Overview
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is seeking feedback on the Australian pattern approval requirements for measuring systems for liquids other than water. These are also known as flow metering systems.
NMI proposes to adopt and modify the latest version of OIML R 117 Dynamic measuring systems for liquids other than water. This is the international standard.
OIML R 117 covers the following flow metering systems:
fuel dispensers
blend dispensers
fuel dispensers for liquified gases under pressure (LPG dispensers)
measuring systems on road tankers
measuring systems for unloading ships’ tanks using an intermediate tank
measuring systems for rail and road tankers using an intermediate tank
measuring systems for liquified gases under pressure (other than LPG dispensers)
measuring systems for milk, beer and other foaming potable liquids
measuring systems on pipelines and systems for loading ships
measuring systems for aircraft fuelling
measuring systems for bunkering
measuring systems for liquified natural gas (LNG).
NMI’s proposed regulatory approach will modernise Australia’s requirements for flow metering systems in use for trade by aligning them to the latest international standard.
Previous versions of the standards
The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) last revised and updated the OIML Recommendation for flow metering systems in 2019, publishing it in 3 parts.
Earlier revisions were published in 2014 and 2007. However, Australia did not adopt these versions.
You can read Australia’s current requirements for these systems in the NMI R 117 (2011) documents on our website.
Proposed implementation and transition plan
NMI proposes the following approach to modernise Australia’s metrological requirements for flow metering systems.
Adopt and modify OIML R 117 (2019) as Australia’s pattern approval requirements for measuring systems of this type.
Publish the adopted standard as NMI R 117 (202Y – the year of future publication) in 3 parts as follows:
NMI R 117-1:202Y Dynamic measuring systems for liquids other than water. Part 1: Metrological and technical requirements
NMI R 117-2: 202Y Dynamic measuring systems for liquids other than water. Part 2: Metrological controls and performance tests
NMI R 117-3: 202Y Dynamic measuring systems for liquids other than water. Part 3: Test report format.
Implement the new edition of NMI R 117 (202Y) and transition from NMI R 117 (2011) as follows:
1 February 2026: Adopt and publish NMI R 117 (202Y).
The date NMI R 117 (202Y) is published on the NMI website.
1 February 2026: Accept applications for approval of patterns and variants to NMI R 117 (202Y).
The implementation date for the new NMI R 117 (202Y) to approve flow metering systems.
1 February 2027: No longer accept applications for approval of patterns and variants to NMI R 117 (2011).
NMI will not approve new patterns and variants of flow metering systems in line with NMI R 117 (2011) based on applications we receive on or after this date.
This means that applicants will only be able to apply for approval of new patterns or variants in line with NMI R 117 (202Y) on or after this date.
This is the effective end date of NMI R 117 (2011) as a pattern approval requirements document.
Supersede NMI R 118 (2010) Testing procedures and test report format for pattern evaluation of fuel dispensers for motor vehicles and replace it with the new NMI R 117 series in line with the timelines above (i.e. on 1 February 2027).
Consultation documents
The draft standard (NMI R 117) is available for comment in 3 parts:
NMI R 117-1 Dynamic measuring systems for liquids other than water. Part 1: Metrological and technical requirements: Consultation draft June 2025 [2,683 KB PDF] [455KB DOCX]
NMI R 117-2 Dynamic measuring systems for liquids other than water. Part 2: Metrological controls and performance tests: Consultation draft June 2025 [4,341 KB PDF] [1,537 KB DOCX]
NMI R 117-3 Dynamic measuring systems for liquids other than water. Part 3: Test report format: Consultation draft June 2025 [2,807 KB PDF] [947 KB DOCX]
If you experience any difficulties accessing these documents, please contact us.