Guidance

UK National Measurement System

Updated 29 June 2023

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Introduction

The National Measurement System (NMS) provides the UK with an infrastructure of laboratories that deliver world-class measurement science and technology and provide traceable and increasingly accurate standards of measurement.

We maintain a National Measurement System because of the substantial impact it has on every aspect of UK life and its economic success. The NMS enables the UK to compete in global trade and manufacturing by ensuring consistency and recognition of measurement units and standards throughout the world. Internationally leading knowledge and expertise is passed on to UK stakeholders by a coordinated programme of knowledge transfer.

The NMS is delivered through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The science programmes are delivered by the UK’s measurement institutes:

UK Measurement Strategy 2022

The UK Measurement Strategy 2022 sets out a framework to deliver leadership in measurement through growth and innovation. The strategy describes how the UK will capitalise on its world-leading National Measurement System. Measurement underpins many sectors of the UK’s economy and development of new measurement knowledge is essential for the UK to fully exploit emerging technologies, improve productivity and tackle the challenges facing the UK.

Science programmes

The programmes are broken down into 5 main themes:

  • advanced manufacturing
  • digital
  • energy and environment
  • life sciences and health
  • security and resilience

DSIT engages sector experts to provide independent advice on the science programmes carried out by the laboratories, which are reviewed regularly.

Statutory and policy obligations

Government Chemist

The Government Chemist has a statutory function as a referee analyst under several acts of Parliament which focus on public protection, value for money and consumer choice. Regulatory areas where this is particularly important include the quality of food, animal feed, pesticides, medicines and chemicals. Beyond resolving scientific disputes between food businesses and local authorities, the Government Chemist provides advice to regulators and industry and performs research. This function is carried out by LGC.

The legal metrology programme, delivered by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), a departmental office within Dept for Business and Trade, supports 207 local authorities and their officers who require training to enforce weights and measures legislation, including their market surveillance and inspection duties. The legal metrology infrastructure underpins trade measurement and confidence in the market. OPSS also provides calibration services to trading standards under statutory duties outlined in the weights and measures legislation and certification to industry in areas seen as nationally significant.

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