TAIEX study visit II. Macedonian experts visiting GUM
The visit of experts from the Macedonian Bureau of Metrology took place from 5th to 9th October 2015. In the framework of the study visit the Macedonian Delegation visited the Regional Hallmarking Office in Warsaw and the Branch Office in Wrocław. The guests visited the Central Office of Measures as well. The aim of the visit was to get acquaint with examination and hallmarking methods of the articles made of precious metals. Macedonia has already started the process of ratification of the Convention on the Control and Marking of Articles of Precious Metals.
The visit, which took place in the framework of the European Union technical assistance program TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument of the European Commission), offered a good opportunity to obtain useful knowledge not only in the field of hallmarking. The participants were also informed about ratification process of the Hallmarking Convention in Poland and legal requirements connected with this procedure. The study visit was also designated for getting acquaint with practical methods of jewellery examination, i.e. by touchstone method, X-ray fluorescence or cuppelation methods and its technical aspects as well.The representatives of the Macedonian Bureau of Metrology have got acquaint with the quality management system maintained in the Polish hallmarking administration. Furthermore, the Macedonian guests could watch presentation on the organizational structure, main tasks and legal basis of the Polish metrological and hallmarking administration.
The TAIEX is an European Union program which aims to provide the short term technical assistance during the ongoing implementation of the European Union regulations in the Balcan, Mediterranean and Eastern Partnership states. The previous TAIEX study visit of the Macedonian metrology experts took place in November 2014.