Is Model Approval enough for Measuring Tapes
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Is Model Approval enough for Measuring Tapes, or Does it require BIS Certification too?

Understanding Model Approval and BIS Certification:

Model Approval in India under the Legal Metrology Act 2009 is a certificate issued to manufacturers and importers, approving weight and measurement products. It certifies that the product adheres to Indian metrological standards. On the other hand, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a national organization setting standards for product quality and safety in India. BIS certification assures consumers that a product meets Indian standards for safety, quality, performance, and reliability.

Do we need both?

Yes, mandating both BIS certification and Model Approval demonstrates India's commitment to measurement accuracy. This dual approach protects consumers from unreliable tapes, preventing potential financial losses and ensuring fair trade practices. For businesses, compliance builds trust and brand reputation, expanding market opportunities.

Legal Metrology sets minimum standards for accuracy and defines permissible errors for measuring instruments. BIS certification ensures that a product meets or exceeds these minimum standards, often setting even stricter benchmarks for quality and safety. For measuring tapes, both model approval under Legal Metrology and BIS certification are mandatory for manufacturers and importers.

This dual approach establishes a robust framework for quality control, safeguarding consumers from unreliable products and promoting fair trade practices within the market.

Legal Metrology- Material Measures of Length (Quality Control) Order, 2023:

In a transformative move, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has introduced the Legal Metrology- Material Measures of Length (Quality Control) Order, 2023 on 21 st November, 2023. This groundbreaking initiative aims to standardize and elevate qualitative benchmarks within the world of measurement tapes.

Who does it apply to?

This order applies to entities involved in the production of various measurement tapes, with detailed specifications outlined in specific Indian Standards:
Indian Standard Title of Indian Standard
1269 (Part 1):1997
Legal metrology - Material measure of length - Woven metallic and glass fibre tape measures
1269 (Part 2):1997
Legal metrology - Material measures of length - Steel tape measures

When does it become effective?

Commencing 6 months from its declaration on November 21, 2023, large and medium enterprises are obligated to ensure compliance within this time frame. Simultaneously, in accordance with the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), small enterprises have 9 months, and micro-sized enterprises have 12 months to meet the stipulated requirements.

1269 (Part 1):1997 - Woven Metallic and Glass Fibre Tape Measures

Diving into the specifics, Indian Standard 1269 (Part 1):1997 meticulously outlines requisites for woven metallic and glass fibre tape measures. These versatile instruments are crucial in scenarios demanding flexibility, where rigid measures of length prove impractical. Noteworthy is the deliberate exclusion of high-precision tapes used in industries such as mechanics or geodesy.

Woven metallic and glass fibre tape measures are indispensable across industries, especially in construction and surveying. The standard provides a blueprint for stringent requirements and testing methods, ensuring reliability and accuracy.

Material requirements for Tape Measures:

The materials used in tape measures must possess sufficient strength, stability, and resistance to atmospheric conditions. Compliance with these requirements is imperative:

a) The variation in the length of tape measures should not exceed the maximum permissible error when used at temperatures within ±8°C of the reference temperature.

b) In scenarios where tape measures experience a change of ±10 percent in tension, the variation in length should not surpass the maximum permissible error.

1269 (Part 2):1997 - Steel Tape Measures:

Indian Standard 1269 (Part 2):1997 covers the requirement for steel tape measures which are used for measurements where the use of rigid length measures is not convenient or practical. Nominal lengths span a spectrum from 0.5m to 200m, reflecting the diversity of applications.

Steel tape measures are known for being sturdy and reliable, and they are essential in many fields. The standard lays out rules for how accurate, durable, and what materials these tapes should be made of, making sure they meet the necessary standards.

Material specifications for Tape Measures

The materials employed in tape measure production must exhibit adequate strength, stability, and resistance to atmospheric conditions. It is crucial for these materials to meet stipulated requirements:

a) The variation in the length of tape measures should not surpass the maximum permissible error when used at temperatures ranging between ±8°C of the reference temperature.

b) When subjected to a change of ±10 percent in tension, the variation in length of the tape measure should not exceed the maximum permissible error.

Conclusion:

Both Legal Metrology and BIS certification are crucial allies in India's fight for accurate measurements. While Legal Metrology guards fair trade, BIS ensures quality surpasses the bar. This double punch protects consumers, fuels trust, and paves the way for a future where every inch truly counts.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialistadvice should be sought about your specific circumstances.