Report of the Board of Directors

Ross J. Andersen, Chairman

Director, New York Bureau of Weights & Measures

# Introduction

The Board of Directors (BOD) held their quarterly Board of Directors
meeting on Saturday, January 11, 2003, and continued the meeting via
work sessions during the remainder of the Interim Meeting, January
12-15, 2003, held in Jacksonville, FL. The Board and National Type
Evaluation Program (NTEP) Committee invited the membership to dialogue
with them during the open hearings on four mega issues: Conformity
Assessment, National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM)
Organizational Structure, the National Training Program, and
International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).

This is the report of the Board of Directors for the 88^th^ Annual
Meeting of the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM). It is
based on the Interim Report offered in NCWM Publication 16, "Committee
Reports," comments received at the NCWM Annual Meeting, and
modifications made to the Interim Meeting report as a result of input
received at the NCWM Annual Meeting.

**Table A**

**Table of Contents**

**Subject Page**

[Introduction 1](#introduction)

[Conformity Assessment 2](#conformity-assessment)

[NCWM Organizational Structure 3](#ncwm-organizational-structure)

[Status of the Administrative & Public Affairs Committee
3](#status-of-the-administrative-public-affairs-committee)

[Dues Change 3](#dues-change)

[Commitment to Better Communication
4](#commitment-to-better-communication)

[Voting/Bylaws Change 4](#votingbylaws-change)

[National Training Program Curriculum
4](#national-training-program-curriculum)

[OIML 4](#oiml)

[Fair Measurement Appropriation 5](#fair-measurement-appropriation)

[Statistics Work Group 5](#statistics-work-group)

[Canadian Forum on Trade Measurement
5](#canadian-forum-on-trade-measurement)

[Hypertext Handbooks 6](#hypertext-handbooks)

[Financial 6](#financial)

[Meetings 7](#meetings)

[Nominating 7](#nominating)

[Committee Appointments 7](#committee-appointments)

[NCMW/NIST WMD Relationship 7](#ncmwnist-wmd-relationship)

[Strategic Partnerships 8](#strategic-partnerships)

[Membership 8](#membership)

[Associate Membership Committee (AMC) Report
8](#associate-membership-committee-amc-report)

**Table B**

**Appendix**

**Appendix Title Page**

[A Report on the Activities of the International Organization of Legal
Metrology (OIML) and\
Regional Legal Metrology Organizations BOD - A1](#AppendixA)

# 

# 

# Conformity Assessment

The Board reviewed and discussed the comments received during the open
hearing on this topic. The comments received centered on the expiration
time of five years for Certificates of Conformance, quantity of
evaluation required, and the role of the states in initial verification.
Information was provided that both the EU and Australia send out a
questionnaire to initiate the review process. The questionnaire is
completed by the Certificate holder and then reviewed by the issuing
body. Discussion next centered on if the date should be a review date
and not an expiration date. The period of ten years instead of five was
discussed. A phase-in period was also discussed.

In its deliberations the Board discussed the many comments received on
this issue and made some decisions on its next steps. The Board decided
to assign the task of drafting a proposed revision to the Publication 14
Administrative Procedures section on Conformity Assessment to a small
work group within the Board. The Board will develop a final draft and
distribute it for comment prior to the Annual Meeting in July. The Board
will consider all comments received before making its decisions on
changes to Publication 14. Since this is only a change to Publication
14, there will be no general membership vote on the item.

The work group will be addressing the three main aspects of the proposed
NTEP Conformity Assessment Program.

> 1\. Improving the Certificate of Conformance -- This aspect will
> involve two main efforts:
>
> a\) Review and improve the format and information provided on an NTEP
> Certificate. The NTEP labs will be asked to participate in this effort
> with a goal of creating certificates that are uniform, easily
> understood, and contain necessary information for conducting thorough
> verifications, both initial and subsequent. This could include more
> detail on models covered, standard and optional features, pictures,
> and other inspector aids.
>
> b\) Periodically review certificates on at least a ten-year basis.
> While the details are yet to be developed by the work group, the goal
> is to ensure that the information on the Certificate is as current as
> possible, that production meets type, and the type has been updated to
> meet requirements added to HB44 since the Certificate was issued. The
> Board is considering adding a "review date" to the Certificate that
> will be 10 years after the last laboratory evaluation and test. The
> manufacturer will be responsible for initiating the review process by
> that date, i.e., device in the queue. Failure to initiate the review
> will result in the Certificate going inactive. This review process
> will require a phase-in period. The review date would be added
> immediately to all certificates being issued for current evaluations.
> If a lab evaluates and tests a device to produce an addendum to an
> existing Certificate, the revision date would be added at that time
> and set to ten years from that revision date. The revision date would
> not reset for paper amendments or editorial corrections. The Board has
> discussed a process that would begin in January 2005 to update
> existing Certificates. NTEP staff would identify those Certificates
> with no review date, starting with the oldest Certificates. Each year,
> a number of certificates would then be selected for review based on
> the capabilities of NTEP staff and the labs. It is anticipated that by
> January 2008, all existing certificates will have an established
> review date. Also by January 2008, the review process will be on
> schedule such that all certificates with an assigned review date prior
> to January 1, 2008, will have been reviewed or will be in the queue to
> be reviewed. NTEP would establish new fees to cover the cost of said
> evaluations, while labs would charge normal hourly rates for their
> work.

2.  Improving the Initial Verification System -- this aspect will
    involve two main efforts:

> a\) Create a core group of evaluators across the country that will
> conduct thorough initial verifications. This process would include
> some training of inspectors to become technical experts on certain
> types of devices and having these inspectors conduct the initial
> verifications of new devices installed within their jurisdictions.
>
> b\) Create a data collection system to collect data on initial
> verifications performed by this core group of inspectors to support
> the Conformity Assessment efforts. This data would be maintained by
> NCWM and would be used solely for that purpose.

3.  Verified Certification of Manufacturer Facilities Responsible for
    Influence Factor Compliance -- This aspect is directed at
    conformance issues that cannot be verified in initial verification.
    The program would require that the manufacturer provide NTEP with
    certification that they have a quality assurance program in place
    and are taking the necessary steps to ensure that their production
    devices comply with the influence factor requirements. The present
    model calls for this to be site specific to the site where the
    quality control system verifies compliance. The Board is looking at
    a 2006 implementation date.

The most recent draft proposal was distributed at the open hearings. The
Board received feedback on the proposal. The Board will continue to work
on moving forward with Conformity Assessment, keeping in mind the
feedback on certificate review and the concerns regarding the potential
costs associated with conformity assessment.

# NCWM Organizational Structure

The Board reviewed the input of the membership on this issue. The
membership expressed their support for any needed changes, provided that
the work normally handled by the A & P Committee is reassigned. The
Board did not hear any negative comments concerning this issue. Chairman
Ross Andersen met with the A & P Committee during the week and reassured
them that the work that the Committee had traditionally handled would be
reassigned to task forces and work groups. Noting that much of the work
traditionally handled by this committee need not be constrained by the
Interim/Annual meeting schedule, the Board felt that much more can be
accomplished if pieces of the work are tasked to different work groups.
One important piece to be handled by a task force is the development of
the National Training Program curriculum. The Board also discussed how
the Metrology Workgroup and Petroleum Subcommittee fit into the NCWM
structure.

NCWM Bylaws, Section 2 -- Standing Committees, states, "The Board of
Directors may create and disband standing committees in the best
interests of the Corporation." After reviewing this section of the
Bylaws, the Board made the decision to disband the A & P Committee
following the 2003 Annual Meeting. Current committee members will be
asked to join a task force working on the National Training Program
curriculum. The Board also determined that the Metrology Subcommittee
and Petroleum Subcommittee would continue within the current structure
without funding. If funding is needed, they will be asked to submit
their budget requests as a part of NCWM's normal budgeting process.

# Status of the Administrative & Public Affairs Committee

The Board of Directors determined that it will disband the A & P
Committee following this annual meeting. In its place, the Professional
Development Committee will be created as a Standing Committee. It will
be comprised of the current members of the A & P Committee. Vacancies
will be filled. The Board will begin immediately to develop the charge
to the Committee so that work can begin as soon as possible. In
addition, California's training program on CD Rom is near completion.
When it is completed, NCWM Headquarters will mail a complimentary copy
to each State Director.

