NMI examines and approves the following patterns (designs) of measuring instruments for use for trade and any other legal purpose:
-
liquid measuring instruments
-
spirit dispensers
-
length measuring instruments
-
area measuring instruments
-
milk tanks
-
load cells
-
digital indicators
-
weighing-in-motion systems
-
belt weighers
-
totalising hopper weighers
-
automatic catchweighing instruments
-
multi-dimensional weighing instruments
-
automatic tank level gauges
-
fuel dispensers for motor vehicles
-
fuel dispenser control systems
-
fuel dispenser calculator/indicators
-
liquefied petroleum gas systems
-
compressed natural gas systems
- grain protein measuring instruments
- utility (electricity and water) meters — we approve these instruments, but we appoint authorities to test them (click here for more details)
-
evidential breath analysers — we approve and partially test these instruments, we also appoint
authorities to test them
Click here for an application form.
NMI P 106 explains the procedure for making an application for pattern approval. Fees are charged according to Schedule 13 of the National Measurement Regulations.
During pattern approval, we examine the pattern of a measuring instrument and test sample instruments. The specifications against which a sample instrument is tested agree to the greatest possible extent with international specifications.
Once the pattern of an instrument has been approved a certificate of approval is issued. Subsequent production instruments made to the pattern must be marked with the approval number contained in that certificate. The marking of this number on a production instrument is the primary indication to a trade measurement inspector or a licensed certifier that the measuring instrument is of an approved pattern.
You may obtain copies of our certificates of approval by clicking here.
For further information email patternapproval@measurement.gov.au.
OIML certificates
An OIML certificate of conformity of a pattern of a measuring instrument attests the conformity of that pattern, as represented by the sample(s) submitted and tested, with the requirements of the relevant OIML recommendation(s). An OIML certificate of conformity is issued by an issuing authority of an OIML member state.
The Chief Metrologist is the issuing authority in Australia. The Chief Metrologist can issue certificates for:
- continuous totalising automatic weighing instruments
- automatic catchweighing instruments
- metrological regulation for load cells
- non-automatic weighing instruments
- automatic rail weighbridges
- measuring systems for liquids other than water
OIML certificates state that the instrument evaluated complies with the requirements of an OIML recommendation for patterns of instruments in use for trade.
Testing facilities
NMI provides a range of testing facilities; however where NMI does not have the appropriate facilities, the Chief Metrologist may appoint approving authorities to carry out pattern approval testing of measuring instruments used for trade or regulatory purposes. So far approving authorities have been appointed to test electricity meters, water meters and evidential breath analysers.
Mutual acceptance of test reports
We have agreements with some countries for the mutual acceptance of test reports. Click here for details of the mutual recognition agreements and memoranda of understanding we have with some of our major trading partners.