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Evidential breath analysers: LNE 1st organisation in the world to be accredited as an “OIML Test laboratory”
With this accreditation, LNE is the only body in the world able to issue test reports and certificates for evidential breath analysers (EBA) that are recognised by all countries participating in the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) certification system.
Certificates recognised in over 20 countries
In France, as in many countries, before placing an EBA on the market, manufacturers must obtain a certificate of conformity. To do this, they must have tests carried out to prove that their EBA meets the requirements of OIML Recommendation R126. This recommendation aims to harmonise the manufacturing and approval practices of EBA.
To facilitate access to international markets, the OIML has set up a process for recognising laboratories that perform tests in accordance with Recommendation R126 via accreditation to obtain "OIML Test laboratory" status. By obtaining an OIML certificate based on a test report issued by a testing laboratory such as LNE, manufacturers gain access to the markets of over 20 countries. The countries participating in the OIML certification system undertake to recognise the test report in order to issue the marketing certificate.
Accreditation recognises long-standing expertise
This accreditation is the result of its long-standing expertise in the field of breath testing. LNE has been involved in road safety for many years, having drafted the first French standard NF X 20-701 in 1986. It has also designed and developed test benches that reproduce the conditions of a human breath as closely as possible. These benches, unique in the world, allow the verification of EBA according to regulations currently in force.
At the international level, LNE has piloted with PTB, the evolution of the OIML R126 Evidential breath analysers recommendation, published in December 2021. This work is the result of more than 10 years of work, bringing together manufacturers, institutions, laboratories and users from 38 countries (France, Germany, Australia, United States, Japan, Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, etc.). The objective was to find a consensus and to draft a document that most countries could apply.
In addition, LNE chairs the European and French standards commissions – “Breath-alcohol testers” field at Afnor.