# Dues Change

The Board approved a dues increase as a part of the 2004 budget. Active
and associate dues were set at \$65. Associate members will continue to
contribute \$15 per member to the Associate Member Fund in addition to
the \$65 dues.

# Commitment to Better Communication

Following feedback at the open hearings, the Board has made a commitment
to better communication with the membership. In addition to attending
the Regionals, the Board will publish a column in the NCWM News that
reviews the issues before the Board at each of their meetings.

# Voting/Bylaws Change

The Board will review the issue of the current Bylaws that specifies
that in order for an issue to pass, it must receive 27 votes. With the
current economic constraints, the Board recognizes that in order for the
work of the Conference to proceed, a Bylaws change may be necessary. If
a Bylaws change is deemed necessary, it will be presented to the
membership at next year's annual meeting for a vote.

# National Training Program Curriculum

Ross Andersen and Mike Cleary from the Board met with the A & P
Committee and Henry Oppermann of NIST Weights and Measures Division
(NIST WMD) to discuss the National Training Program (NTP). The Committee
was asked to take on an assignment to develop a weights and measures
training curriculum outline. This outline would serve as the master plan
for a long-term effort to modernize the NTP. With a master plan, the
NCWM could seek grants to develop the training materials, a good use for
money that might come from Aves Thompson's Fair Measurement Act.

The outline would be used to organize the subject material in a
hierarchy so that training materials and aids could be developed through
a variety of sources (NIST WMD, state and local W&M jurisdictions,
industry, etc.) with minimal amounts of redundancy. A review of the
current scale modules will quickly reveal that much of the material is
repeated in each module. Rather than develop complete courses, the
subjects in the outline would be discrete units of knowledge that could
be presented independent of each other, yet still combined to cover a
specific discipline. It is anticipated that many of the discrete units
could be delivered through interactive CD-ROM or Internet formats and
these units would have broad appeal across a variety of disciplines.
Materials requiring instructor delivery would thus be reduced to
maximize the use of instructor time with a student.

The NIST WMD is in agreement that a master plan is needed to improve the
NTP. They have offered to assist the NCWM in this effort and to fund a
meeting in the spring to bring together a work group on the subject. The
NCWM Chairman has asked the current A&P members to work with NIST WMD in
this effort. The initial plan is to exchange ideas via email to prepare
and then meet at NIST to work through the layout of the curriculum
outline.

The State of California reported that it is completing a series of
general knowledge CD-ROM courses along the same type of organization.
These courses cover a wide range of basic knowledge that would be
applicable to almost every W&M official from the administrator to the
field inspector. They have offered to allow the NCWM to use their
efforts as a starting point to develop the training materials. The
California courses contain specific references to their law and
regulations and would have to be modified to a certain extent to make
them more universal. The A&P Committee was provided with samples of some
of the courses that have been completed thus far.

# OIML

The Board identified the U.S. commitment to OIML as an important issue
in its strategic planning. In addition to our treaty commitments, it is
vital that the U.S. avoid isolation from the international market in
commercial measuring devices because of unique design requirements here.
The Board has set goals to become more active in the international arena
and is working toward this on several fronts.

The NCWM must increase its member awareness of OIML activities and how
these affect the commercial devices being produced today throughout the
world. In this regard it is important to recognize that OIML deals
primarily with device design and type evaluation criteria. The OIML
recommendations only indirectly affect field applications and
verification procedures. The Board has a number of strategic objectives
in this regard including:

-   Consideration of current OIML recommendations whenever changes U.S.
    > requirements are proposed.

-   Comparisons of U.S. and OIML requirements, where possible, to
    > identify conflicts. To resolve these conflicts, the NCWM should
    > consider harmonizing with the OIML requirement or consider
    > proposing changes to OIML requirements.

-   Increasing W&M participation in the U.S. working groups as they
    > review the ongoing work of the OIML technical committees and thus
    > strengthen the U.S. position. Currently the working groups are
    > primarily made up of the NIST staff and interested industry
    > representatives.

-   Considering bilateral agreements with other countries to accept type
    > evaluation test data.

The NIST WMD has contracted a study of OIML recommendations R76 on
Non-automatic Weighing Devices and R60 Load Cells. The draft of the
study is available from NIST WMD on request. The Board will be asking
that the NTEP Weighing Sector and the S&T Committee look carefully at
the recommendations of the study. Many of the recommendations support
changes to Publication 14 and HB 44 to harmonize with OIML and others
support changes to OIML requirements. The timing is opportune since the
OIML technical committees are looking to begin work on these documents
this year. The U.S. Working Group on R117 Measuring Assemblies for
Liquids other than Water is also working on a comparison of U.S. vs.
OIML requirements as this Recommendation is also presently under review.
This is a second opportunity to work toward minimizing conflicts between
the U.S. and international standards.

The Board is looking closely at the OIML requirements for load cells,
since the present NTEP test procedures are very close to OIML tests with
only a few differences. Changing to the OIML tests might have very
little impact on U.S. manufacturers who already conform to the
international standards or on NTEP. Adoption of the OIML test procedures
by NTEP would open the door to potential bilateral agreements to
exchange test data with other national bodies (another strategic
objective).

The Board also believes that the W&M community needs to gain a better
understanding of OIML through education. The Board is working with NIST
WMD to plan education sessions for this year's regional weights and
measures association meetings. These sessions might help to reduce some
of the anxiety that comes from a lack of understanding of the benefits
of OIML

# Fair Measurement Appropriation

Ross Andersen will work with Aves Thompson to put together a work group
to support Aves' efforts in this area. The Associate Members offered to
help promote this issue through their trade associations. A paper
detailing the talking points on this issue will be put together so that
it can be forwarded to the trade associations. The Board thanks Aves
Thompson for his work on the Fair Measurement Appropriation.

# Statistics Work Group

The survey instrument is being finalized and will be released soon to
gather some basic statistics on current programs. The immediate goal is
to get data that can be used to support weights and measures programs as
they compete for budget dollars, including some measure of economic
impact on the U.S. marketplace. In addition, the workgroup will be
requesting samples of data and reports currently compiled on program
activities in our state and local programs. The information will be
analyzed to find ways to gather national statistics that are uniform and
meaningful in an effort to document the value of our programs. These
statistics may be needed soon to support the Fair Measurement Act
proposal.

# Canadian Forum on Trade Measurement

Chairman Ross Andersen and S&T Committee Chairman Will Wotthlie recently
attended the Canadian Forum on Trade Measurement representing the NCWM.
The Trade Forum is somewhat similar to the NCWM as it offers an open
forum for industry and the regulators to exchange views on important
issues. Chairman Andersen reported to the Board his belief that NCWM
should continue to fund participation in the Forum for the Chairman and
the S&T Chairman. The NCWM needs to reciprocate where possible for the
support Measurement Canada provides to our program. The Forum provides a
perfect opportunity to do this. This year was the first time that the
S&T Chairman attended the Forum. It is an opportunity to see the issues
being raised there and learn from the Canadian discussions as well as
provide input regarding U.S. deliberations on those subjects. A key area
for Measurement Canada is OIML. Measurement Canada has expressed its
interest in both influencing and adopting OIML R117 requirements.
Canadian industry expressed concern that they were more concerned with
U.S. requirements than OIML, since the United States is the major market
for them. It was very important for them to hear that the NCWM also is
interested in influencing and adopting OIML requirements. Gilles Vinet,
Measurement Canada, expressed his appreciation to NCWM for their
participation in the Forum and welcomed continued support from NCWM.

# Hypertext Handbooks

A decision was made discontinue production of the NCWM hypertext
handbook CDs. Instead, the Board has decided to enter into a contract
relationship with WinWam to resell their product.

# Financial

The Board reviewed the 2001/02 year-end audited financial report.

