Metrology in chemistry — a public task

The importance of analytical chemistry is increasing in many public fields, and the demand for reliable measurement results is growing accordingly. A measurement result will be reliable only if its uncertainty has been quantified. This can be achieved only by tracing the result back to a standard realizing the unit in which the measurement result is expressed. The National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) can contribute to the reliability of the measurement results by developing measuring methods, and by providing reference materials and standard measuring devices. In fields in which the comparability of measurement results is of particular importance, they establish traceability structures. Responding to the globalization of trade and industry the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) agreed on an arrangement on the mutual recognition of calibration certificates (CIPM MRA) issued by the NMIs.