CELEX: 51978PC0309
Language: en
Date: 1978-07-05
Title: Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION adopting a research and development programme for the European Economic Community in the field of reference materials and methods (Community Bureau of Reference - BCR) and applied metrology (non-nuclear indirect action) (1979-1982) (submitted to the Council by the Commission)

ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (78) 309
Vol. 1978/0110
 ---pagebreak--- Disclaimer
Conformément au règlement (CEE, Euratom) n° 354/83 du Conseil du 1er février 1983
concernant l'ouverture au public des archives historiques de la Communauté économique
européenne et de la Communauté européenne de l'énergie atomique (JO L 43 du 15.2.1983,
p. 1), tel que modifié par le règlement (CE, Euratom) n° 1700/2003 du 22 septembre 2003
(JO L 243 du 27.9.2003, p. 1), ce dossier est ouvert au public. Le cas échéant, les documents
classifiés présents dans ce dossier ont été déclassifiés conformément à l'article 5 dudit
règlement.
In accordance with Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83 of 1 February 1983
concerning the opening to the public of the historical archives of the European Economic
Community and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ L 43, 15.2.1983, p. 1), as
amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1700/2003 of 22 September 2003 (OJ L 243,
27.9.2003, p. 1), this file is open to the public. Where necessary, classified documents in this
file have been declassified in conformity with Article 5 of the aforementioned regulation.
In Übereinstimmung mit der Verordnung (EWG, Euratom) Nr. 354/83 des Rates vom 1.
Februar 1983 über die Freigabe der historischen Archive der Europäischen
Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft und der Europäischen Atomgemeinschaft (ABI. L 43 vom 15.2.1983,
S. 1), geändert durch die Verordnung (EG, Euratom) Nr. 1700/2003 vom 22. September 2003
(ABI. L 243 vom 27.9.2003, S. 1), ist diese Datei der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Soweit
erforderlich, wurden die Verschlusssachen in dieser Datei in Übereinstimmung mit Artikel 5
der genannten Verordnung freigegeben.
 ---pagebreak---   COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                      COM(78)309 final
                                                      Brussels - 5 July 1978
                                   Proposal for a
                                  COUNCIL DECISION
           adopting a research and development programme for
           the European Economic Community in the field of reference
           materials and methods ( Community Bureau of Reference -
           BCR ) and applied metrology ( non-nuclear indirect action )
                                   ( 1979-1982 )
                ( submitted to the Council by the Commission )
               fi-'                /
              p-– '  V          s         s
                                      • ' ■»    vq
                                                t- .1
COM (78) 309 fVfnal         J,3                    J
               ^Vy>
                                ^
                              <-?
                  X'>-
                    \/ . i.        \^ \      L^
 ---pagebreak---                            - 2-
                          CONTENTS
Introduction                                            3
Motivation and content of the proposal                  5
   Project 1 - Reference materials and methods ( BCR )  5
               Programme                                9
   Project 2 - Distribution and management of          13
               reference materials
                                                       13
               Programme
                              i
                                                       15
   Project 3 - Applied metrology
                                                       16
               Programme
Proposal for a Council Decisión adopting a             18
multiannual research and development programme
for the European Economic Community in the field
of reference materials and methods ( BCR) and applied
metrology
Annex  I       Advisory Committee on Programme         24
               Management
Annex II       Opinion of the ACPM                     25
 ---pagebreak---                                  -3-
                          INTRODUCTION
The programme on reference materials and methods ( Community
Bureau of Reference - BCR ) was initially launched in 1973
for a period of three years ( x ) ; in 1976 , a second phase
was adopted , covering a three-year period and ending on
31 December 1978 ( xx ) .
In broad outline , the objectives of the second programme
can be defined as follows :
- to develop reference materials and methods by drawing
  on the knowledge and skill of public and private
  laboratories in the member countries ;
- to promote collaboration between bodies specializing in
  this type of work , an activity which amounts in effect
  to coordination ;
- to back up the national efforts in the field of reference
  materials with projects of interest to the Community .
The term " reference material " is understood to mean a
material or substance , one or more properties of which are
sufficiently well established to be used for the calibration
of an instrument or the verification of a measurement method .
