Governments measure goods in their relation to trade, health, safety, and the environment. OIML, an intergovernmental treaty organization, promotes the harmonization of these government measurement tools and seeks uniformity, where appropriate, in the case of national standards. OIML advances a normalized measurement system, i.e., equal shape, size, label, packaging requirements, etc. for similar goods, in an effort to improve the international trading environment. OIML seeks to eliminate technical barriers to trade resulting from national and regional differences due to their measurement systems.

OIML promotes the standardization of official measurement instruments and requirements among its 59 Members through government recommendations:

• Eighteen Technical Committees, composed of representatives of its Members, international standardization and technical organizations, manufacturers’ associations, and regional regulatory bodies.
• Technical Committees propose models of standardized measurements to governments for implementation.
• Both governmental departments and private firms can obtain certificates which identify the compliance of an instrument or standard with OIML guidelines.

OIML also:

• Holds international meetings and seminars to educate its members on recent developments. Its 42nd meeting was held in Shanghai, China on 22 - 26 October 2007.
• Provides access to other publications, such as technical studies and expert reports, on its website

Through recommendations, meetings, and other services, OIML creates a “one-stop-shop” to harmonize official measurements worldwide. The current President is Alan E. Johnston.

Website: www.oiml.org