+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| **Statement of Activities ending**  | **September   | **2003        |
|                                     | 30, 2002**    | Budget**      |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
|                                     |               |               |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| **Revenue and Support**             |               |               |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| Dues -- government                  | \$ 81,065     | \$ 82,000     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| Dues -- associate                   | \$ 51,165     | \$ 51,250     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| Associate member fund               | \$ 15,460     | \$ 15,375     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| NTEP                                | \$ 437,594    | \$ 443,300    |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| Interim Meeting Fees                | \$ 20,765     | \$ 22,950     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| Annual Meeting Fees                 | \$ 87,616     | \$ 83,000     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| Publication Sales                   | \$ 24,062     | \$ 35,500     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| Interest                            | \$ 9,758      | \$ 7,500      |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| Advertising                         | \$ 879        | \$ 2,000      |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| AMC Sponsorship News                | \-            | \$ 9,000      |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| AMC Sponsorship Hypertext           | \-            | \$ 6,000      |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| **Total Revenue and Support**       | **\$          | **\$          |
|                                     | 728,364**     | 757,875**     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
|                                     |               |               |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| **Expenses**                        |               |               |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > **Programs**                      |               |               |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Membership                        | \$ 9,821      | \$ 10,875     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > NTEP                              | \$ 362,879    | \$ 426,250    |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Interim Meeting                   | \$ 46,404     | \$ 52,462     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Annual Meeting                    | \$ 85,257     | \$ 107,075    |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Publications                      | \$ 24,540     | \$ 24,775     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Newsletter                        | \$ 16,887     | \$ 13,819     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > **Total Programs**                | **\$          | **\$          |
|                                     | 545,788**     | 635,256**     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
|                                     |               |               |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > **Management and general**        |               |               |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Management Fees                   | \$ 46,000     | \$ 46,500     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Associate Fund                    | \$ 23,515     | \$ 15,000     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Board of Directors                | \$ 18,382     | \$ 28,000     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Committee Contingency             |               | \$ 1,500      |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Bank Fees                         | \$ 8,340      | \$ 5,750      |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Website                           | \$ 6,812      | \$ 16,885     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Board Governance & CEO Symposium  | \$ 5,637      | \-            |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Legal & Accounting                | \$ 5,590      | \$ 8,225      |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Telephone                         | \$ 2,998      | \$ 2,500      |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Insurance                         | \$ 2,507      | \$ 2,600      |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Office Supplies                   | \$ 1,080      | \$ 1,000      |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Printing                          | \$ 973        | \$ 900        |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Postage                           | \$ 99         | \$ 250        |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > Storage space rental              | \$ 960        | \$ 960        |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| > **Total Management and general**  | **\$          | **\$          |
|                                     | 122,893**     | 130,070**     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| **Total Expenses**                  | **\$          | **\$          |
|                                     | 668,681**     | 765,326**     |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
|                                     |               |               |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+
| **Change in net assets**            | **\$ 59,683** | **(\$7,451)** |
+-------------------------------------+---------------+---------------+

# Meetings

The Board received positive feedback on the new format of the Interim
Meeting. The new format will continue for future Interim Meetings. In
addition, with one exception, there was positive feedback on the CD
version of Pub 15. NIST WMD will continue to produce both Pub 15 & Pub
16 in the CD format. Hard copies of the publications will be available
at the respective conference.

The Board continued the policy adopted last year to offer a one-time
reduced registration fee for the annual conference to members from the
region where the conference is being held and who are first time
attendees. The reduced registration fee does not permit the attendee to
vote on voting items and they must pay an additional fee for the Special
Event.

> Future Meetings:
>
> [Annual]{.underline}
>
> 2004 July 11-15 Hilton Pittsburgh & Towers, Pittsburgh, PA
>
> 2005 July 10-14 Hilton in Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
>
> 2006 July 9-13 Chicago Marriott, Chicago, IL
>
> [Interim]{.underline}
>
> 2004 January 25-28 Hyatt Regency Bethesda, Bethesda, MD
>
> 2005 January 23-26 Fairmont Miramar, Los Angeles, CA
>
> 2006 January 22-25 Omni Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL

# Nominating

The Nominating Committee submitted the following slate for the 2003/04
Board of Directors open positions. Chair -- Elect, Dave Frieders, San
Francisco, CA; Treasurer, Tom Geiler, Barnstable, MA; Directors: Stephen
Pahl, TX, and Chris Guay, Procter & Gamble Co.

# Committee Appointments

Chairman Ross Andersen made the following appointments at the 2002
Annual Meeting:

-   Board of Directors -- Dave Frieders, San Francisco, CA, to fill the
    vacancy created by the election of Dennis Ehrhart to Chairman Elect.

-   L&R Committee -- James Cassidy, Cambridge, MA, replacing Pat
    D'Errico, NJ, whose term had expired.

-   S&T Committee -- Michael Sikula, NY, replacing Mark Coyne, Brockton,
    MA, whose term had expired.

-   A&P Committee -- Kenneth Dietzler, PA, to fill vacancy created by
    move of Michael Sikula to the S&T Committee.

-   A&P Committee -- Cato Fiksdal, Los Angeles, CA, to fill vacancy
    created by move of Dave Frieders to the Board of Directors.

# NCMW/NIST WMD Relationship

The Board continues to work with NIST WMD to foster a productive
partnership. NCWM and NIST WMD are examining each organization's
strategic plans for areas of commonality. Where these exist, the two
organizations will explore ways to work together to accomplish these
goals. The Board of Directors has invited Henry and his key staff to
attend a portion of each spring and fall Board meetings to work together
to identify areas of commonality and strategies to accomplish goals. The
Board is looking closely at the roles of committee chairs, committee
members and technical advisors. It has asked Henry Oppermann and WMD
staff to update the job descriptions for technical advisors from the
NCWM Executive Committee report of the 1993 Annual Meeting. There is
also dialogue about areas where NIST WMD might be able to provide some
funding support to the work of the NCWM.

# Strategic Partnerships

The Board affirmed its desire to form strategic partnerships with and
encourage outreach to related industry associations. The Board will
explore the exchange of exhibit space with ISWM.

# Membership

As of December 2002, NCWM had 2,606 members in the following categories:

> State Government 852
>
> Local Government 556
>
> U.S. Government 35
>
> Foreign Government 23
>
> Associate 879
>
> Foreign Associate 31
>
> Retired 230

# Associate Membership Committee (AMC) Report

*AMC Report from its Meeting at the NCWM Interim Meeting*

> Chairman: Darrell Flocken, Mettler-Toledo
>
> Vice Chair: Bill Sveum, Kraft Foods North America
>
> Meeting Attendees: 23
>
> Secretary/ Treasurer: Mark Galletta, Nestlé USA

*Financial Condition*

Financial reports were reviewed. Of the \$6,000 AMC allocated for
training last year, all but \$475 was spent. Using the new accrual
accounting method, AMC starts the new fiscal year with \$32,356 balance
remaining.

*Elimination of AMC "Reserve Funds"*

In past years under the cash accounting method, AMC sought to allocate
all funds with the exception of \$2,500 held in reserve to avoid a
zero-balance/closed account. The reserve fund is no longer necessary.
Since the NCWM operates under the accrual method of accounting, the
funds collected each fiscal year should be dispersed in the same fiscal
year. The AMC will review its policies and by-laws to see if any changes
are necessary to eliminate this reserve.

*Allocation of Funds*

> [NCWM-BOD Request]{.underline}

AMC reviewed the NCWM Board of Directors request to allocate \$9,000 to
help offset costs associated with the NCWM Newsletter.

> AMC approved the request with the caveat that the \$9,000 is
> considered a one-time allocation for the development of the
> newsletter. It is AMC's desire to allocate its funds toward training,
> scholarships or other [special]{.underline} requests and that AMC
> funds not be requested to cover routine NCWM line-item operating
> expenses.
>
> [Training Scholarships]{.underline}
>
> The AMC will make available to the NCWM the amount of \$10,500 to be
> administered by the A&P Committee. The A&P Committee must advise the
> AMC Board on the use of the money. The AMC Board will approve the
> monies use and make the funds available.
>
> [Special Event Funding]{.underline}

The AMC will make available to the NCWM a maximum sum of \$10,000 for
the 2003 Annual Meeting Outing. In the event that the standard 60 %
contribution does not require the complete \$10,000, the remaining funds
are to be returned to the AMC.

*Industry Association Meetings*

AMC needs clarification on the status of NCWM policy regarding costs of
meeting rooms for the various industry associations (e.g. ICPL, SMA)
that meet during NCWM events. If these associations are charged for
meeting room expenses, The AMC is prepared to discuss allocating funds
for this purpose provided the AMC is not restricted in its policies or
by-laws from doing so.