Reference materials are used in every branch of commercial ,
industrial , medical and scientific activity to verify the
proper functioning and the accuracy of instruments and
measurement methods , and to ensure that valid comparisons
can be made of the results obtained by different
laboratories or in different countries .
The first period of the programme was an initiation phase :
it consisted in defining areas for which it was desirable
to develop reference materials , laying down rules of
procedure and preparing a number of contracts for
experimental work .
x
     Council Decisión of 18 June 1973 , OJ L 189
XV 1
     Council Decision of 15 March 1976 , OJ L 74
 ---pagebreak---                                -4-
The second phase consisted in the development of the activities
under contract in important fields - e.g. those relevant to
industrial applications - which have resulted in certified
reference materials . New fields have been explored , one being
clinical chemistry (medical analyses ) , in which major projects
have been set in train .
The implementation of the programme was backed up by the
collaboration of the JRC , which assists greatly in providing
secretarial services for working parties , evaluating
measurements and drafting certification reports .
In view of the very encouraging results of the indirect
action programme on reference materials and methods , it is
proposed to follow up this activity by allocating somewhat
ampler resources to it , notably in regard to personnel .
The result of this activity is to produce batches of samples
of reference materials which represent considerable assets .
It is now necessary to ensure those functions needed for
correct management of these assets ( safe storage , distribution
and sale of reference materials ) .
Finally , it is proposed that for the first time research and
development projects be undertaken in the field of applied
metrology . This will call for close collaboration between
specialized laboratories in the member countries . The
objective of the project will essentially be to improve the
accuracy and comparability of measurements , and to develop
improved methods . It will be the technical and scientific
extension of the Community activities in the field of legal
metrology . Without interfering with existing collaboration
projects under international agreements , it will supplement
them when their possibilities are limited by lack of funds .
In a first stage , this action could be of an experimental
nature with limited resources which should , however , be
sufficient to ensure efficiency .
 ---pagebreak---             MOTIVATION AND CONTENT OF THE PROPOSAL
                           PROJECT 1
            REFERENCE MATERIALS AND METHODS ( BCR)
         Review of the results of the past programme
The BCR programme on reference materials and methods has not
only succeeded in developing , by joint action , reference
materials of Community-wide interest and of recognized
quality , but has forged many links of collaboration in the
course of the work , resulting in a degree of harmonization
of national activities .
The preparation of a BCR reference material is essentially
based on broad collaboration between the most expert public
and private laboratories in the member countries .
Since the operations involved are highly specialized , only
a very small part of the programme can be implemented on
the basis of proposals received in response to public
invitations to tender . Public calls for proposals have
not proved to be very effective .
The projects are drawn up gradually as needs become known
in discussions with experts and members of the Advisory
Committee .
When a project has been defined in broad outline with the help
of experts and potential participants , it is submitted to the
ACPM ( x ) for an opinion . Next , the participants meet a number
of times to decide on the details of implementation (method
of preparation , stability tests , methods of analysis ,
organization of the programme and procedure for processing
the results ) . This is the basis on which the Commission
concludes contracts with each of the participants in the
measurement or analytical programme . When the experimental
work is completed and evaluated the Commission discusses
the results with the contractors and experts to examine
whether these results warrant certification of the property
or properties of the material . A draft report is submitted
to a committee of experts , then , where appropriate , to the
Certification Group , and then to the ACPM .
 (*)
     ACPM = Advisory Committe on Programme Management
 ---pagebreak---                                -6-
The decision to certify a reference material is taken by the
Commission on the advice of the ACPM ,
Each reference material is the subject of a report summarizing
the results and conclusions of the work that led up to
certification . The reference materials are offered for sale
in the form of samples accompanied by a certificate and a
copy of the report .
Table 1 gives some information on the reference materials
already certified as at 30 April 1978 and those in
preparation or planned .
