The Institute of Metrology of BiH participated in the regional meeting of representatives of the quality infrastructure institutions (QI) of the member states of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), which was held in Albania from June 6 to 7, 2023, as part of the Project "EU4Business: Fostering the common regional market through quality infrastructure and e-commerce". The program was co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ, the Open Regional Fund for Foreign Trade (ORF FT).

At the meeting, assessments were made on the readiness of quality infrastructure (QI) institutions (metrology, standardization, accreditation, market surveillance) in CEFTA member states in terms of supporting conformity assessment bodies and manufacturers in conformity assessment procedures of machines/products covered by the Machinery Directive. Findings, highlighted shortcomings and similarities in the legislative framework, procedures and practices of QI institutions in CEFTA countries are presented, as well as recommendations on measures to strengthen their capacities to ensure compliance with relevant EU requirements and standards in the sector that includes products covered by the Machinery Directive. Participants at the meeting disscused the improved concept of the regional QI network between the CEFTA countries. The EU approach on the functioning of QI networks as a necessary tool for improving cooperation, promoting, understanding and providing guidance and support for its effective implementation and international acceptance was also presented.

The Institute of Metrology of BiH, together with other NMIs (national metrology institutes) of the CEFTA member states analyzed and identified priorities, and proposed concrete capacity building measures in accordance with the conclusions and recommendations from the assessments, which included a project log for activities in the electrical product sectors covered by LVD - low voltage directive (2014/35/EU) and EMC - electromagnetic compatibility directive (2014/30/EU) and the sector of products covered by the machinery directive (2006/42/EC) which will be the basis for the development of an action plan for capacity building оf the QI institutions, and ultimately the recognition of results for conformity assessment among CEFTA members.