Resolution 9 of the 22nd CGPM (2003)

Requirements for cross-border transport of measurement standards, metrological equipment and reference materials

The 22nd General Conference,

considering

• recent events that are understandably requiring stricter control of container, luggage and carry-on belongings of national and international travellers, as well as unaccompanied packages,
• that these controls are making it more and more difficult, and sometimes impossible, to transport equipment, standards, and reference materials that are needed for comparisons of national measurement standards,
• that these comparisons rely intrinsically on frequent and unimpeded transportation of standards, many of which have limited stability and so require rapid movement,
• that certain samples or equipment are fragile and can become contaminated or damaged beyond the point of use if not handled carefully by personnel in airports, freight handling agencies or customs officials,
• that the inherent dangers in transport of certain samples in the nuclear, chemical and pharmaceutical field for metrology are far less than those envisaged from the point of view of those that seek to prohibit or restrict wholesale movement of such goods,
• the importance of implementing new procedures that can facilitate the unimpeded transport of such materials,
• that this facilitation could be accomplished by modifications, guidance notes or other addenda to existing regulations that inform officials as to the course of action to be undertaken in the case of metrological samples and equipment,

recommends that national metrology institutes, government bodies and international organizations responsible for the control and regulation of the movement of goods and substances, all work with relevant bodies to investigate, propose and implement special procedures that relate to the free and unimpeded movement of metrological materials and equipment among national metrology institutes, designated institutes and the International Bureau of Weights and Measures,

and further recommends the International Committee to draw the attention of other international organizations having responsibilities in this area to this Resolution.

DOI : 10.59161/CGPM2003RES9E