                         TABLE  1
                                    Number of materials
                                             In
BCR reference materials      Certified    preparation   Planned
Chemical properties
Coke
Coal                                          2           1
Non-ferrous metals                9           4          30
Non-ferrous ores                  7           9           3
Lead glass                                    1
Silicates for pétrographie
analyses                                      4
Fertilizers                                   2
Organic compounds for
analyses of elements              1           7
Liquid fuels
( flash point )                   5           5
Liquid fuels
( sulphur content )                           4
Polymers                                      3
Carcinogenic compounds                       10
Trace metals in synthetic
proteins                                      1
Trace metals in plants                        4          10
Fly ash                                       1
Biological substances                         2
 ---pagebreak---                                      Number of materials
                                             In
BCR reference materials       Certified   preparation  Planned
Physical and technological
properties
Thermal conductivity              -            2
Dielectric                        -            3
Magnetic susceptibility           -            2
Coloured glass                    -            1
Reflectivity                      -            1
Powders
  - particle size                 -            6
  - specific surface area         ~            6
Porosity                          -            5
Raman spectroscopy                ~            1
Vacuum measurement ( gauges )     -            1
Impact Toughness                  -            1
       Total                      26          86          57
 ---pagebreak---                                -8-
The total number of projects relating to reference materials
and measurements is 52 . They were the subject of 134 contracts
during the first phase ( 1973-75 ) and 228 contracts during the
period from 1 January 1976 up to the date of this document .
As a rule - and this is also true for similar activities of
national organizations - the total duration of a project for
the preparation of a reference material from the definition
of the project to the certification of the product is about
three to four years . This explains why many reference materials
are in preparation and only some are fully certified . Because
many laboratories participate in each project , several meetings
must be held to coordinate the work in which they have to
collaborate . The need to ensure adequate coordination and to
evaluate the results puts high demands on Commission staff
responsible for the management of the programme and on JRC
staff who make a substantial contribution to the work .
In addition to the batches of high-quality certified reference
materials produced , the benefits of these activities include
the excellent collaboration established between the member
countries , the interest shown by specialized institutes in
taking part in the Community programme and the repercussions
of this programme in various international bodies .
 ---pagebreak---                             PROGRAMME
It is intended that the proposed programme will be
implemented in the same spirit of close collaboration
between the laboratories of the member countries as in
the past . The JRC will continue to be associated with
the projects according to its available expertise .
The research does not include any standardization work . This ,
however , does not rule out projects relating to precision
measurement , the results of which might prove useful later
on for standardization by the responsible bodies .
The activities envisaged in the programme will include :
a ) Production and certification of reference materials
      - definition of requirements for reference materials
        through contacts with possible users and by exchanges
        of information on existing reference materials
      - characterization of materials
      - organization of inter-laboratory comparisons             *
      - approval of laboratories
      - certification of reference materials at Community level
b ) Development of associated reference methods
      Methods associated to reference materials , having margins
      of error which can be determined and are in any case small
      for chemical analyses , property measurements or testing .
Areas of activity
The areas of activity are selected so that BCR reference
materials and methods meet one or several of the following
criteria :
- help towards the implementation of sectoral policies
    ( e.g. environment , energy ) ;
- have recognized value in industry or in commercial
   transactions ;
- facilitate the implementation of regulations and directives
   for the removal of technical barriers to trade ;
- help to improve living conditions ( public health ,
   environmental protection , consumer protection ) .
 ---pagebreak---                               - 10-
Ferrous metals ( objectives : ECSC , industry )
As in the past , the research will be restricted to those
requirements which are not covered by the existing
organizations already collaborating under the provisions
of the ECSC Treaty . Hence this sector will not be a major
area of activity .
Non-ferrous metals ( objectives : industry , commercial
transactions )
There is no organized collaboration as in the case of iron
and steel . The need for reference materials is an important
one , notably in regard to ores and refined metals ( copper ,
lead , zinc , etc .).
Non-metallic materials ( objective : industry )
A number of problems are already being dealt with in the
current activities . They relate in particular to glass and
ceramics . These do not seem to call for any major effort .
Inorganic materials and products ( objectives : industry ,
implementation of directives , environment )
Under this heading it is proposed to include in particular
problems relating to environmental protection , such as
reference samples for measuring heavy and toxic metals
in fumes , water or industrial and urban waste .
Organic materials and products ( objectives : industry ,
implementation of directives , environment , energy )
This is a very wide field which will probably be the focus
of a good deal of activity . Besides organic synthesis
products and the analytical problems they give rise to
( e.g. simultaneous presence of sulphur and halogens ) ,
it is intended to give special attention to problems
of environmental and consumer protection ( e.g. heavy
and toxic metals in proteins and plants ) .