*Concern for W&M Programs*

AMC discussed concerns regarding jurisdictions facing reduction or
elimination of W&M programs. AMC believes in the need for equity and
uniformity in the marketplace and will explore potentials for various
trade/industry associations (e.g., NFPA, GMA, SMA) to voice concern in
these local jurisdictions.

*Newsletter Publication of Unofficial Documents*

AMC discussed the possibility of issuing a statement at the Annual
Meeting outlining concerns put forth from ICPL on publication of
unofficial guidance documents by NIST in the Newsletter. ICPL will
prepare a draft.

*Expiring Terms*

Terms expire this year for Associate Members currently serving the L&R
and A&P Committees. AMC members were asked to prepare nominations for
the Annual Meeting.

*AMC Report from its Meeting at the NCWM Annual Meeting*

The Associate Membership Committee (AMC) conducted its annual business
meeting during the afternoon of July 14, 2003 at the NCWM Annual
Meeting. Associate Member Representatives on the Board of Directors
(BOD), the L&R, and the A&P Committees gave reports of committee
activity.

The AMC members present were informed that Mr. Allan Nelson has resigned
from the AMC. We wish Mr. Nelson all the best in his retirement.

Nominations were made and a vote was taken to fill the upcoming
vacancies on the AMC Committee: Cary Frye, International Dairy Foods
Association, and Darrell Flocken, Mettler-Toledo, were nominated for a
second five year term. In addition, Chris Guay, Procter & Gamble will
complete the one-year remaining on Mr. Nelson's term. The following AMC
officers were elected:

-   Chairman: Bill Sveum, Kraft Foods North America

-   Vice Chair: Mark Galletta, Nestlé USA

-   Secretary/Treasurer: Gary Lameris, Hobart Corporation

The AMC also had the task of recommending two (2) associate members to
standing committees replacing Chris Guay on the L&R Committee and Chip
Kloos on the A&P Committee. The membership thanked Chris and Chip for
their efforts and work on these committees and submit the following
recommendations to the Board of Directors.

-   Vince Orr, ConAgra Foods for a 5 year term on the L&R Committee.

-   John Moore, Lore Consulting for a 5 year term on the Professional
    Development Committee.

Mr. Aves Thompson provided the membership with an overview and current
status of the Fair Measurement Appropriation. To move this effort
forward, Mr. Thompson felt that an industry cost of non-conformance
would be a strong supporting statement. Some individual companies
expressed concerns of publishing an actual dollar value but agreed that
companies could, where possible, inform their trade association of this
number. These associations will then be asked to consolidate these costs
into a single value and make this value available in support of this
effort. The AMC thanked Mr. Thompson for the information and agree, by
vote, to provide a statement of support for the FMA to the Board of
Directors. This statement will be provided to the Board in letterform
after this meeting.

The AMC annual meeting was closed with the next meeting scheduled during
the 2004 NCWM Interim Meeting in January 2004.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

R. Andersen, New York, NCWM Chairman

D. Ehrhart, Arizona, NCWM Chairman Elect

L. Straub, Maryland, Past NCWM Chair

T. Geiler, Barnstable, Massachusetts, Treasurer

R. McGrath, Boston, Massachusetts

D. Onwiler, Nebraska

M. Gray, Florida

M. Cleary, California

M. Pinagel, Michigan

D. Frieders, San Francisco, California

D. Quinn, Associate Membership, Fairbanks Scales

Advisors:

G. Vinet, Canada

B. Palys, CAE, NCWM Executive Director

Executive Secretary: H. Oppermann, NIST

**Board of Directors**

[]{#AppendixA .anchor}**Appendix A**

Report on the Activities of the

**International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML)**

**and**

**Regional Legal Metrology Organizations**

International Legal Metrology Group

Weights and Measures Division, NIST

The International Legal Metrology Group (ILMG) in the Weights and
Measures Division (WMD) of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) is responsible for coordinating U.S. participation in
OIML and other international legal metrology organizations. Learn more
about OIML at the ILMG website at <http://ts.nist.gov/oiml> or at the
OIML website at [http://www.oiml.org](http://www.oiml.org/) on the
Internet. Dr. Charles Ehrlich, Group Leader of the ILMG, can be
contacted at <charles.ehrlich@nist.gov> or at 301-975-4834 or by fax at
301- 975-5414.

**Table of Contents**

Subject Page

[I. Report on the Activities of the OIML Technical Committees BOD -
A1](#i.-report-on-the-activities-of-the-oiml-technical-committees)

[II. "Framework for a Mutual Acceptance Arrangement on OIML Type
Evaluations" (First Draft MAA Document) BOD -
A4](#ii.-framework-for-a-mutual-acceptance-arrangement-on-oiml-type-evaluations-first-draft-maa-document)

[III. Report on the OIML Presidential Council BOD -
A5](#iii.-report-on-the-oiml-presidential-council)

[IV. Report on the 37th Meeting of the International Committee of Legal
Metrology (CIML) BOD -
A6](#iv.-report-on-the-37th-meeting-of-the-international-committee-of-legal-metrology-ciml)

[V. Report on the OIML Development Council BOD -
A7](#v.-report-on-the-oiml-development-council)

[VI. 9^th^ Annual Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum (APLMF) BOD -
A8](#vi.-9th-annual-asia-pacific-legal-metrology-forum-aplmf)

[VII. Inter-American Metrology System (SIM) Legal Metrology Working
Group (LMWG) Meeting BOD -
A8](#vii.-inter-american-metrology-system-sim-legal-metrology-working-group-lmwg-meeting)

[VIII. Report on the "International Workshop on the Future of Legal
Metrology" - September 2002 BOD -
A9](#viii.-report-on-the-international-workshop-on-the-future-of-legal-metrology---september-2002)

# I. Report on the Activities of the OIML Technical Committees

This section provides a report on the status of work in OIML Technical
Committees (TCs) and Technical Subcommittees (SCs) of specific interest
to members of the NCWM. Also included are reports on recent activities
of those groups and schedules of future activities of Secretariats, the
U.S. National Working Groups (NWGs), and the International Working
Groups (IWGs) of committees and subcommittees.

*TC 3 Metrological Control (United States of America)*

The 1^st^ draft revision of OIML D1 "Elements for a Law on Metrology"
was developed by a joint working group of the OIML, the International
Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), and the International Laboratory
Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). A second draft is under development by
the International Bureau of Legal Metrology (BIML) and the Laws and
Metric Group and will be distributed to the members of TC3 and to the
Laws and Regulations Committee for their review. This revision of D1
presents the various elements that should be considered when preparing
laws related to metrology. This document gives advice on general laws
covering all the aspects of metrology, as well as specific laws related
to some distinct aspect of metrology, such as legal units and
traceability. It can also be used to evaluate provisions related to
metrology in more general laws such as those on consumer protection and
conformity assessment. When completed, the document will be a tool that
individuals can use in preparing such laws. They can select appropriate
elements and adapt them into their legislation. Please contact Kathy
Dresser at 301-975-3289 or at kathryn.dresser@nist.gov if you would like
to obtain a copy of the 2nd draft revision of D1 or to participate in
this project.

*TC 5/SC 1 Electronic Instruments (Netherlands)*

A meeting was held in the Netherlands in October 2002 to discuss
comments received on the 2^nd^ committee draft (2CD) of a revision of
D11 \"General Requirements for Electronic Measuring Instruments*.*\"
There were a number of new proposals for tests to be added to D11. A
procedure was established to consider these proposed amendments to the
revision and to require the proposing nation to develop a complete
proposal that will be balloted before its incorporation into the D11
revision. The comments received on the 2CD were discussed clause by
clause. There was considerable discussion about broadening the scope of
application from electronic instruments to include all measuring
instruments. The technical committee voted not to change the scope at
the present time in order to keep the revision on track. The minutes,
decisions, and resolutions of the meeting are available. A third
committee draft was circulated by the Secretariat in May 2003. For more
information on this activity, contact Dr. Ambler Thompson at
301-975-2333 or at <ambler@nist.gov>.

