General Conference on Weights and Measures

General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM)

• The CGPM is the supreme authority of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM).
• It is made up of delegates of member states and observers from the Associates of the CGPM.
• The CGPM elects the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) as the supervisory board of the BIPM.
• The Metre Convention, established in 1875, initially focused on the kilogram and the metre.
• In 1960, the 11th CGPM approved the International System of Units (SI).
• The CGPM meets in Paris, usually once every four years.
• The 25th meeting of the CGPM took place in 2014, the 26th in 2018, and the 27th is scheduled for 2022.
• The CGPM approves the budget for the BIPM, which was over €13 million in 2018.
• The CGPM decides major issues concerning the organization and development of the BIPM.
• Former associate members of the CGPM include Cuba, Seychelles, and Sudan.

International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM)

• Consists of eighteen members of different nationalities.
• Elected by the CGPM.
• Promotes worldwide uniformity in units of measurement.
• Takes direct action or submits proposals to the CGPM.
• Meets annually to discuss reports from Consultative Committees.
• Secretariat based in Saint-Cloud, Hauts-de-Seine, France.
• Established the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) in 1999.
• Framework for mutual acceptance of national measurement standards.
• Recognizes validity of calibration and measurement certificates.
• Recent focus on the revision of the SI.
• Consultative committees assist the CIPM in its work.
• Reports of CIPM meetings, annual report to governments, and other reports are produced.

Role of the BIPM

• The BIPM studies and reports on long-term national and international needs in metrology.
• It collaborates with organizations like OIML and ILAC to meet these needs.
• The BIPM plays a unique role in metrology.
• Financial and other commitments are required from Member States.
• Developing countries need to be involved in the world of metrology.
• The CIPM is responsible for commissioning the SI brochure.
• The brochure defines the International System of Units.
• The brochure was initially in French but is now published in both English and French.
• The latest edition includes the 2019 redefinition of the SI base units.

Purpose and History of the General Conference on Weights and Measures

• Established in 1875.
• International organization.
• Ensures uniformity in measurements worldwide.
• Promotes fair trade and scientific cooperation.
• Develops and maintains the International System of Units (SI).
• Composed of member states.
• Currently has 62 member states.
• Each member state has one vote.
• Meets every four years.
• Executive Committee oversees the work between meetings.
• Development of the SI system.
• Redefinition of fundamental units of measurement.
• Establishment of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM).
• Adoption of the International System of Quantities.
• Promotion of traceability and metrological standards.

Impact and Importance of the General Conference on Weights and Measures

• Ensures consistency in global measurements.
• Facilitates international trade and commerce.
• Supports scientific research and innovation.
• Provides a framework for metrological cooperation.
• Enables accurate and reliable measurements in various fields.
• Addressing emerging measurement needs in technology and industry.
• Promoting metrological education and training.
• Enhancing international cooperation on measurement standards.
• Developing new measurement techniques and instruments.
• Ensuring the continued relevance and effectiveness of the organization.

General Conference on Weights and Measures Data Sources