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1. ------IND- 2013 0571 A-- EN------20131022 ------IMPACT
Explanatory notes
General Part
Since the Amendment to the Measurement and Calibration Act (Maß- und Eichgesetz - MEG, Federal Law GazetteI No 115/2010, measuring systems to determine the value-determining features of round logs have been subject to mandatory calibration since 1 January 2013. This means that calibration regulations of the Federal Office for Metrology and Surveying must be enacted for measurement systems for determining the features which determine the value of round logs.
Progress in measurement technology and the requirements of the timber industry have led to an amendment to the Measurement and Calibration Act in the abovementioned Federal Law Gazette. It was not possible to incorporate the new provisions into the calibration regulations which are currently in effect for comparable measuring instruments (electronic round log measuring systems) in an expedient manner, so a new category of measuring instruments (with its own calibration regulations) is being introduced.
The provisions and terminology of this calibration regulation have been adapted to those of the Austrian Practices for Timber Trading (Österreichische Holzhandelsusancen – ÖHU) of 2006 to the greatest extent possible.
Specific part
On Section 2 (features which determine value):
The Measurement and Calibration Act describes only the features which determine the value of round logs in a general manner, so this legislation provides an extensive description of said features. New features can be incorporated if necessary (by amending the calibration regulations). The most important new aspects are the diameter of the top end of the trunk, taper, sweep (two types) and ovality.
On Section 11 (Categories and approval for calibration):
Three new categories of measuring instruments are being introduced. This will emphasise the difference from the existing electronic round log measuring systems and provide a more precise definition of the common terms ‘full contour’ or ‘3D’ systems. The permissibility of systems which measure only trunk length is also new. This meets the requirements of users who want to determine the trunk length again according to previous measurement and subsequent processing (cutting).
On Sections 13 through 20 (measurement procedures and dimensions to be measured):
Each feature which determines the value of round timber is determined as a measured variable by the determination of the measurement procedure. Despite clarity, value was placed on not restricting manufacturers in execution and not hindering progress in measurement instrumentation.
On Section 25 (Registration):
A suitable data storage medium in addition to paper hard copy is permissible for the obligatory registration of the measurement results. The requirements correspond to those from the WELMEC 7.2 guideline.
On Section 27 (margins of error):
The margins of calibration error are virtually unchanged for the established features (average diameter and length). The margins of calibration error for the sweep are set to that which is technically possible.
On Sections 30 and 31 (Transitional and final provisions)
Systems already exist which determine the sweep in a condition which calibration does not address (to name one example). However, since sweep now constitutes a parameter requiring calibration as of 1 January 2013, such systems would no longer be marketable. Since an immediate amendment is not possible, both technically and time-wise, the transitional provisions were adapted in this regard.
Preamble
Objective(s)
To adapt the requirements for the approval and calibration of round log measuring systems to match progress in technology so that technologically advanced models can be used in the Austrian timber industry. This contributes to strengthening the country’s competitive position in this industry.
Contents
The plan primarily consists of the following measure(s):
- Enactment of revised calibration regulations with transitional provisions.
Enactment of calibration regulations for measuring systems for determining the features which determine the value of round logs in accordance with the latest technical requirements. The calibration regulations for electronic round log measuring systems which were previously in effect must be rescinded and suitable transitional provisions must be introduced.
Financial effects on Federal budget and other public budgets:
An increase in applications for approval for calibration (for the measuring instruments concerned here) is expected for the Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying (Bundesamt für Eich- und Vermessungswesen - BEV) for the time span of the transitional provisions. With roughly 150 systems set up and a low proportion of categories of the same design (as experience has shown), we assume there will be roughly 10 additional approval procedures per year, in which an average of 12 hours of additional work per procedure is anticipated for the Federal Government. This will be offset by revenue from the Calibration Fee Regulation (Eichgebührenverordnung) (administrative fees).
The approval testing which may potentially be required will result in 20-40 hours of work for the BEV’s physical-technical testing service (physikalisch-technischer Prüfdienst – PTP). The applicant must provide compensation to cover these costs, meaning that it does not result in any expenses for the Federal Government.
Total for the first five years:
In thousands of € € / 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017Receipts / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7
Disbursements / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5
Net financing / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2
No further effects will appear in the further dimensions of effect in accordance with Section 17 Paragraph 1 of the 2013 Federal Budget Act (Bundeshaushaltsgesetz 2013 - BHG 2013).
Relationship to EU legal provisions:
There are no legal provisions of the European Union which address the measuring instruments concerned here.
Special features of the process of establishing standards:
Completed procedure for the provision of information pursuant to the Austrian Notification Act of 1999 (Notifikationsgesetz) and/or Directive 98/34/EC laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations.
Effect-oriented impact assessment
Regulation of the Federal Office for Calibration and Measurement of xx month 2013 enacting the calibration regulations for measurement systems for determining the features which determine the value of round logs.
Providing authority: / Bundesamt für Eich- und VermessungswesenOngoing fiscal year: / 2013
Entry into force/
Effective date: / 2013
Problem analysis
Problem definition
Since the Amendment to the Measurement and Calibration Act (Maß- und Eichgesetz - MEG, Federal Law Gazette I No 115/2010 of 30.12.2010, measuring systems to determine the value-determining features of round logs have been subject to mandatory calibration since 1.1.2013.
