Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan continues to make significant progress in developing its national quality infrastructure, as reflected in the country's improving rankings in global indices.

A key role in this process is played by the Uzbek National Institute of Metrology, whose experts make a substantial contribution to enhancing measurement standards and product quality.

Expansion of the National Reference Base

In 2024, the institute received a new reference standard—the "Unit of Electrical Conductivity of Liquids"—bringing the total number of national reference standards to 30. This became possible due to government funding allocated for the modernization of the metrological base. In 2025, Uzbekistan plans to acquire nine more reference standards, with a total cost of 70.7 billion soums.

The technical specifications for these acquisitions have already been prepared and submitted for expert review at the Center for Comprehensive Examination of Projects and Import Contracts.

Additionally, to equip laboratories, two new measurement instruments and auxiliary equipment worth 32.0 million soums have been purchased.

Enhancing the Regulatory Framework

Uzbekistan is actively working towards integrating into the international metrology system. As part of preparations for accession to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), draft laws and regulations have been developed and submitted for consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The country is also adapting international standards. In 2024, Uzbekistan plans to adopt 20 national standards based on documents from the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). Currently, nine national standards are under review, covering areas such as legal metrology, ionizing radiation, non-destructive testing, fuel, electricity, and magnetism.

International Recognition and Cooperation

Uzbekistan actively participates in international metrology projects. Through its collaboration with KOOMET (a regional metrology organization), the country is engaged in three new projects in the field of time and frequency comparisons. This will enable Uzbekistan to register its calibration and measurement capabilities in the BIPM database, strengthening international trust in the country’s national standards.

Development of Scientific Potential

To enhance expertise, nine institute employees are pursuing PhD degrees. Additionally, six specialists have completed training at leading metrology institutes in the Czech Republic, Russia, and China.

In collaboration with higher education institutions, projects have been developed for the creation of three new reference standards and high-precision measurement instruments, worth $0.64 million. These projects have already been approved by the Scientific and Technical Council and are undergoing financial evaluation.

Expansion of Laboratory Services

To meet the growing industrial demand for precise measurements, the accreditation scope of calibration and verification laboratories has been expanded in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Samarkand region. Additionally, the time and frequency laboratory in Tashkent has also received an extended accreditation scope.

For 2025, plans include establishing an innovative laboratory for gas mixture production and a laboratory for producing certified reference materials in compliance with ISO 17034:2021 international standards.

Plans for 2025

Uzbekistan’s strategic metrology development for the upcoming year includes:

• Acquiring nine new reference standards to expand the national base.
• Registering calibration and measurement capabilities in the BIPM database.
• Establishing a laboratory for producing certified reference materials.
• Modernizing the Institute's laboratories and its regional branches.
• Hosting a meeting of Regional Metrology Organizations and the BIPM Joint Committee in Uzbekistan.

Signing an agreement with the German Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) to implement the "National Quality Infrastructure Development" project, valued at US$1.5 million.

Uzbekistan is making confident strides in strengthening its metrology foundation, contributing to improved product quality, integration with international standards, and enhanced trust in the national measurement system at the global level.