*TC 8/SC 3 "Measuring Instruments for Liquids other than Water."
(Germany)*

OIML R117 "Measuring Instruments for Liquids other than Water" is
undergoing an extensive revision -- incorporating new instrument
technologies and merging the document with OIML recommendations R86
"Drum Meters" and R105 "Mass Flowmeters." The Netherlands (NMi), as the
convener of the International Working Group TC8/SC3/WG2 "Revision of
R117,\" is working closely with the US and Germany to accomplish this
task. The United States is making significant contributions on this
revision as both a participating member on WG2 and as the convener of
the working group tasked with merging R117 and R105. Please contact
Ralph Richter at 301-975-4025 or <ralph.richter@nist.gov> if you would
like to participate on this project.

*TC 8/SC 4 "Dynamic Mass Measurements (Liquids other than Water)"
(United States)*

ILMG is working on the merger of OIML R105 "Direct Mass Flow Measuring
Systems for Quantities of Liquids" (for which the United States is the
Secretariat) with OIML R117 \"Measuring Systems for Liquids other than
Water\" (for which Germany is the Secretariat). The United States is the
convener of the international working group TC8/SC4/WG1 named
"Combination R105/R117." This is a major priority project for OIML. ILMG
is working with the U.S. National Working Group on flowmeters, Germany,
and the Netherlands (convener of the work group tasked with revising
R117) on this effort. Meetings of the U.S. National Working Group
(USNWG) on flowmeters were held during the NCWM Annual Meeting in July
2002, the Interim Meeting in January 2003, and the Annual Meeting in
July 2003. Measurement Canada has been a strong contributor to this
effort. A successful meeting was held in September 2002 at the
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany to review the
work already done by the USNWG and to establish an aggressive 2-year
timetable for TC8/SC3 and SC4 to complete this major project. The first
committee draft of the revised/combined R117 is expected to be
distributed in August 2003, and a joint meeting of the two subcommittees
working on this project is scheduled for October 2003 in Paris, France.

*TC8/SC5 "Water Meters" (United Kingdom)*

CIML approved a revision of R49 for "mechanical and electronic" water
meters in October 1999. Following that adoption, subsequent meetings of
TC8/SC5/WG2 were held to develop a test procedure and test report
format. The U.S. voted "yes" to OIML TC8/SC5's proposed amendment to
OIML R49-1 "Water Meters Intended for the Metering of Cold Potable Water
Part 1: Metrological Requirements" to update the referenced standards
for disturbance and influence factor testing. The U.S. voted "no" on a
CIML ballot to adopt a proposed recommendation OIML R49-2 "Water Meters
Intended for the Metering of Cold Potable Water Part 2: Test Methods."
The negative ballot resulted from the addition of a series of
unnecessary tests which would increase the cost of having meters tested,
as well as a failure to follow a committee ballot to delay the CIML
submission until 2002. The CIML approved OIML R49-2 at its Annual
Meeting in Moscow, Russia, in September 2001. A subsequent meeting of
TC8/SC5 held in Brussels, Belgium, in October 2001 involved discussions
of the changes required in the OIML R49-1 document to make it consistent
with R49-2 and to revise OIML R49-2 as necessary. OIML TC8/SC5 balloted
the changes and approved the revisions to OIML R49-1 and OIML R49-2. The
amended R49-1 was placed on the OIML web site in April 2002 and since no
CIML Member objected it is considered approved and will be republished.
The same procedure was followed for the amended version of R49-2
approved by TC 8/SC5. The new corrected versions of R49-1 and R49-2 are
now at the printer for republishing. In addition, OIML R49-3 "Test
Report Format" was submitted for ballot to TC8/SC5 in August 2002, and
the U.S. voted to approve it. Please contact Wayne Stiefel at
301-975-4011 or at <stiefel@nist.gov> if you would like to participate
in this effort.

*TC8/SC7 "Gas Metering" (Belgium and France)*

An International Working Group (IWG) meeting was held in Brussels in
March 2001 to discuss a 2^nd^ CD draft OIML Recommendation "Measuring
Systems for Gaseous Fuel" to include natural and compressed natural gas.
The meeting focused on discussion of comments on the 2^nd^ CD draft
Recommendation. A second meeting of the IWG focused on a 2^nd^ CD
Recommendation "Measuring Systems for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for
Vehicles" and annexes covering performance tests for electronic devices
and basic test procedures. The Secretariat has circulated a 3^rd^ CD
"Measuring Systems for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for Vehicles" for
comment and vote. In April 2003, the US cast a negative ballot because
the testing requirements were unrealistic. Please contact Wayne Stiefel
at 301-975-4011 or at <stiefel@nist.gov> if you would like to obtain a
copy of the 3rd CD or participate in this project.

*TC 8/SC 8 "Gas Meters" (Netherlands)*

The Secretariat sent the members of the committee a letter with the
results of a questionnaire asking for comments to guide the initiation
of a work program to revise R6 "General provisions for gas volume
meters," R31 "Diaphragm Gas Meters", and R32 "Rotary Piston Gas Meters
and Turbine Gas Meters." A small majority of members voted to produce
one new recommendation for gas meters that will replace R6, R31, and
R32. The Secretariat reported that they would develop an initial draft.
The new document, according to the Secretariat, may consist of a general
chapter mainly consisting of R6 and those aspects in common with R31 and
R32 and separate chapters on household and industrial gas meters. The
U.S. NWG provided comments and will participate in the development of
the new Recommendation. Please contact Wayne Stiefel at 301-975-4011 or
at <stiefel@nist.gov> if you would like to participate in this project.

*TC 9/SC 1 "Nonautomatic Weighing Instruments" (Germany and France)*

In May of 2002, Germany and France, the co-secretariats of OIML TC 9/SC
1 "Non-automatic Weighing Instruments" (NAWI), announced that they had
initiated the first review of OIML Recommendation 76 "Non-automatic
Weighing Instruments" since 1994. This review cycle is of major
importance to U.S. interests because R76 serves as the foundation for a
majority of the laws and regulations that govern weighing instruments
around the world. This review is significant for U.S. weighing
instrument manufacturers because the international harmonization of
requirements will eliminate technical barriers to trade and reduce the
delays and the cost of getting new weighing instruments into the global
marketplace. It is also important for legal metrology officials since it
is taking place when the NCWM is considering entering into Mutual
Acceptance Arrangements for type evaluations with other countries (e.g.,
Germany). This effort supports one of the Conference's long-range
strategies that is to "work toward the harmonization of U.S. (e.g., NIST
Handbook 44 "Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical
Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices") and international
standards." The review process for R76 has begun with the
Co-Secretariats requesting comments from Member States using a
questionnaire that asks for feedback on everything from the basic
principles of R76 (e.g., tolerances and accuracy classes) to exploring
the addition of new requirements. Some of the new requirements under
consideration would allow for the type evaluation of "modules" (e.g.,
digital indicators and load receiving elements). One question asks
whether new tests for electronic instruments are needed. If you would
like to receive a copy of the U.S. comments that were submitted in
September 2002, or participate in this work please contact Steve Cook at
301-975-4003 or <steven.cook@nist.gov>.

*TC 9/SC 2 "Automatic Weighing Instruments" (United Kingdom)*

The U. S. voted "no" at the recent CIML meeting on the ballot to adopt a
proposed OIML Recommendation on "Automatic Instruments for Weighing Road
Vehicles in Motion -- Part A: Total Vehicle Weight". The CIML did
approve the recommendation, however, which is being published as R134,
Part A. The Recommendation specifies requirements for highway weight
enforcement scales used to obtain a total vehicle weight of trucks while
they are in motion. The negative ballot was cast because the Secretariat
failed to accept several U.S. comments regarding the technical accuracy
of the terminology used in the proposed standard and because the U.S.
did not support the adoption of an incomplete OIML Recommendation. A
meeting of the International Working Group was held at the United
Kingdom's National Weights and Measures Laboratory in Teddington,
England in November 2001. At the meeting it was agreed that a Part B
should be developed as a stand-alone Recommendation to apply to both
total vehicle weighing (incorporating the requirements from Part A) and
axle load determinations. In adopting this approach, it was understood
that Part B would eventually supersede Part A, as the requirements for
total vehicle weighing will be duplicated. Upon completion of Part B, a
decision will be made as to whether Part A should be withdrawn and Part
B issued as a new Recommendation or, alternatively, whether Part B
should be issued as a revision to Part A, (i.e., as a second edition.)
In September of 2002, ILMG received a second committee draft of
Recommendation \"Automatic Instruments for Weighing Road Vehicles in
Motion -- Part B -- Axle Loads\" that was prepared by the OIML
Secretariat in the United Kingdom. After extensive review by the TC,
this draft was rejected, and the Secretariat developed a third committee
draft. The US voted "no" on the 3CD in July 2003. If you would like to
receive a copy of the latest draft of this Recommendation or participate
in this work please contact Richard Harshman at 301-975-8107 or
<harshman@nist.gov>.