Foodstuffs ( objective : implementation of directives )
No work has as yet been done on human and animal foodstuffs
under the BCR programme . They are the subject of numerous
directives , however , the implementation of which will call
for reference materials .
 ---pagebreak---                                  - 11-
Biomedical analyses ( objective : public health )
                                                         X)
The Community laboratories for biomedical analyses          carry
out an average of 10 analyses ( results ) per person per year .
These analyses relate to a large number of biological
substances or drugs present in biological fluids ( blood ,
urine , etc .) or in tissues ( muscle , etc .).
The results sometimes vary appreciably from one laboratory
to another . This is due to a certain extent to the absence
of adequate biological reference materials to check the
accuracy of the routine methods and to the lack of
sufficiently accurate methods .
According to some estimates , the number of required reference
materials could amount to some hundred products for the most
common analyses .
For the most frequently used compounds , there are existing
reference methods ( gas chromatography combined with mass
spectrometry ) . These techniques can be used to produce
certified reference materials ( carbohydrates , lipids ,
amino acids , vitamins and inorganic compounds ) . Another
important requirement is for reference materials to determine
the presence in the blood of drugs used in long-term
treatment . For compounds of higher molecular weight ( protein
group such as enzymes , protein hormones and coagulants ) ,
the methods are not yet satisfactory .
Physical and technological properties of materials
 ( Objectives : industry , implementation of directives ,
   energy , environment )
There are relatively few certified reference materials
for physical properties that are publicly available . They
are sometimes provided by the manufacturers of equipment
or by private associations . Reference materials of wider
availability would be very useful . There are requirements
with respect to optical properties , thermal , electrical
or magnetic properties , and the precise characterization
of porous or finely divided materials . In several of
these fields , work is already in progress and well
worth following up .
   x)
      These analyses use chemical , physical and biological
      methods and are carried out in particular in clinical
      rhemistry , haematology , clinical immunology , histology
      end clinical microbiology .
 ---pagebreak---                              - 12
Staff and appropriations
The programme Reference Materials and Methods ( BCR ) had a staff
of 7 members ( 4A+1B + 2C ) for the period 1976-78 . The
total appropriation amounted to 2,7 million EUA for three
years .
The staff allocated to this action was insufficient and this
fact was deplored on several occasions by the ACPM . In order
to ensure adequately the role of coordination which is essen­
tial and to undertake projects in the new fields of foodstuffs
and biomedical analysis as indicated in the programme , a
minimum increase of staff by one person of category A is
proposed .
The appropriations for contracts were kept at the same level
as for the years 1977 and 1978 , with an annual increase of
10% including inflation .
Cost of staff (8 staff members )         1.760.000 EUA
Administration and contracts             4.840.000 EUA
Total for 4 years                        6.600.000 EUA
 ---pagebreak---                              - 13-
                         PROJECT 2
   DISTRIBUTION AND MANAGEMENT OF REFERENCE MATERIALS
                         PROGRAMME
Reference materials certified by the Community are
offered for sale by the Commission . This service , which
will have to be placed on an established basis , involves
the following tasks :
1.   The setting up of a storage system for reference
     materials . They will have to be stored in one or
     more establishments with special expertise in the
     field of reference materials , such as the JRC and
     specialized national laboratories . It will be necessary
     for the depository establishments to have at their
     disposal the qualified personnel necessary for the
     supervision and where necessary periodic inspection
     of the reference mater ials .
     In the event of storage in a JRC establishment the
     BCR programme could profit from the expertise and
     infrastructure existing by virtue of the METRE
     programme . Provision should nevertheless be made
     for the services strictly specific to the storage
     and handling of reference materials for sale to be
     chargeable to the BCR programme .
     If the materials were stored in other establishments ,
     the service provided by the body in question ( super­
     vision of the preservation of products and the packing
     and despatch of samples ) would have to be the subject
     of contracts concluded with the Commission .
2.   The development of an efficient system for receiving
     orders , forwarding them to the storage location ( s ) ,
     preparing invoices , despatching samples , and drawing
     up a periodic inventory .
 ---pagebreak---                               - 14-
     Although the Commission intends to use automated
     management techniques as far as possible , the need
      for a minimum staff cannot be ruled out .
3.    The editing and dissemination of documents ( catalogues ,
     advertisements and annual reports on activities ) to bring
     the existence of reference materials to the notice of
     those concerned .
