From the creation of the European Union and its precursors (1958), harmonization of the very diverse directives concerning metrology has been an aim.

In 1993 the new and global approach was also introduced in the world of metrology. The directive for Non Automatic Weighing Instruments (NAWI) introduced a new period. The NAWI directive does not contain any optional parts and after a transitional period of 10 years, all Non Automatic Weighing Instruments must comply with the requirements stated in the directive. This implies more responsibility and more freedom for the manufacturers.

The CE-marking and the supplementary metrology marking provide general access to the European market.

MID

In spring 2004, after years of negotiation, the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) was completed. Thanks to the MID, market access for 10 different measuring instruments were harmonized at once. The MID and NAWI directives together cover the majority of all measuring instruments that can be regulated within the scope of legal metrology. NMi has been closely associated with the realization of the MID-directive.

Differences between the MID and the NAWI directive

There are two important differences between the MID and the NAWI directive:

• MID includes further extension of some modules (module A to H1). Manufacturers can use them to make the instrument comply with the general terms (annex 1 of MID) and to demonstrate the instrument specific requirements (stated in the instrument specific annexes). Particularly module H1 is new in that context.
• Member states can decide whether or not to regulate an instrument. If it decides to regulate the instrument, it must be in accordance to the MID. If the member state decides that metrological regulation is not necessary for a specific instrument, than any measuring instrument can be used for that measurement task. The member state cannot state other metrological requirements.

The Dutch metrology legislation

The realization of the MID implied that the Dutch National law has been adapted. Late 2006, the so-called Metrologiewet (metrology law) has been put into force. Please, click here for more information about the Dutch Metrology law.

Questions & Answers

You can now find all information that is related to the introduction of MID in the extensive list of Questions & Answers. You can easily request for your personal user name and password on MID Questions & Answers, request access. If you already have your personal log-in, you can open the page here.