National Metrology Institute – the foundation for accurate measurements in Sweden
The basis for a meter being the same length in Stockholm as in Tokyo, and for efficient world trade, research and industry, is traceability through international comparisons and national standards. Without assured traceability, companies risk producing faulty products, incurring increased costs and losing the confidence of their customers. National measurement laboratories represent the top level of the metrological chain, carrying out measurements with the lowest possible uncertainty, which enables the calibration of all measuring instruments throughout the traceability pyramid. As Sweden's National Metrology Institute, RISE operates 14 national measurement laboratories covering 32 physical quantities, and represents Sweden in international metrology contexts through EURAMET and the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
RISE's national measurement laboratories offer advanced calibrations with the lowest possible measurement uncertainties for those requiring the highest level of metrology. We maintain national standards such as the national kilogram, the UTC(SP) timescale and fixed-point cells for temperature, and we can calibrate your reference instruments directly against these. Through long-term research and development, we create new measurement methods and standards that are adapted to future technology and industrial needs. We also carry out international comparison measurements to ensure that Swedish calibration certificates are recognised globally, facilitating your exports and international collaborations.
The foundation for innovation and competitiveness.
Everything you use in your everyday life works and can be produced thanks to quality-assured measurements. RISE is the National Metrology Institute (NMI) with a mandate to maintain metrological traceability in Sweden. Through chains of calibrations, national measurement standards, international comparison measurements and research and development, we ensure that industry and society have access to the measurement technology required for innovation and competitiveness.
Reliable measurements are crucial for quality, safety and credibility. At RISE there are 14 national laboratories that offer the traceability to national and international references required for businesses and society to be able to trust their measurements. This is the foundation for all quality-assured measurement technology in the country.
What does the mandate as National Metrology Institute (NMI) entail?
RISE is designated as Sweden's National Metrology Institute (NMI) and is responsible, according to Swedish law, for maintaining metrological traceability for 32 physical quantities in accordance with the regulation on national measurement institutes (2019:16). The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority is responsible for four areas within ionising radiation. RISE operates 14 national laboratories that maintain national standards and disseminate traceability to industry and society through calibrations, measurement expertise and research and development.
How does international metrology cooperation work?
As a National Metrology Institute, RISE represents Sweden in the global metrology system.
The Metre Convention and BIPM
The Metre Convention of 1875 established the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and the bodies CGPM and CIPM, which coordinate the international metrology system and are responsible for the international system of units SI. Sweden was an original signatory to the convention, enabling national metrology institutes to collaborate globally.
Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM-MRA)
The CIPM-MRA is an agreement in which national metrology institutes recognise each other's measurement results and calibration capabilities (CMC). It creates confidence in measurements across borders and reduces the need for duplicate calibrations in international trade and technical cooperation. As a National Metrology Institute, RISE must report its Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMC) in the international database managed by BIPM, demonstrating the measurement and calibration capabilities available and that they meet internationally recognised standards.
European cooperation through Euramet
Euramet is the regional metrology organisation for Europe, a cooperative organisation that coordinates member countries' metrology infrastructure, including research, traceability to SI units, recognition of national standards and comparison measurements. EURAMET also runs technical committees and European research programmes that strengthen knowledge exchange and metrological cooperation in Europe. RISE (and the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority as Designated Institute for ionising radiation) actively participates in these.
