membership Fees For 2017 were sent to the primary contact for each member economy in December 2016. Invoices are due for payment by 30 September 2017. Please contact secretariat@aplmf.org if you have not received an invoice for your economy. Training for 2017 Please refer to our website which is updated as new information comes to hand. Economy Directories In early June, we followed up with the 12 economies who are still to update their Directories for the website. We look forward to receiving those over the coming months. Other Events of note Australian Measurement Conference 'Realising the value of metrology' Brisbane 12-14 Sep 2017 Stephen O’Brien APLMF President |
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The Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum APLMF is a grouping of legal metrology authorities, whose objective is the development of legal metrology and the promotion of free and open trade in the region through the harmonisation and removal of technical or administrative barriers to trade in the field of legal metrology.
APLMF 2004-2015
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