Measuring instruments and methods of metrological control — common rules

 

SUMMARY OF:

Directive 2009/34/EC on measuring instruments and methods of metrological control

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DIRECTIVE?

It sets out the general rules for EC (European Community) pattern approval, initial verification and methods of metrological control for measuring instruments.

Other implementing directives on various categories of instruments cover the technical requirements in detail.

The directive repeals Directive 71/316/EEC.

KEY POINTS

Before measuring instruments are brought in to use, EU countries are responsible for ensuring that they conform with technical requirements. This is achieved through granting EC pattern approval and verification, recognised throughout the EU. This directive covers:

• measuring equipment;
• units of measurement;
• the harmonisation of methods of measurement and metrological control;
• the means of applying harmonisation methods;
• methods of measurement, metrological control and marking of quantities of pre-packaged products.

EC pattern approval

• An EC pattern approval application can be made only by the manufacturer or a representative established in the EU, in one EU country only.
• EU countries must ensure that they are kept informed of any modification to the approved pattern requiring additional approval, and where changes occur must inform other EU countries.
• A new EC pattern approval may instead be needed when a pattern is modified and where relevant directives introduce new requirements.
• Following approval, the EU country provides a certificate and the manufacturer applies the official approval sign to the equipment concerned.
• Certificates are valid for 10 years, extendable for further 10-year periods.

Applications include the following information:

• intended use;
• measurement characteristics;
• how they are built and operate;
• devices to regulate and adjust them;
• the intended locations for verification marks (where they will be affixed to the instrument);
• general and detailed drawings of important components;
• drawings or photographs illustrating the principles of operation.

The examination includes a document study and an examination of the measurement characteristics of the pattern covering the entire performance of the instrument under normal conditions of use.

The country which has granted EC pattern approval may withdraw it if it was granted improperly, or if a defect is subsequently found in the equipment. It must immediately inform the other EU countries and the European Commission, and attempt to settle any disputes, in consultation with the Commission where necessary.

Where new techniques are used which are not covered by a separate directive, limited EC pattern approval for up to 2 years (extendable by up to 3 years) may be granted with certain restrictions, including a limit on the number of instruments covered, and restrictions on use and the technique used.

Initial verification

EC initial verification is the examination of a new or reconditioned* instrument to ensure it conforms to the approved EC pattern and/or to the relevant directives, and is certified by the EC initial verification mark. The examination includes assessment of the metrological characteristics, the maximum permissible errors, and an assessment of the reliability of construction.

When an instrument has passed EC initial verification, in accordance with this directive and of the separate detailed directives, the EC verification mark can be applied by the manufacturer.

Checking of instruments in use

Separate directives cover control requirements for measuring instruments already in use.

FROM WHEN DOES THIS DIRECTIVE APPLY?

It has applied since 18 May 2009.

Directive 2009/34/EC revised and replaced Directive 71/316/EEC — and its subsequent amendments.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

• Legal metrology (European Commission).

KEY TERMS

MAIN DOCUMENT

Directive 2009/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 relating to common provisions for both measuring instruments and methods of metrological control (Recast) (OJ L 106, 28.4.2009, pp. 7-24)

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Directive 2011/17/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 repealing Council Directives 71/317/EEC, 71/347/EEC, 71/349/EEC, 74/148/EEC, 75/33/EEC, 76/765/EEC, 76/766/EEC and 86/217/EEC regarding metrology (OJ L 71, 18.3.2011, pp. 1-3)

last update 08.12.2017