*TC 9/SC 3 "Weights" (United States)*

A draft revision of OIML Recommendation R111 "Weights...." was adopted
by the CIML in the summer of 2002. NIST staff are working closely with
Dr. Michael Glaser of PTB (Germany) and Dr. Richard Davis (BIPM) to
develop a final draft of R111 that will be sent to the International
Committee on Legal Metrology (CIML) for adoption. Adoption of a new
edition of this Recommendation is a high priority project for OIML as it
is considered one of the most basic and important sets of requirements
that member states can adopt as the foundation for their laws on
metrology. TC9/SC3 also agreed that OIML R52 "Hexagonal Weights" would
not be withdrawn since its requirements may still be used in some
developing countries. An updated edition of R52 was recently approved by
TC9/SC3 and is currently under consideration by CIML for adoption.

A draft revision of OIML Recommendation 33 "Conventional Value of the
Result of Weighing in Air\" was adopted by TC9/SC3 in the spring of
2002. The technical committee also voted to change R33 into an OIML
International Document. ILMG worked closely with Dr. M. Glaser (PTB) and
Dr. R. Davis (BIPM) to develop a final draft that will be sent to the
CIML for adoption in November 2003.

*TC17/SC1 "Humidity" (China)*

In February 2001, the 1st Committee Draft Revision of OIML R59
\"Moisture Meters for Cereal Grains and Oilseeds\" was received from the
TC17/SC1 Secretariat, the Peoples Republic of China. The current edition
of R59 was developed in the 1980s and includes technical and
metrological requirements for both automatic and manual meters. A U.S.
National Working Group reviewed the draft revision of R59 and sent
comments to the Secretariat in the spring of 2001. In June 2001, Dr.
Ambler Thompson and Dr. David Funk of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's Grain Inspection and Packers and Stockyard Administration
attended a meeting of TC17/SC1 held in Berlin, Germany. Dr. A. Thompson
presented U.S. proposals to clarify the scope and general direction that
the revision process for R59 should take and highlighted the need to
recognize new technologies and tolerances for these instruments. Another
issue is the need to separate the reference moisture method, usually
defined by the responsible national authority, from the qualification of
instruments since there is not an international agreement for a global
reference moisture determination test method. These proposals were well
received in particular by France, China, and Germany. The Chairman of
the meeting asked the United States to prepare an OIML draft based on
the National Conference on Weights and Measures National Type Evaluation
Program (NTEP) for review by an International Working Group (IWG)
composed of France, Germany, Poland, China and the United States. Dr.
Thompson prepared a working draft of the Recommendation based upon
requirements for moisture meters in Handbook 44 and Publication 14. This
working draft was distributed to the IWG in February 2003 for comment.
Based on comments received on the working draft, a first committee draft
was distributed to the IWG in May 2003. Both drafts were also
distributed to the U.S. National Working Group, which for the most part
is a subset of the NTEP Grain Sector. Please contact Diane Lee at
301-975-4405 or at <diane.lee@nist.gov> if you would like to participate
in this working group.

# II. "Framework for a Mutual Acceptance Arrangement on OIML Type Evaluations" (First Draft MAA Document)

The First Draft Mutual Acceptance Arrangement (MAA) Document, along with
the associated document "Checklists for issuing authorities and testing
laboratories carrying out OIML type evaluations," was distributed to the
full CIML for 'preliminary' vote and comment, with a request for written
responses by April 2003. All CIML members were invited to a special
Workshop on the MAA and were asked to provide comments to assist in the
development of a final draft MAA document. The Workshop on the MAA was
held in Paris on June 2-3, 2003. Final CIML adoption of the MAA is
planned for the 38^th^ CIML meeting in November 2003 in Kyoto, Japan.

It is anticipated that the earlier concerns about some of the provisions
of the MAA (cost, peer-review vs. accreditation requirements, signatory
responsibility, scope/terminology, and non-allowance of supplementary
requirements) by the 'no" voters at the Subcommittee level will still
exist, but the Workshop will be structured to explicitly address these
issues to attempt to find compromise solutions. The first draft document
MAA also contains two new provisions (incorporating "Associates" to
clarify the role of OIML Corresponding Members in the MAA, and including
the possibility of an OIML Issuing Authority issuing an OIML Certificate
along with an authenticating letter validating a test report) that are
intended to provide clarification to the MAA.

The progress of the MAA is of special interest to the NCWM because the
Board of Directors have put on hold negotiating a bilateral agreement to
exchange test data on type evaluations with Germany's PTB until the
future of the MAA is established.

# III. Report on the OIML Presidential Council 

*OIML Presidential Council Meeting -- February 24-25, 2003*

Dr. C. Ehrlich attended a meeting of the OIML Presidential Council at
the OIML Headquarters (the International Bureau of Legal Metrology
(BIML) in Paris) on February 24-25, 2003. Other attendees were G. Faber
(President, International Committee of Legal Metrology, CIML), M.
Kochsiek (CIML First Vice President, Germany), L. Issaev (CIML Second
Vice President, Russia), J. Bennett (member, Australia), S. Carstens
(new member, South Africa), J. Han (attending for Wang Qinping, new
member, China), A. Johnston (member, Canada), M. Tanaka (member, Japan),
J. F. Magana (Director, BIML), and G.E.M. Anabe (Chair, OIML Development
Council). Attending for part of the meeting were: I. Dunmill (Assistant
Director, BIML), A. Szilvassy (Assistant Director, BIML) and C. Pulham
(Editor, BIML).

Topics discussed included OIML financial matters (the organization is
solvent), the upcoming election of a new CIML President, OIML Technical
Activities, and the status of the "Mutual Acceptance Arrangement (MAA)
for OIML Type Evaluations" (see separate sections in this report). J.
Magana reported that he anticipates needing to hire another staff person
when the MAA is passed; this position should be entirely fee-supported
(he estimated that annual letter/certificate registration fees
associated with the MAA will need to be about \$300 per
letter/certificate).

A plan was proposed by A. Szilvassy for accelerating some of the OIML
technical work by reviewing the distribution of responsibilities for
OIML TCs, SCs and projects and identifying areas where new
responsibilities could be established. Progress was reported on plans
for holding a jointly-sponsored seminar (PTB and NIST), as a sequel to a
seminar held in 1998 by PTB on "The role of metrology in social and
economic development". S. Carpenter, Director of the NIST Office of
International and Academic Affairs, serves on the planning committee.

Significant progress was made in the development of two draft policy
papers on "Liaisons between the OIML and other bodies" and "Interactions
between the OIML and the Regional Legal Metrology Organizations". It is
anticipated that these will be ready for CIML vote at the next CIML
meeting (November 2003). The first paper covers how agreements such as
the current one between OIML and European Committee for
Standardization/European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
(CEN/CENELEC) will be negotiated in the future. A decision was made to
reclassify a draft policy paper on "Horizontal Documents" as a guidance
document, due to the complexity of the topic and the difficulty
establishing policy.

The progress report by John Birch on his study of the "Benefit of Legal
Metrology for the Economy and Society" was discussed, with the
conclusion that John should complete the last Chapter (on "Economics of
Legal Metrology") before any further decisions can be made as to how to
proceed with this report. G. Tassey, NIST Senior Economist, believes
that this chapter will be difficult because the studies Birch cites
approach the estimation of benefits and costs differently.

*OIML Presidential Council Meeting -- September 30, 2002*

Dr. C. Ehrlich attended another meeting of the OIML Presidential Council
(Council) last September. Other attendees were G. Faber (President,
International Committee of Legal Metrology, CIML), M. Kochsiek (CIML
First Vice President), L. Issaev (CIML Second Vice President), J.
Bennett (new member), A. Johnston (member), M. Tanaka (member), J. F.
Magana (Director, BIML), and G.E.M. Anabe (Chair, OIML Development
Council).

