Understanding Metrology

Metrology is the science of measurement and its application. It provides the foundation for accurate, reliable, and internationally recognized measurements that support trade, manufacturing industry, innovation, consumer protection, health, aviation, construction, research, tourism, safety, and environmental protection. Reliable measurements create confidence between producers, regulators, medical practitioners, consumers, and trading partners. Metrology is categorised into three major areas namely scientific, industrial and legal.

Categories of Metrology 

1. Scientific Metrology

Scientific metrology focuses on the development, maintenance and improvement of measurement standards to ensure the highest level of measurement accuracy and traceability.

2. Industrial Metrology

Industrial metrology ensures that measuring instruments used in production, testing, and quality assurance provide accurate and reliable results.

3. Legal Metrology

Legal metrology deals with measurements that are regulated by law to protect consumers, support fair trade, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

TBS Metrology Mandate

Standard Act Cap.130 has mandated TBS to stand as the Custodian of National Measurement Standards to oversee measurement system in the country, to be signatory of mutual recognition arrangement with other National Metrology Institutes (NMI’s), to offer measurement traceability and supervise calibration service providers.

TBS implements this mandate through its Metrology Laboratories which have been in operation since 1982. These Laboratories ensure maintenance of National Measurement Standards, offer calibration services, offer metrology technical assistance, license calibration laboratories, provide Inter-Laboratory Comparison /Proficiency Testing (LCs/PTs) schemes and offer consultancy service in metrology.

International and Regional Metrology Cooperation

TBS actively participates in international and regional metrology organizations to contribute in the development of international measurement standards, to participate in harmonization of international measurement system and to enhance international collaborations. These collaborations support measurement traceability, technical competence, knowledge exchange, and harmonization of metrology practices.

The following are TBS metrology membership organizations;

1. International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM)
2. Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS)
3. SADC Cooperation in Measurement Traceability (SADCMET)
4. East African Metrology Cooperation (EAMET)

Achievements

Over the years, TBS Metrology has made significant progress in strengthening Tanzania's national measurement system and delivering internationally recognized metrology services. Key achievements include:

1. Accreditation

TBS Metrology Laboratories are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and maintains accreditation since 2006. This achievement fosters international recognition and provides customers with confidence in the accuracy, reliability, and traceability of measurement results.

2. Publication of Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs)

TBS has successfully published its Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) in the BIPM Key Comparison Database (KCDB). This publication demonstrates internationally recognized measurement capabilities of the country, and thus providing international visibility and confidence of Tanzania’s measurement system.

 The publication can be reviewed using the link below.

https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/cmc/quick-search?includedFilters=&excludedFilters=&page=0&cmcStatus=&keywords=TANZANIA

Metrology Offices

To enhance accessibility and ensure timely delivery of metrology services across the country, TBS provides services through

1. TBS Headquarters Office located at Ubungo, Dar es Salaam.
2. TBS Dar es Salaam Zone Office – Dar es Salaam,
3. TBS Lake Zone Office – Mwanza,
4. TBS Southern Highlands Zone Office – Mbeya,
5. TBS Central Zone Office – Dodoma,

TBS Metrology Strength

• Published Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) in the BIPM Key Comparison Database
• ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratories
• ISO 9001 Management System Certified
• State of the Art equipment and Modern Laboratory facilities
• Competent technical experts.
• Accessibility of metrology services in Zones