Introduction
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has caused the sudden surge in the import numbers of the IR thermometer. Measuring body temperature has become important way to screen a large number of people at airports, malls, offices, hotels as well as in communities. These thermometers are held 3 to 20 cm away from the patient and typically measure the temperature on the forehead.
Working of Infrared Thermometers
Infrared light works like visible light–it can be focused, reflected or absorbed. It checks the human temperature by sensing the infrared energy radiated by the body. Infrared thermometers usually use a lens to focus infrared light from one object onto a detector called a thermopile. The thermopile absorbs the infrared radiation and turns it into heat. The more infrared energy, the hotter the thermopile gets. This heat is turned into electricity. The electricity is sent to a detector, which uses it to determine the temperature of whatever the thermometer is pointed at. The more electricity, the hotter the object is.
Mandatory Legal Metrology Certification
Infrared light works like visible light–it can be focused, reflected or absorbed. It checks the human temperature by sensing the infrared energy radiated by the body. Infrared thermometers usually use a lens to focus infrared light from one object onto a detector called a thermopile. The thermopile absorbs the infrared radiation and turns it into heat. The more infrared energy, the hotter the thermopile gets. This heat is turned into electricity. The electricity is sent to a detector, which uses it to determine the temperature of whatever the thermometer is pointed at. The more electricity, the hotter the object is.
Applicability of Legal Metrology laws on IR Thermometer
Since, infrared thermometers are also involved in the weighing & measuring process, so it will fall under the purview of legal metrology certification. The provisions of section 19, 22 & 23 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the provisions of Rule-27 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 are applicable to Infrared (Electrical) thermometers. Details are as below-
- Model Approval under section-22: All those products which involves in any kind of weights & measurements will require Model Approval. The testing of the desired model will be done by a govt. designated laboratory and a test report will be submitted along with the applicable documents to the LM department in order to get the certificate. Few products cover like bullion weights, fuel dispenser, smart watch, weighing machine, body fat machine, electronic scale, ear thermometer, beam scale etc.
- Import registration under section-19: The individual, firm or legal entity that brings weights & measurements goods from a foreign country into the Indian customs territory will require import license under this section.
- Dealership license under section-23: The dealership license is applicable to a person or company involved in the trading, marketing & distribution of weights and measures product to open market.
- Import license under packaged commodities rule-27: The Packaged commodities rules introduced to regulate the pre-packaged commodities, which makes declarations about the date of manufacture, the quantity of packaged goods, expiry date, manufacturer’s details and other necessary things as per order. Under this process, Legal Metrology Inspector will visit the importer’s warehouse to check & validate the same declared things.
Temporary relaxation of free import
Due to unprecedented COVID-19 situation in India and a sudden increase in the demand for IR Thermometers govt. feels the need of huge number of Infrared thermometers in order to help in faster screening of the population of the country. Considering this, metrology department has issued a NOC letter (I-9/20/2020-W&M Section) dated 07th April 2020 requesting custom officials to freely release the shipment of Infrared thermometers. However, importer have to comply with the mandatory compliance regulation within 3 months from the date of clearance of the shipment. Further, if said product will failed during testing, then appropriate action will be taken against the importer and they have to withdraw the IR thermometers from the market at their own cost.
