La nueva Ley de Metrología: una norma de madurez

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the most important innovations introduced by the Metrology Act 2014, which is structured into three thematic blocks: measurement units, metrological control and a penalty system. This act has a continuist character and collects, merges and perfects the prior national regulation background. In addition, it incorporates issues related to technical developments, the standardisation of international organisations, as well as it covers relevant gaps. As for measurement units, its greatest contribution is the regulation of reference materials, which plays an important role, primarily in the area of chemical measurements. Regarding the State metrological control, without prejudice to certain developments such as those related to “witness instruments”, the authorisation to set their useful life or the prohibition of repairing certain measuring instruments, the most notable aspect is the profound transformation introduced in the organisation of the State metrological control. In particular, the transformation in the intervention of third parties who will be able to act throughout the national territory, thus eliminating the scope for decisions that the autonomous communities have had until now in order to define the organisational model. Finally, the Act establishes a new disciplinary framework, which offers a wide range of infringements and the introduction of appropriate rules concerning the determination of a penalty. This is intended to solve the originated problems from a legalistic perspective.