BIPM – The Bureau International des Poids et Mesures
(For further details about the Metre Convention and the history and location of the BIPM, please see www.bipm.org/en/convention/ and www.bipm.org/en/bipm/)
The BIPM and the international chain of measurements : The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (in French, Bureau International des Poids et Mesures or BIPM) was created by the Metre Convention of 1875 and is located just outside Paris, France. The BIPM is an intergovernmental organization financed by those States who are signatories of the Metre Convention, and operates under the supervision of the Comite International des PoidsetMesures (CIPM).
ILAC – the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation
(For further details: http://www.ilac.org/home.html)
ILAC is an international cooperation of laboratory and inspection accreditation bodies formed more than 30 years ago to help remove technical barriers to trade. Accreditation allows people to make an informed decision when selecting a laboratory, as it demonstrates competence, impartiality and capability. It helps to underpin the credibility and performance of goods and services.
Legal Metrology– The OIML and worldwide confidence in regulated measurements (For further details about the OIML http://www.oiml.org/)
Legal metrology comprises all activities for which legal requirements are prescribed on measurement, units of measurement, measuring instruments and methods of measurement, these activities being performed by or on behalf of governmental authorities, in order to ensure an appropriate level of credibility of measurement results in the national regulatory environment.