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 reference materials will continue to be the subject of increased requirements related to their preparation, characterization, monitoring, documentation, and distribution. An analysis is made of the most important aspects not only related to the physical form of future CRMs, the determination of their shelf-life, and their certification, but also to increased requirements related to their distribution, including required additional documentation. Two examples of cost breakdown demonstrate the need for improved productivity of certification projects and more efficient marketing.