1. SADCMEL Mutual Acceptance in legal metrology within SADC PRESENTED BY: SH Carstens, Regional Coordinator SADCMEL Conformity Assessment for sustainable development and trade 2007/05/10

2. SADCMEL Contents n Background n Scope & functions of Legal Metrology n Benefits of sound LM system n Mutual Acceptance within SADC n Conclusion

3. SADCMEL Background Metrology science of measurement Legal Metrology is the part of metrology resulting from statutory requirements Roots of Legal Metrology are in state control of Weights and Measures Role of Legal Metrology has increased as society grows more complex Important for state to provide trust & confidence in Legal Metrology measurements

4. SADCMEL Scope n Official controls, n Trade, n Health,Safety n The environment

5. SADCMEL Activities n Management of Metrology Act n Type approval of measuring instruments (Approve or Accept) n Inspections on Prepacked goods n Verification and re-verification of instruments n Approval of accredited Laboratories to verify( if Applicable) n Calibration of verification standards n Training n Provision of Technical Regulations n International / Regional liaison

6. SADCMEL Benefits of a sound legal metrology system n Level playing fields and support for industry n International confidence in trade measurements n Consumer protection n Control of fraud

7. SADCMEL Benefits of a sound legal metrology system n Effective stock control n Reduced disputation costs n Reduced transaction costs n Collection of duties n Receiving full value for exported goods n Protection of assets

8. SADCMEL Mutual Acceptance n No formal Acceptance arrangements n LM infrastructure at different stages s SA, Mauritius – advanced s Angola, Mozambique and Lesotho basic n Four harmonised Technical Regulations n Commitment to adoption and implementation n Training undertaken s Uniform application and interpretation

9. SADCMEL Mutual Acceptance n Currently only SA has Type Approval Section n Members of OIML s South Africa s Tanzania s Mauritius s Zambia s Mozambique

10. SADCMEL Mutual Acceptance n South Africa Utilising Member of OIML MAA s Non Automatic weighing instruments n Intend to become Issuing member n SA also has Bilateral MAA on Prepacked goods with the Netherlands

11. SADCMEL Mutual Acceptance n Other member states should consider OIML membership n Advantages of OIML membership n Access to OIML MAA n Input into international documents n Fit for adoption and implementation n No need to develop regional documents n Networking with peers

12. SADCMEL Mutual Acceptance n Non OIML member states will have to consider bilateral acceptance agreements on Type approved instruments n Harmonised SADC documents 1 and 4 When entrenched by all could; s Lead to an MAA on Prepacked goods s Will improve cross border trade

13. SADCMEL Mutual Acceptance n Creation of the Inter Africa Metrology System ( Afrimets) could lead to similar interventions within Africa n First General Assembly to take place in Midrand on 4,5 & 6 July 2007

14. SADCMEL Conclusion n Sound legal metrology infrastructure essential n Mutual acceptance not entrenched in SADC due to; s Varied stages of Lm infrastructure s Not members of OIML n Will be considered and encouraged in Future

15. SADCMEL THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!