Topics discussed included OIML financial matters, the election of a new
CIML President, and the status of the "Mutual Acceptance Arrangement
(MAA) for OIML Type Evaluations" (see separate section in this report),
and draft policy papers. A jointly-sponsored seminar (PTB and NIST) was
discussed as possibly being organized after further analysis of
potential benefits is conducted as a sequel to one held in 1998 by PTB
on "The role of metrology in social and economic development."

The progress of establishing an independent task force to improve the
speed and effectiveness of the OIML Development Council was also briefly
discussed (see Development Council section of this report).

*Upcoming OIML Meetings*

The next meeting of the OIML Presidential Council will be held in
November 2003, in conjunction with the 38^th^ CIML meeting in Kyoto,
Japan. The 2004 CIML meeting will be held in conjunction with the next
quadrennial OIML Conference in Berlin, Germany, from October 25-29,
2004. The 2005 CIML meeting will be held in Paris to coincide with the
50^th^ Anniversary of the establishment of OIML.

# IV. Report on the 37th Meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML)

Representatives from 54 of the 58 member nations participated in the
37^th^ Annual Meeting of CIML from October 1-4, 2002, in Saint
Jean-de-Luz, France. Meetings of the OIML Presidential and Development
Councils were also held and are reported on above. Dr. C. Ehrlich is the
CIML Member for the United States.

In his opening address, G. Faber raised the issue that his term as
President of CIML will be over in 2003 and that the search for a
successor has begun. The time for announcing candidacies for this
position was extended until January 2003.

The CIML reviewed the OIML Action Plan. It was noted that while progress
was good in most areas, the area of standards development to cover
software-related issues needs work. Slovenia volunteered to be the
Secretariat of OIML TC5 (Electronic Instruments and Software) that
covers this topic. New entries in the Action Plan provide for the
development of "horizontal documents" that would address matters of
general interest (such as software, printers, etc.), and provide for the
renegotiation of existing agreements between OIML and CEN/CENELEC to
make them more reciprocal.

Albania has become a full Member State, and the Philippines has resigned
its membership. Vietnam and New Zealand are looking to become Member
States. The financial situation of OIML is stable for this year. The
recent addition of two new staff members at the BIML has brought the
staffing level back to its 2000 level.

The BIML Director gave a live demonstration of the improved OIML web
site ([http://www.oiml.org](http://www.oiml.org/)). This site will
continue to be upgraded and improved.

The Committee approved the following two draft International
Recommendations:

R 84 "Platinum, copper and nickel resistance thermometers (for
industrial use)" (revision)

R 134 "Automatic instruments for weighing road vehicles in motion --
Part A-- Total vehicle weighing" (new)

The CIML endorsed the BIML proposal to approve the revision of OIML R
111 (Weights) by CIML postal vote as soon as the final Draft
Recommendation is available from the United States.

The CIML approved the following projects as proposed by:

-   TC11/SC3 on "Procedure for the control of the main parameters and
    characteristics of thermovision instruments,"

-   TC17/SC2 on "Automatic refractometers. Method and means for
    verification," and

-   TC17/SC7 to start the revision of R 126 on "Evidential breath
    analyzers."

Also, TC4 (Slovakia) and TC3/SC1 (U.S.) are requested to work together
to decide which technical committee should undertake a new work project
on "Verification and inspection intervals of legally controlled
measuring instruments" proposed by TC4.

The CIML established a [new Subcommittee]{.underline} TC17/SC8 on
'Instruments for quality analysis of agricultural products', allocated
the Secretariat to Australia, and approved its first work project on
"Measuring instruments used for protein determination in grain".

It was reported that the second edition of the [OIML Certificate
System]{.underline} will soon be published. This edition contains new
provisions such as definitions, requirements, test methods, and test
report formats regarding families, modules and families of modules of
measuring instruments. It was requested by the CIML that OIML TC3/SC5
(United States and BIML are co-Secretariats) start working on an
extension of the System to include "certification of individual
measuring instruments," meaning initial verification and
production-meets-type issues (component testing is already included in
the latest draft). It was also again emphasized that the Certificate
System and the Mutual Acceptance Arrangement (MAA) must be mutually
compatible.

A report on the status of the OIML Certificate System was presented. As
of October 2002, the total numbers of Certificates issued for R76
"Non-Automatic Measuring Instruments" is 447, for R60 "Metrological
Regulation for Load Cells" (1991) is 226, and for R60 (2000) is 88. OIML
R84 will be applicable within the System when it is published, and OIML
R134 and OIML R49-3 "Water meters for cold potable water" will be
applicable within the System when the Test Report Format is approved by
CIML postal vote and published. The BIML prepares a notice of
certificates issued each quarter in the *OIML Bulletin*, reports
annually to CIML members on the status of the System, and makes this
information available on the OIML web site. The report identifies
participating member nations with testing laboratories that are issuing
authorities.

Dr. C. Ehrlich gave an extended presentation on the status of the
"Mutual Acceptance Arrangement (MAA) for OIML Type Evaluation" and also
held a question and answer period (see separate section in this report
for current information on the MAA).

John Birch, Honorary CIML Member, has been commissioned by the President
of the CIML to carry out a study on 'The Benefits of Legal Metrology for
the Economy and Society'. Birch gave an update, reporting that the study
will primarily be a compilation of work done to date on this topic,
along with whatever quantitative analysis is possible. Representatives
from the Regional Legal Metrology Organizations (RLMO) gave reports on
activities in their regions so that duplicative efforts could be
identified for possible combination or harmonization. The WELMEC
(Europe) Chairman gave a presentation on the European Measuring
Instruments Directive (MID). Vivian Liu, Secretary of the World Trade
Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, gave a
presentation describing regional seminars that the WTO TBT Committee is
prepared to conduct in close cooperation with the BIML to discuss trade
issues pertaining to legal metrology. She emphasized that the TBT
agreement encourages multilateral as opposed to bilateral arrangements.

An OIML distinguished service award was presented (in absentia) to Dr.
Ambler Thompson of the NIST ILMG for his dedication, enthusiasm, and
commitment to the work of OIML in areas including thermometry,
electronic measuring instruments, monitoring environmental pollutants,
reference materials, ionizing radiation, bio-electrical instruments,
electrical utility meters and instruments for measuring characteristics
of agricultural products. Dr. Thompson will be receiving a certificate
and a medal for this recognition.

The 2003 CIML meeting will be held in November 2003 in Kyoto, Japan.

# V. Report on the OIML Development Council

The OIML Development Council acts as an advisory body to the CIML on
matters of legal metrology in developing countries. This Council is
examining possible sources of funding (like the World Bank and United
Nations Industrial Development Organization) for legal metrology
activities (such as for training, equipment and providing internet
access/capabilities) in developing countries. While funding is
important, the Council believes that equally important is the
development of a legal metrology infrastructure in these countries. Due
to limited resources, providing funds for representation and
participation by developing countries in the work of the OIML Technical
Committees and Subcommittees (TCs/SCs) continues to be deemed not
possible at this time.

To stimulate the work of the Development Council, a special Task Group
was assembled in October 2002 consisting of representatives from the
Americas (SIM), Asia (Japan and Vietnam) and Eastern Europe (COOMET).
Among other activities, this Task Group will help identify needs
expressed in the Regional Legal Metrology Organizations (RLMOs) and
bring them to the attention of the full OIML. A web site has been
established for the special independent Task Group. The Group hopes to
be able to complete its work next year.

