Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) Measuring Instruments Directive
The Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) sets out uniform, EU-wide regulations for the sale and commissioning of measuring devices. Measuring devices are important for trade, consumers, and industry because they ensure the accuracy of measurements and contribute to transparency and fairness in commercial transactions.
Legal background What does the MID regulate?
The Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) 2014/32/EU came into force on April 20, 2016 and is the successor of 2004/22/EC. Therefore, the EU and EFTA states (+ Turkey) are obliged to implement this directive in national law.
What does the MID regulate?
Sections 1 to 54 set out the obligations for economic operators to ensure the minimum requirements for legal use. In the EU, various types of measuring devices, including electricity meters for active consumption, have been uniformly regulated since the introduction of the MID. The key requirements are described Annex I of the MID.
The key requirements describe, among other things, requirements for the stability, repeatability, and identification of the devices. In addition, specific requirements apply in further annexes. For electricity meters, these include that the active energy must always be indicated in kWh or MWh in the display.
Fields of application Domestic, commercial, and light industrial use
The MID is the uniform basis for billing purposes. The uniform standards take into consideration initial calibration in the manufacturing process, bringing to market, and initial commissioning. After that, the national laws on the calibration validity period and recalibration fees apply. MID electricity meters help with the billing of active consumption in domestic, commercial, and light industrial use.
Note: The MID does not apply to billing in heavy industry, or to reactive and apparent energy.
Product area Products that are regulated by the MID
The ten types of measuring devices regulated by the directive include gas meters, heat meters, water meters, and electricity meters for active consumption.
Different characteristics are covered within the active electrical energy meters device type. The measuring technology can be electronic (incl. display) or electromechanical (as Ferraris meters).
In addition, electricity meters can be operated with or without external measuring transducers. Important: Measuring transducers are not regulated by the MID!
Conformity assessment procedures Manufacturers have different options
In conformity assessment procedures, a general distinction is made between module combinations B+D, B+F, and H1. The result of the different procedures is of equal relevance and to be obtained by the manufacturer. Module B: EU type test (conformity of the type with the directive), Module D: Quality management system for the production process (series production, end product), Module F: Initial verification of the end product, Module H1: Comprehensive QM system (supplemented by a design review). Audits and tests are carried out by notified bodies.
MID identification How are compliant devices identified?