 Staff and appropriations
To ensure an appropriate management of this action it is
proposed to allocate to it a staff oflA+lB+lC .
 The estimated expenditure include rather high costs in
 the starting phase for storage contracts and for setting
 appropriate means of computarized management .
 Cost of staff (3 staff members )         527.400 EUA
Administration and contracts              962.600 EUA
 Total for 4 years                      1.490.000 EUA
 In the long run the income from sales of reference materials
 could compensate partly the management expenditures for
 storage and selling .
 ---pagebreak---                                 - 15-
                          PROJECT 3
                     APPLIED   METROLOGY
As yet there is no Community scientific and technical
programme in the field of applied metrology except for
nuclear measurements ( Central Bureau for Nuclear
Measurements - CBNM ) .
Commercial transactions , however , frequently require that
products be measured , weighed or analysed with sufficient
accuracy . Most industrial activities rely on still more
sophisticated measurements .
The importance of measurement explains why one of the
tasks the European Economic Community has set itself is
that of harmonizing the rules and practices in the member
countries relating to measuring instruments and methods
relevant to legal metrology . In this field , which covers
those measurements whose accuracy is ruled by . legal texts ,
twenty-six directives have been adopted by the Council .
They relate to instruments for measuring length , volume
( gas meters , water meters , etc .), weight , electrical
energy and alcoholic strength .
The basic units are the subject of international agreements
and international collaboration , and there is no question
of interfering with them .
This apart , applied metrology offers a fairly wide field
in which it is important for the Community not just to
improve measurement techniques and their accuracy , but
even more to stimulate collaboration with a view to
improving the comparability of existing methods and
encouraging the joint development of new methods required
by technical progress . A variety of collaboration arrangements
already exist but it appears important now to bring them to­
gether , specially for those fields of applied metrology which
correspond to Community objectives . In those fields where new
metrology needs arise , a close collaboration at Community
level would enable to make better use of existing means and
facilities ( specially for expensive projects ) and to ensure
homogeneous development of measurement techniques so that the
establishment of future Community directives would be
considerably easier .
 ---pagebreak---                              - 16-
                         PROGRAMME
Objectives
To promote metrology projects based essentially on
collaboration between laboratories in the r member countries
with a view to :
- ensuring the equivalence and comparability of secondary
   standards and transfer standards ;
- improving the accuracy of measurements ;
- developing metrology in areas of importance to the Community
   and where projects are costly .
Projects
The programme is to be put under way progressively in the
following areas .
1 . Intercomparison of secondary and transfer standards
    for derived units of measurement
This work would essentially concern units derived from the
base units such as force and pressure . Such intercomparison
would result in improving mutual confidence in the level of
accuracy of measurements made in the various member countries .
It could also lead to an improvement in the overall level
of accuracy .
2 . Improvement of measurement techniques and their accuracy
This will mainly consist of joint research in areas of
Community interest in which the improvement of measurement
accuracy is a matter of major economic importance .
For instance , although there is a directive in force on gas
meters , the accuracy that it requires is not sufficient for
very large gas flows under high pressure ( x ) .
    An uncertainty of only 1% ( current value ) in the metering
    of millions of cubic metres of gas can have serious
    financial consequences .
 ---pagebreak---                                 - 17-
Difficult problems of this kind require large test facilities
which are very expensive and could not be fully used if they
were reproduced in all member countries . It would therefore be
most useful for the Community to stimulate collaboration by a
financial support .
3 . Development of new measurement techniques
With technological progress and changing conditions of life ,
new needs for methods of measurements are emerging in fields
of importance for the Community . This applies to a variety of
topics ( e.g. industrial metrology , safety regulations for
equipment and regulations for environmental protection ) for
which there is a growing need for methods of measurement and
reference materials . Development costs in these new fields
of metrology may be very high and cost-sharing by means of
efficient collaboration could be extremely advantageous . In
this and other similar fields , the Community should be involved
at an early stage , for this would result in a more efficient
use of the skills and resources of the member countries . Further­
more , an important consequence of such collaboration at an early
stage is to avoid the development of rules and standards that
differ from one country to another and are afterwards difficult
to harmonize .
