8. Producers of reference materials

Due to the wide variety of matrix types and physical, chemical and technological properties measured, the preparation and certification of reference materials requires a wide range of skills and resources.

As these capacities are naturally distributed between the various laboratories and factories, the production of reference materials is also spread around the world, which doesn't make things any easier for users. Producers generally fall into one of the following categories.

• Public laboratories: these are either organizations in charge of developing standards, or organizations with other missions, which have developed specific reference materials corresponding to these missions.

• Technical centers, professional or scientific associations: these entities, bringing...