Approval of the Convention establishing the International Organisation of Legal Metrology

ECONOMIC & FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE
4 August 1998 (at 10:00)
APPROVAL OF THE CONVENTION ESTABLISHING THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION OF LEGAL METROLOGY

Here follows the official minutes of the Select Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs as provided by the committee secretary, Mr E. De Koker.

PRESENT:
Chairperson: Mr HJP Lebona
Free State: Mr HJP Lebona
Gauteng: Ms QD Mahlangu
Kwazulu-Natal: Rev KM Zondi
Northern Cape: Mr SJ Mongwaketse and Mr AE Van Niekerk
Northern Province: Ms I Mutsila
North West: Mr TT Mukhuba
Western Cape: Mr PG Marais
Apologies: Mr AAB Bruwer and Rev M Henry.

The following persons were also in attendance:
Ms B Steyn, Assistant-director: Dept of Trade and Industry; and
MR B Beurd, Manager Trade Metrology: South African Bureau of Standards.

Ms Steyn gave an introduction to the Convention Establishing the International Organisation of Legal Metrology. It was stated that the Trade Metrology Act (Act 77 of 1973) required that all measuring instruments used for trade be tested periodically. However, the legal requirements pertaining to measuring instruments are outdated. In order to ensure international compatibility, these requirements are being aligned with that of the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) Furthermore, in order for South Africa to participate in the technical committees it need to be a member of the OIML. As a member, there will be mutual acceptance of approval certificates for measuring instruments between South Africa and foreign countries who are also remembers of the OIML. Membership makes it easier to export South African products. This would reduce testing costs. SADC countries have in principle decided to accept only those measuring instruments that have been approved by the OIML.

On the question of the budget for inspectorates, Mr Beurd stated that inspectorates are dealt with by the provinces. Therefore, provinces will have to allocate funding for the inspectorates.

On the question of "old" and "new" instruments Mr Beurd stated that South African legislation is vague on the requirements on testing electronic equipment.

Some data in the OIML requirements will be changed in order to suit South African conditions.

State attorneys have tested the OIML agreement with our Constitution.

Convention approved.

The Committee adjourned at 10:44.