FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS TO A GLOBAL METROLOGY SYSTEM

Eberhard Seiler
Abstract:
The paper describes recent developments towards a global metrology system. The driving forces behind this development are globalization and the liberalization of trade. The World Trade Organization, WTO, with more than 140 member states sets the rules for international trade. Other international organizations must take into account these rules and especially, the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement. The organs of the Metre Convention developed a system to ensure worldwide traceability and mutual recognition of measurements and calibrations. Details of the system and measures to establish confidence in the competence of National Metrology Institutes are described. Furthermore, laboratory accreditation procedures and the role of regional and international accreditation organizations with regard to ensure confidence in competence are explained. The International Organization of Legal Metrology, OIML, contributes to the global metrology system by recommendations for measuring instruments and a certificate system indicating that a given instrument pattern complies with the requirements of the relevant OIML recommendation. Suggestions for possible IMEKO contributions are given.
Keywords:
metrological infrastructure, metrology system
Download:
PWC-2003-TC11-001.pdf
DOI:
-
Event details
Event name:
XVII IMEKO World Congress
Title:

Metrology in the 3rd Millennium

Place:
Dubrovnik, CROATIA
Time:
22 June 2003 - 28 June 2003