Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt

Europe is growing together – also in the field of metrology. This fact should please all those exporting and importing goods. For only if there is always agreement between the trade partners on the quantities actually shipped, can business be done without hindrance. To give only one example: All measuring instruments in all countries must display exactly one kilogram if one kilogram has been placed on the balance – or the deviations must be exactly known. What sounds so simple can, however, be achieved only with a great number of conventions combining the different national prescriptions to form one corpus of regulations.

For such agreements it is a prerequisite to know to what extent the results of the other party may be relied on. Only when all metrology institutes disclose their capabilities can international mutual recognition arrangements be concluded – and the limits to certification removed. Only then will it no longer be necessary for an exporter to have his product certified again as soon as it crosses a frontier.

A bilateral agreement to harmonize metrology was concluded in May 2000 between the PTB and its American partner institute, the NIST. With their Memorandum of Understanding, the two metrology institutes have agreed to further intensify their cooperation.