Accreditation for reference materials
Use of reference materials

When external calibration services are used, the traceability of measurements must be ensured by laboratories capable of demonstrating their competence and capability in measurement and traceability. Calibration certificates issued by these laboratories must include the measurement results, including the associated uncertainties, and, where applicable, a statement of compliance with an identified metrological specification.

A certificate bearing the symbol of an accreditation body that is a signatory to the ILAC MRA constitutes evidence that meets the normative requirements. However, this declaration of conformity is rarely provided by an external service provider without the user’s acceptance criteria having been communicated to the provider. For confidentiality reasons, these criteria are not always disclosed, and the decision regarding conformity therefore remains the sole responsibility...