# VI. 9^th^ Annual Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum (APLMF) 

The 9^th^ Annual Meeting and Working Group meetings of the Asia-Pacific
Legal Metrology Forum (APLMF) were held from November 20-22, 2002, in Ho
Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Dr. Charles Ehrlich served as Head of Delegation
and was accompanied by Mr. Ross Andersen in his role as the Chairman of
the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM). Dr. Ehrlich and
Mr. Andersen participated in the Forum's Working Group meetings on
Mutual Recognition Arrangements, Training, Grain Moisture Meters,
Intercomparison Calibration and Testing, Utility Meters, Medical
Measurements, and Goods Packed by Measure. Dr. Ehrlich serves as
Chairman of the WG on Mutual Recognition Arrangements, and presented a
report on the status of the OIML Mutual Acceptance Arrangement (see
separate section in this report). Mr. Gilles Vinet (Measurement Canada)
serves as Chairman of the WG on Utility Meters and reported on a
comprehensive survey that he conducted covering regulation of utility
meters in the economies of the Asia-Pacific regions. Mr. Andersen
presented the member-nation economy report for the United States, during
which he reported on NCWM strategic-planning interest in OIML
activities, on NCWM interest in participating in the OIML MAA and
looking into possible bilateral arrangements with other countries, on
the proposed change to the U.S. Fair Package and Labeling Act to permit
SI-only labeling, on NTEP's look at the production-meets-type and
repaired/remanufactured device issues, and on the joint work with
American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) on devices used to measure
fat content and other parameters in animal carcasses.

During the report of the WG on Intercomparison Calibration and Testing
(Australia is the Secretariat), the recently completed "Report on the
Intercomparison of Load Cells" was discussed. While the report finds
that "the results are inconclusive and do not necessarily establish the
levels of confidence that would be required as the basis for a Mutual
Recognition Agreement", the results from the U.S. participation seem
quite good and would likely support the establishment of U.S. bilateral
arrangements with some other participating countries. Mr. Tom Bartel of
the NIST Force Group was acknowledged for his key role in assisting the
Secretariat in this project. Anyone interested in seeing the Report
should contact Dr. Ehrlich. Also, during discussion of possible future
Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum (APLMF) intercomparisons, Mr. R.
Andersen said that some U.S. states may be interested in participating
in the mass round-robin that the APLMF has been talking about conducting
(for field-level F1 masses).

Japan has now served the first year of a two-year term as Secretariat of
the APLMF. The President of APLMF is Dr. Akira Ooiwa who is Director of
the Mechanical Metrology Division at the National Metrology Institute of
Japan. The 2003 APLMF meeting will be held in November 2003, in Kyoto,
Japan, in conjunction with the 38th meeting of the International
Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML). There will also be a Workshop on
Traceability in Legal Metrology held at the same time. The U.S.
responded favorably to a request from the Secretariat to host the 2004
APLMF meeting. Mr. Michael Cleary, Director of the California Division
of Measurement Standards, has greatly assisted Dr. Ehrlich in making
arrangements to host the 2004 APLMF meeting in San Diego. Sponsorship
and attendance by all interested U.S. parties is encouraged; please
contact Dr. Ehrlich for details.

# VII. Inter-American Metrology System (SIM) Legal Metrology Working Group (LMWG) Meeting 

A meeting of the SIM Legal Metrology Working Group took place October
29, 2003 in Santiago, Chile in conjunction with the SIM General
Assembly. Mr. Wayne Stiefel served as Head of the U.S. Delegation and
was accompanied by Ms. Ileana Martinez of NIST. Cesar Luiz da Silva of
Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Normalização e Qualidade Industrial
(INMETRO) in Brazil served as the LMWG Chair. Attending the meeting were
representatives from nineteen member countries: Belize, Brazil, Chile,
Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico,
Nicaragua, Panama, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Santa Lucia, Uruguay, USA,
and Venezuela.

*SIM Web Site*

The legal metrology portion of the SIM web site
<http://www.science.oas.org/SIM/organization/twg/smt_twg_11.htm> has
improved, and now has more information and links to other sites. The
Chair has sent a questionnaire to all countries asking for links with
country web sites. The intent is to present legal metrology information
by means of links rather than country submissions that have to be
regularly updated. The suggestion to include the actual regulations of
each country on the website was not supported. The Chair reported on the
successful Brazilian experience where the INMETRO web page has state
information and links to state pages when they exist.

*Packaging and Labeling Survey*

Mr. W. Stiefel led this discussion. The responses to the first survey
were discussed at the Miami December 2001 workshop. Twenty (20)
countries responded to the survey. Responses are posted in the SIM LM
site
<http://www.science.oas.org/SIM/organization/twg/smt_twg_11news.htm>. As
agreed, the survey has been resent so that countries will provide full
and updated information on requirements, including those of agencies
separate from those responding.

*Objectives and Scopes of the LMWG Sub Groups*

The group examined an October 2002 proposal by the subgroup coordinators
Brazil and the USA that clarifies the objectives and scopes of each
subgroup (subgroup 1: Laws and Regulations and subgroup 2: Metrological
Control of Measuring Instruments and Prepackaged Products). Responding
to a question from the representative from Belize on how subgroups fit
into the scheme of the LMWG, the Chair indicated that SIM had approved
two subgroups, but they have never formally met. Agreement had been
reached on which countries would participate in each subgroup; Subgroup
1: Brazil - chair, Argentina, Uruguay and Mexico; and Subgroup 2: USA -
chair, Bolivia, Costa Rica and Jamaica. Membership remains open on both
subgroups.

*Training Needs*

To find out what training activities would be of interest to member
countries, a survey will be conducted, similar to the one conducted by
the Asia Pacific Legal Metrology Forum (APLMF). The Chair will circulate
this survey to the LMWG members. In addition, members were reminded that
in 1998, Ms. Georgia Harris of NIST compiled information on LM
authorities - not actual procedures - that could be helpful to Subgroup
2. Mr. Ricardo Munoz of Mexico will obtain a copy of the information
compiled by Ms. G. Harris on the legal metrology infrastructure of the
SIM countries and will be responsible for developing a similar survey
instrument to collect updated information.

*OIML- Law on Metrology*

Mr. W. Stiefel reported that the OIML TC3 committee is working on a
draft revision of OIML D1 "Law on Metrology" (see TC3 section in this
report). The draft was distributed to the attendees. The Chair indicated
that OIML is encouraging wider participation by developing countries in
technical activities, principally through regional organizations. Since
there was insufficient time to develop SIM comments on D1 on a consensus
basis, countries were encouraged to submit their individual comments to
the LMWG Chair for forwarding to the US Secretariat. All countries will
receive copies of the collated comments.

*OAS Publication*

On behalf of the Organization of American States (OAS), Jose Dajes
reported that the OAS has hired a technical writer to develop a
publication devoted exclusively to legal metrology, similar to the
existing "Metrology for Non-Metrologists". The content is not yet fully
defined, so suggestions have been requested. The Chair will inform
contributors where suggestions should be sent.

# VIII. Report on the "International Workshop on the Future of Legal Metrology" - September 2002

The International Organization of Legal Metrology held a Workshop
entitled \"What will Legal Metrology be in the Year 2020\" on September
26-27, 2002, in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France. Simultaneous English-French
interpretation was provided. The aim of this Workshop was to encourage a
broad exchange of views among legal metrology authorities and those who
are subject to legal metrology requirements. There were 21
presentations, with over 100 people in attendance.

The themes of the Workshop were:

-   Globalization

-   National and Regional Activities - Mutual Recognitions

-   New Scope and Organization of Legal Metrology

-   Impact of New Technologies

Key topics included the future of type approval, the impact of
electronics and software, and the importance of market surveillance. In
particular, it was predicted that traditional means of conducting type
evaluation will give way to manufacturers performing such evaluations
under accredited quality systems using self-declaration. The question
"What is the instrument?" was explored in connection with the software
issue. The role of surveys in surveillance was also discussed.

Three U.S. presentations were given: "Issues and Trends in Legal
Metrology from a U.S. Perspective" by C. Ehrlich and H. Oppermann, "The
Pattern Approval Process: the Past, the Present, the Future as seen by
U.S. Instrument Manufacturers" by D. Flocken and D. Tonini, and
"Opportunities and Future Trends in Legal Metrology Control of Measuring
Instruments" by S. Chappell. At the conclusion of Flocken's talk, there
was considerable interest expressed by some of the audience about NCWM
awareness of OIML activities, and about the likelihood of the NCWM
adopting OIML Recommendations in the future. C. Ehrlich provided verbal
information about how the NCWM is kept informed of OIML activities (such
as through reports like this), and about studies currently being
conducted in the U.S. to identify what differences exist between OIML
and NCWM requirements for specific types of measuring instruments.

A summary report of the Workshop was prepared by the BIML and is
available on the OIML website at
[http://www.oiml.org](http://www.oiml.org/).