Navigating the 2024 OIML R49 Revision

The release of the revised OIML R49 and ISO 4064 standards marks an important development for the global water metering industry. These updates are designed to improve measurement accuracy, reliability, and consumer confidence — but they also introduce new technical requirements that manufacturers must address.

For organisations designing, manufacturing, testing, and placing water meters on the market, compliance with OIML R49 and ISO 4064 is not optional. It is a legal and commercial necessity. By understanding the changes and aligning your processes accordingly, you can safeguard market access, reduce compliance risks, and stay competitive in a sector where trust and precision are paramount.

This is where NMi’s expertise in certification and legal metrology becomes invaluable.

Why OIML R49 Certification Matters

OIML R49 is the internationally recognised standard that sets the requirements for water meter type approval. Certification demonstrates that your product complies with the highest levels of legal metrology standards, ensuring that it performs accurately and reliably in the field.

Certification is more than a formality. It provides several strategic advantages:

• Regulatory acceptance across multiple markets: OIML-based approvals are widely recognised, reducing the need for redundant testing
• Market trust and customer confidence: Certification signals that your product meets international benchmarks
• Reduced risk of non-compliance: Avoiding redesigns, recalls, and delays caused by failed approvals

In contrast, failing to comply with OIML R49 or ISO 4064 can create serious setbacks — from missed launch timelines to the loss of key markets.

Key Changes in OIML R49 & ISO 4064

The 2024 revisions introduced several important updates that manufacturers need to be aware of. While the details are highly technical, they broadly impact three areas:

1. Technical requirements for design – The new revision include stricter criteria for meter behavior and functional evaluations, requiring manufacturers to review and adjust product designs where necessary
2. Testing protocols – Several testing protocols has been updated and require additional testing, meaning legacy testing processes are no longer be sufficient to proof compliance to the new revision
3. Software/firmware – The new standards affect how long existing approvals remain valid and how transitional arrangements are managed

Understanding these changes is essential for manufacturers, as they directly influence R&D strategies, testing schedules, and market entry plans. 

How NMi Supports Your Certification Journey

As a trusted Notified Body and leading certification institute, NMi provides end-to-end support for manufacturers navigating OIML R49 certification and compliance. Our services include:

✔ Certification update from OIML R49:2013 to OIML R49:2024 in the most efficient way possible
✔ Type approval testing in full accordance with OIML R49:2024 requirements
✔ Evaluation of product design and manufacturing processes to ensure alignment with the updated standards
✔ Practical guidance on regulatory changes, including transitional provisions and their impact on existing approvals
✔ Certification issuance that supports international market access and speeds up time to market

By working with NMi, manufacturers gain a partner who not only understands the technical details of OIML R49 and ISO 4064 but can also translate them into clear, actionable steps.

Learn More: Watch the OIML R49 Webinar

To help industry professionals navigate these revisions, NMi expert Arne Prins hosted a webinar on the OIML R49 and ISO 4064 updates.

In this session, Arne explained:

• The most important technical changes in the revised standards
• How these changes affect product design, testing, and compliance
• What manufacturers should do now to prepare for the transition

You can watch the on demand webinar here. 

Business Impact: More Than Compliance

While certification ensures compliance, its benefits go further:

• Faster market entry: With a clear roadmap and fewer delays, your products reach customers sooner
• Cost efficiency: Proactive compliance reduces the risk of costly redesigns or repeat testing
• Competitive advantage: Certification signals reliability, helping your product stand out in competitive tenders
• Future readiness: Partnering with NMi means being prepared not just for today’s standards, but for upcoming revisions and regulatory changes

In industries such as utilities and infrastructure, where trust in measurement is non-negotiable, these advantages translate into stronger customer relationships and long-term success.

Partner with NMi for Compliance and Market Success 

The recent revisions to OIML R49 and ISO 4064 highlight the importance of having a knowledgeable partner to guide you through the certification process. By working with NMi, you gain the assurance that your products meet all requirements — both now and in the future. 

Ready to start your OIML R49 certification journey? Contact our team today to discuss how NMi can support your compliance roadmap.