Myanmar Metrication: Draft Metrology Law Under Evaluation

Myanmar is one of the only three countries in the world that has not yet adopted the metric system. But as it sees itself surrounded by global traders after half a century of isolation, debunking colonial weights and measures becomes an immediate need if it wishes to reintegrate to international commerce. 

A workshop on Thursday aimed to inform industry and government departments on the developments of legal metrology in Myanmar. The draft Law on Metrology is currently under evaluation at the Attorney General Office. The law was written with the assistance of USAID, UNIDO and PTB Germany. 

Experts say introducing modern metrication in Myanmar comes at an early stage, with the focus being turned initially to basic levels.

LEGAL METROLOGY ADVISER, UNIDO, BRAIN BEARD: So this is very early stage with the law has been looked at and it will be written to my provision for covering all legal measurements but it will start at the very low level and probably at trade instruments and pre-packages so that we can look at facilitating trade with internationally.

Currently, the control of trade and other measurement of legal nature are virtually non-existent in the country, although the draft law does mention certain measurements. Practical implementation could be a challenge, according to officials. 

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, NATIONAL STANDARD & QUALITY DEPT., DR. KHIN SWE MYINT: The country never has that kind of legal metrology practices so it becomes one of the barriers for us in international market. So, we initiate this workshop with the private businesses and government department to get widespread attention on legal metrology. 

Experts hope the legal metrology law will be under discussion in the next parliament sessions.