What are National Standards?

National standards in the Republic of Korea refer to all standards prescribed by the Framework Act on National Standards. National standards are officially recognized scientific and technological standards used to promote accuracy, rationality, and internationality in all areas of society.
As Korea’s national metrology institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) establishes, maintains and disseminates measurement standards, which form the core of national standards.

Role of KRISS as the NMI of the Republic of Korea

Each nation has a National Metrology Institute (NMI) or Designated Institute (DI) in charge of establishing national measurement standards and disseminating these standards to industries, accredited calibration/testing laboratories, government branches, and other users.
NMIs and DIs have joined the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA) and have participated in international comparisons to maintain equivalence of national measurement standards.
As Korea’s national metrology institute under the Framework Act on National Standards, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science plays a central role in the national quality infrastructure with the following responsibilities.

• Establishment and maintenance of national measurement standards according to national demand
• Dissemination of SI units by providing calibration, testing, and reference material services
• Research and development of measurement standards and measurement technologies
• Maintaining the system of national calibration/traceability (National Measurement System)
• Participation in international comparisons based on the CIPM MRA (CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement)
• Development of reference materials with traceability to SI units
• Education and training, consultation, technological support