Towards a single market for measuring instruments

The author discusses the new approach to European Directives with particular reference to the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID). The MID is limited to 11 specified instrument categories listed in annexes to the draft Directive, and include water, gas and electricity meters. The instrument annexes contain the instrument specific essential requirements which are concerned with rated operating conditions, accuracy classes, maximum permissible errors, etc. In addition to providing the manufacturer with the option of meeting the essential requirements through the application of harmonised standards, this Directive allows the use of agreed Recommendations of the Organisation Internationale de Metrologie Legale (OIML). The optionality clause in the MID allows member states to maintain their existing level of legal control (prescription) without increasing the regulatory burden on industry