4 . Exchange of personnel
Since collaboration depends not only on equipment but also on
individuals , it appears important to give special attention to
and to encourage exchanges of personnel - perhaps specialists -
in the context of the programme itself . They would continue to
receive their salary from their own employer , but would benefit
from Community allowances to cover expatriation costs .
Staff and appropriations
Because metrology problems often involve difficult commercial
and regulation aspects , they should be treated with great care .
In addition the projects should be set up so as to include a
close collaboration between the partners .
The minimum personnel to start this action is 2 A + 1 C officials .
The appropriations for contracts are evaluated at a modest level .
In fact the unit cost of metrology projects could be very high
due to the fact that they will always involve several laboratories
and require high accuracy measurements .
Cost of staff (2 A + 1 C )                665.000 EUA
Administration and contracts            2.545.000 EUA
Total for 4 years                       3.210.000 EUA
 ---pagebreak---                               - 18-
             PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION
ADOPTING A MULT I ANNUAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
           FOR THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
  IN THE FIELD OF REFERENCE MATERIALS AND METHODS ( BCR )
                               AND
                      APPLIED METROLOGY
                      ( indirect action )
                          ( 1979-1982 )
 ---pagebreak---                           COUNCIL DECISION
        adopting a research and development programme
      for the European Economic Community in the field of
                 reference materials and methods
             ( Community Bureau of Reference - BCR )
                        and applied metrology
                   ( non-nuclear indirect action )
                             ( 1979-1982 )
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Economic Community , and in particular Article 235 thereof ,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament ^ ,
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social
             (2)
Committee        ,
Whereas according to Article 3 ( a ) and ( h ) of the Treaty ,
the activities of the Community shall include , inter alia ,
the elimination , as between Member States , of quantitative
restrictions on the import and export of goods , and of all
other measures having equivalent effect , together with the
approximation of the laws of the Member States to the
extent required for the proper functioning of the common
market ;
 ( 1 ) OJ No
 ( 2 ) OJ No
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 20 -
Whereas the research projects covered by this Decision are of such a
nature as to make an effective contribution to the carrying out of
these Community tasks and whereas , therefore , they are necessary for
the achievement , within the Common Market , of the said objectives ;
Whereas the Treaty does not provide the necessary powers for
this purpose ;
Whereas , in its Resolution of 14 January 1974 on a first action
programme of the European Communities in the field of science and
technology ^ , the Council stated that the whole range of available
ways and means , including indirect action , should be used as
appropriate ;
Whereas the Scientific and Technical Research Committee ( CREST ) has
delivered an opinion on the Commission proposal ,
HAS   DECIDED AS  FOLLOWS :
                                 Article 1
A research and development programme for the European Economic
Community in the field of reference materials and methods and of
applied metrology , as defined in the Annex , is hereby adopted for a
period of four years with effect from 1 January 1979 .
                                 Arti ele 2
The upper limit for commitments for expenditure and the maximum
number of staff necessary for the implementation of the programme
are estimated at 11.3 million European units of account and 14 staff
respectively , the European unit of account being defined in the
Financial Regulations in force .
( 3 ) 0J No C 7 , 29.1.1974 , p. 6
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 21-
                             Article 3
The Conutiission shall be responsible for the implementation
of the programme . It shall be assisted in this task by the
Advisory Committee on Programme Management set up by the
Council Resolution of 19 November 1973 , the terms of
reference of     which are set out in the Resolution of
                M)
18 July 1977       . The Joint Research Centre CJRC ) shall remain
 associated with the implementation of the programme ^.
                             Article 4
During the third year the programme shall be reviewed and
possibly revised in accordance with the appropriate procedure
and after consultation of the Advisory Committee on Programme
Management .
                             Article 5
The information resulting from the implementation of the
programme shall be disseminated in accordance with Council
Regulation ( EEC ) No 2380 / 74 of 17 September 1974 adopting
provisions for the dissemination of information relating to research
programmes for the European Economic Community
Done at Brussels ,                         For the Council
                                           The President
 ( 4 ) OJ No C 192 , 11.8.1977 , p. 1
 ( 5 ) OJ No L 200 , 8.8.1977 , p. 7
 ( 6 ) OJ No L 255 , 20.9.1974 , p. 1
 ---pagebreak---                                 - 22-
                              Annex
                Reference materials and methods
            ( Community Bureau of Reference - BCR )
                      and applied metrology
                 ( Non-nuclear indirect action )
The programme comprises three projects as described below .
