In Photo: Peer review exercise of the NMC’s Mass Lab by the Head of the BIPM Mass Metrology, Dr Richard Davis in 2005

In 1999, a significant milestone was achieved when the National Metrology Centre (NMC) signed the global Mutual Recognition Agreement (CIPM MRA) with the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM). This momentous agreement meant that calibration and measurement reports originating from Singapore would gain international recognition in over 100 countries worldwide. However, to maintain this recognition and demonstrate technical competence, NMC had to adhere to stringent international standards, particularly ISO/IEC 17025.

At the time of signing the CIPM MRA, NMC already had a quality system in place compling to ISO/IEC Guide 25. Recognising the need to further enhance their capabilities and meet the ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, NMC embarked on a transformative journey. In 2004, with the collaborative efforts of the dedicated team, NMC successfully developed and implemented its inaugural ISO/IEC 17025 compliant quality system. 

This pivotal move paved the way for NMC to undergo a series of rigorous technical peer reviews by international experts from various countries between 2004 and 2005. The successful outcome of these reviews resulted in the recognition and listing of NMC's calibration and measurement capabilities (CMC) on the prestigious International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) website, solidifying NMC's commitment to excellence and global recognition.