1. Report on OIML Seminar on Conformity to Type (CTT): Utrecht 29-30 June 2011
Presented to: Follow-up OIML Seminar on Conformity to Type
(CTT-II) Prague 10 Oct 2011
Presented by: Stephen O’Brien – CIML Member Manager, Measurement and Product Safety Service Ministry of Consumer Affairs New Zealand

2. Utrecht CTT Seminar - Background
CTT issues and concerns considered within OIML for sometime. Utrecht Seminar was an opportunity to discuss and identify potential way forward
Attended by 43 delegates. Good cross section of representation
Day 1 – Seminar speakers with a variety of perspectives
Day 2 – Panel discussion, identification and analysis of critical issues

3. Overview of key points identified
From global perspective CTT has many complexities
CTT important for on-going confidence in OIML certification systems
Regulators need assurance that production instruments are consistent with OIML type
Manufacturers need ‘level playing field’
Pre-market CTT needed to incentivise compliance by introducing potential to get caught

4. Overview of key points identified
Need for clear definition for OIML CTT
‘working’ definition to be considered in Session II
OIML CTT activities: pre-market assurance that ‘production meets type’
OIML needs to consider:
Existing mandatory national and regional CTT systems (EU - MID and US - VCAP)
Potential proliferation of regional /national CTT systems
Issues associated with instrument ‘dumping’

5. Overview of key points identified
Instrument manufacturers need to be consulted and involved in CTT development
OIML CTT activity must:
add value and consider compliance costs
use risk management framework to focus scarce resources

6. Outcomes identified
It is important to leverage off: ISO, IEC and UNECE knowledge and experience in conformity assessment – explore opportunities for joint work
Need to also explore potential improvements in quality and content of OIML certificates and documentation
Both topics to be explored by following speakers

7. Actions for Consideration: 1
CIML resolution is drafted to formally assign responsibility for CTT to the work programme of an OIML Technical Committee.
(Consideration and clear direction need to be given to where this work is assigned)

8. Actions For Consideration: 2
CIML resolution is drafted to formally request this Technical Committee to develop a normative document or guidance document on Conformity to Type
to reference current programmes in the US and EU
identify ‘best practice’
inform future global development work in this area.

9. In Conclusion
Conformity to Type is an area of work with strategic importance
Utrecht Seminar successfully highlighted and discussed a wide variety of issues and perspectives
Challenge is to transform this into appropriate OIML activity
Thank you for your attention.
I would be happy to take questions or hear comments.