CRMs for the 21st century: new demands and challenges

To play their role as essential tools for the achievement of comparability and traceability of measurements, the upcoming generation of certified refe rence materials will continue to be the subject of increased requirements r elated to their preparation, characterization, monitoring, documentation, a nd distribution. An analysis is made of the most important aspects not only related to the physical form of future CRMs, the determination of their sh elf-life, and their certification, but also to increased requirements relat ed to their distribution, including required additional documentation. Two examples of cost breakdown demonstrate the need for improved productivity o f certification projects and more efficient marketing.