Abstract
The new traceability program is an important element in the standard certification system. The program has prompted a number of new moves for international equivalence in support of the Convention of Meter. Declarations of equivalence of national standard authorities will reveal international relationships among metric standards (international traceability) and lead to more rational policies at the national level. The new traceability program defines clearly the responsibility for calibration and certifies organizations capable of calibration under defined conditions. The new traceability program started in Europe as a part of technology policy. This aspect should be learned by the Japanese in relation to quality control. The program can contribute to assurance of reliability of scientific and technological data: using instruments calibrated by internationally certified organizations will guarantee the reliability of data obtained. Establishment of the traceability program and mutual recognition of national metric standards will be the largest events in the history of the 125-year old Convention of Meter. Japan should also contribute to this process as a member country.