Prior to that, only the volume of round logs had to be measured. New measuring systems are capable of determining significantly more features which determine the value of round logs using measuring technology.
This means that calibration regulations of the Federal Office for Metrology and Surveying for measureming systems for determining the features which determine the value of round logs must be adapted to technical and legal requirements which have changed and must thus be re-enacted.
Current situation and potential alternatives
Zero scenario: the existing calibration regulations for electronic round log measuring systems would contradict the Measurement and Calibration Act (MEG).
Alternatives: None.
Internal evaluation
Time of the internal evaluation: 2018
Evaluation documents and method: Evaluation of the number of approvals and calibrations in accordance with this calibration regulation by the Federal Office for Metrology and Surveying (BEV). The approvals will be conducted by the BEV, while the number of calibrations will be read from the calibration office’s database. This will determine how many round log measuring systems have been converted and now make use of the new functions.
Objectives
Objective 1: To adapt the requirements for the approval and calibration of round log measuring systems to match progress in technology so that technologically advanced models can be used in the Austrian timber industry. This contributes to strengthening the country’s competitive position in this industry.
The following would constitute success:
Initial situation at the time of the effect-oriented impact assessment / Target situation at the time of evaluationNo calibration regulations which completely cover the type measuring instrument in question here, because measuring instruments which are more advanced already exist and have a greater range of functions than provided for in the existing calibration regulations. These functions cannot yet be used to their fullest extent. / 30% of the round log measuring systems have been converted to the new measuring instruments and functions. Approvals and calibrations of measuring systems for measurement systems for determining the features which determine the value of round logs are being conducted based on these newly enacted calibration regulations.
Contribution to target effect or measure in federal estimates:
Contribution to target effect 2 of the UG 40: ‘To increase the country’s attractiveness as a location for business, to make the environment more friendly to enterprise and in particular to stimulate competition and support the conservation and cultural/touristic presentation of its historical heritage’ by means of the measure ‘Provision and further development of the Austrian measurement technology infrastructure and ensuring international recognition and equivalent value’ in GB 40.03 Metrology and Surveying.
Measures
Measure 1: Enactment of revised calibration regulations with transitional provisions
Description of the measure:
Enactment of calibration regulations for measuring systems for determining the features which determine the value of round logs in accordance with the latest technical requirements. The calibration regulations for electronic round log measuring systems which were previously in effect must be rescinded and suitable transitional provisions must be introduced.
The following would constitute success:
Initial situation at the time of the effect-oriented impact assessment / Target situation at the time of evaluationThe existing calibration regulations are not in conformity with the technical and legal requirements, which have since changed. / The calibration regulations in question here have entered into legal effect, making it possible to approve and calibrate round log measuring systems in accordance with the latest technical requirements of the relevant calibration regulation.
Impact assessment
Financial effects on Federal budget and other public budgets
Note: Differences in rounding may result in minor discrepancies between the profit and loss budget and the financing budget.
Financial effects for the Federal Government
In thousands of € € / 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017Revenue / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 7
Expenditures / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5
Net result / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2
2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017
Full-time employment equivalents / 0.07 / 0.07 / 0.07 / 0.07 / 0.07
Explanation:
An increase in applications for approval for calibration (for the measuring instruments concerned here) is expected for the Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying (Bundesamt für Eich- und Vermessungswesen - BEV) for the time span of the transitional provisions. With roughly 150 systems set up and a low proportion of categories of the same design (as experience has shown), we assume there will be roughly 10 additional approval procedures per year, in which an average of 12 hours of additional work per procedure is anticipated for the Federal Government. This will be offset by revenue from the Calibration Fee Regulation (Eichgebührenverordnung) (administrative fees).
The approval testing which may potentially be required will result in 20-40 hours of work for the BEV’s physical-technical testing service (physikalisch-technischer Prüfdienst – PTP). The applicant must provide compensation to cover these costs, meaning that it does not result in any expenses for the Federal Government.
Coverage explanation:
Detailed budget 40.03.01
Financial effects for the Federal States:
The planned legislation will have no financial effects for the Federal States/municipalities.
Financial effects for the municipalities:
The planned legislation will have no financial effects for the Federal States/municipalities.
Companies
Financial effects on companies:
This plan will not have any significant financial effects on companies.
Explanation
The overwhelming majority of existing electronic round log measuring systems will be re-approved for calibration as measurement systems for determining the features which determine the value of round logs for the sake of market requirements.. Due to the calibration regulations’ transitional provisions, the expenses which this will incur will largely fall within the microeconomic recovery period, making them irrelevant.
The calibration-related inspection of the measuring instruments will become more expensive and time-consuming for users of measuring instruments which (optionally) use more features which determine the value of round logs in commerce subject to calibration requirements. The calibration offices will pass on the added expenses, which in this case are unquantifiable, to the applicants.
Macroeconomic effects
Supply-side effects and effects on general macroeconomic conditions
The plan has no significant supply-side effects or effects on the general macroeconomic conditions.
Explanation
A slight competitive advantage can be expected for the Austrian timber industry