Why metrology and measurement?

Metrology is the process of experimentally obtaining values that can reasonably be attributed to a quality of property. Because in our daily life everything in medicine, engineering, technology and practical science involves measurements for to conformity assessment, metrology services are needed by:

• manufacturers

• hospitals

• High Education Institutions (HEI)

• customers

• regulatory authorities

• traders

• independent third parties

• to assess that a product/service meets standards or technical regulations

Our daily life hugely relies on measurements

• Metrology facilitates fair trade through harmonized written standards, consistent measurement standards and internationally accepted certificates.

• Metrology drives research, innovation and technology as it enables and drives industrial innovation in advanced production and instrumentation.

• The use of accurate and reliable measurement promotes public health and environment protection

• Metrology supports regulation by providing measurement references for policy advice, directives, conformity assessment, and verification.

e.g. 1. When paying for a litre of gasoline, it is expected that one litre of gasoline has been delivered!

e.g. 2. A measurement error of 1% in the amount of fuel consumed in a country in a year corresponds to an economic impact of loss of billions.

Since 2017, 3 RSB metrology laboratories have acquired international accreditation and one is applying for accreditation from by Germany Accreditation agency (DAkkS), one of the world’s leading accreditation bodies.

The metrology laboratories namely; mass, balance, volume and temperature calibration, were accredited in a bid to enhance trust of the metrology services offered and promote exports and facilitate their access to international markets. This is the result of continuing efforts to strengthening metrological services in Rwanda with the objective of supporting economic growth through accurate and efficient measurements system in industries, trade transaction and safety.

With the accreditation of these laboratories, it is an assurance to clients seeking metrology services that there is no difference between measurements carried out in Rwanda with those carried out elsewhere in the world, therefore helping to enhance the Made-in-Rwanda policy as the country’s exports are more trusted abroad.

NATIONAL METROLOGY DIVISION (NMD) SERVICE CHARTER