Legal Metrology

What is Legal Metrology?

Measuring equipment allows for reliable records and results to be obtained, which daily serve as the basis for our society to guarantee the safety and health of the end-users of a product, as well as the reliability and veracity of the measurements made with these instruments.

The European Union regulates the requirements that measuring instruments listed in the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) 2014/32/EU and the Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments Directive (2014/31/EU) must comply with, a list that can be extended in each of the member states. These directives regulate the frequency and type of controls that equipment must pass in its design phase before being placed on the market.

Controls of measuring equipment can only be carried out by laboratories authorised by the public administration and audited by the national accreditation body for each type of instrument.

Our Solution for Legal Metrology

Applus+ Laboratories is a Notified Body for those instruments included in Directive 2014/31/EU and 2014/32/EU. Furthermore, it is a Metrological Control Body (OCM) and an Authorised Metrological Verification Body (OAVM) in Spain.

Manufacturers:

• Module B: performance of the type examination (control carried out before the series production of the product) according to the system described in our Specific Certification Systems.
• Module F: performance of the conformity assessment process with product verification (control of each piece of equipment by an authorised laboratory before its commercialisation) in accordance with the indicated Regulations.
  • Analysis of all the instrument's technical documentation.
  • On-site inspection of the instrument to verify that it is constructed and installed in accordance with the submitted documentation, as applicable to the instrument.
  • Performance of tests in accordance with current legislation.
  • Review of the complete evaluation process and decision-making resulting in the issuance of the Certificate of Conformity or a detailed communication of non-compliances.

Owners:

• Periodic verifications (verification throughout the useful life of the equipment) are regulated by each member state of the European Union. Applus+ Laboratories is recognised by the Spanish administration to carry out these verifications.

The reports issued by Applus+ Laboratories for equipment included in the European MID regulation are recognised at a European level.

Products affected by the directive and its transposition into Spanish legislation

• Vehicle exhaust gas analysers (petrol and diesel).
• Water, gas, electricity, and thermal energy meters.
• Temperature recorders and thermometers.
• Scales (automatic and non-automatic weighing instruments).
• Analogue and electronic tyre pressure gauges.
• Measuring systems in tanker trucks for low viscosity liquids.
• Sound level meters, acoustic calibrators, and noise dosimeters.
• Measuring systems for fuel dispensers or liquid dispensers (other than water).
• Speed cameras and cabins (sensor speed cameras, laser gun speed cameras, Doppler effect speed cameras, and average speed cameras and cabins).
• Breathalysers (equipment intended to measure alcohol concentration in exhaled air).

Benefits of Legal Metrology

• Ensuring the reliability of your measuring equipment.
• Reducing costs by being able to carry out metrological controls and the calibration plan required by your organisation with a single point of contact, Applus+ Laboratories.

Why choose Applus+ Laboratories for Legal Metrology?

Choosing the right partner for legal metrology management is crucial to ensuring regulatory compliance and the reliability of your measurements. At Applus+ Laboratories, we offer a comprehensive and expert solution.

• Experience and Accreditation: We are a Notified Body by the EU, a Metrological Control Body (OCM), and an Authorised Metrological Verification Body (OAVM) in Spain, guaranteeing maximum technical competence and recognition.
• Comprehensive Solution: We provide services to both manufacturers (Type Examination and Product Verification) and owners (Periodic Verifications), covering the entire lifecycle of the equipment.
• International Recognition: Our reports under the MID directive are valid throughout the European Union, facilitating access to international markets.
• A Single Point of Contact: Centralise both mandatory metrological controls and your organisation's voluntary calibration plans with us, optimising management and reducing costs.
• Extensive Equipment Coverage: We service a wide range of instruments, from scales and sound level meters to complex measuring systems in tankers or speed cameras.

Trust in Applus+ Laboratories’ expertise to ensure the conformity and reliability of your measuring instruments.