The first two are activities of the Community Bureau of
Reference .
The aim of the programme defined below is to strengthen ,
supplement and harmonize national efforts in the field
of reference materials , analytical and measuring methods
and applied metrology .
1 . Reference materials and methods
This project shall include the following activities :
- exchange of information on reference materials and methods
   and in particular on national activities in these fields ;
- determination of the requirements for reference materials
   and methods ;
- characterization of materials ;
- organization of inter-laboratory comparisons ;
- joint preparation of reference materials ;
- certification of the properties of reference materials
   at Community level ;
- joint definition of reference methods ;
- approval of laboratories .
 ---pagebreak---                                - 23-
2 . Management and distribution of Community reference materials
- Storage and preservation of BCR reference materials in JRC
   laboratories and national laboratories ;
- Preparation of information to be disseminated to publicize
   reference materials by suitable means within and outside
   the Community ;
- Distribution of samples .
3 . Applied metrology
This project comprises the following activities :
- Inter-laboratory comparisons of secondary and transfer
   standards for derived units of measurement ;
- Improvement of measuring techniques and their accuracy ;
- Development of new measuring techniques ;
- Exchange of information and exchange of scientific personnel .
Studies and research work will be carried out under contract .
 ---pagebreak---                              - 24-
                            ANNEX  I
        ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT
The terms of reference of the Committee are set out in the
Council Resolution of 18 July 1977 .
Its powers extend to the non-nuclear part of the programme
on measurements , standards and reference techniques ( METRE )
( direct action ) and to the programme on reference materials
and methods ( BCR ) and applied metrology .
If necessary , the Member States will review the composition
of their delegations to this Committee so that they can
accomplish their new tasks in the field of metrology .
 ---pagebreak---                            - 25-
                          ANNEX  II
                    OPINION OF THE ACPM
The ACPM is of the unanimous opinion that the results of the
current BCR programme are very satisfactory . The reference
materials prepared and certified up to now appear to have
aroused interest not only in the Community but also in
non-member countries . The ACPM wishes to stress that the
implementation of the BCR programme has provided an
opportunity for very fruitful cooperation , which should
be continued and extended , between experts and participating
laboratories of the member countries .
The work in the field of reference materials and associated
methods should therefore be actively continued .
The ACPM is unanimously in favour of the programme proposed
by the Commission and approves the options outlined for
projects 1 and 2 on reference materials and associated
methods , as regards both their technical content and the
staffing and budgetary implications .
The ACPM is also in favour of the Commission proposal that
cooperation be promoted by way of indirect action in those
fields of applied metrology which are regarded as appropriate ,
where a specific need arises and where the planned activities
will not interfere with national efforts or existing
international collaboration .
 ---pagebreak---                                       - IV-
                                FINANCIAL RECORD
1 . RELEVANT BUDGET HEADING CODE :      3353 .
2 . TITLE OP BUDGET HEADING : Reference materials and methods ( BCR),
    applied metrology ,
3 . LEGAL BASIS :
    -In application of Article 235 of the Treaty establishing the EEC
    -Council Decision of 15 March 1976 (l January 1976 - 31 December 1978)
    -Council Decision of
4 . DESCRIPTION , OBJECTIVE AND JUSTIFICATION OP THE PROJECT :
    4.1 . Description
          The project relates to
          - the preparation , in close collaboration between the member
            countries , of reference materials of interest to the Community;
          - the joint definition of reference methods }
          - characterization of materials ?
          - distribution of certified reference specimens resulting from
            the programme ;
          - research in the field of applied metrology.
    4»2 . Objective
          - to promote the preparation of reference materials and reference
            methods at Community level ;
          - to develop cooperation and consequently coordination between
            national activities in the field of reference materials and
            applied metrology ;
          - to back up national efforts by projects of interest to the
            Community especially in respect of particularly costly projects .
    4.3 » Justification
          To facilitate commercial transactions and industrial operations and
          ensure efficiently medical care and environmental protection , it is
          necessary to have reliable methods of analysis and measurement .
          lb ensure that results are comparable in different parts of the
          Community , the methods and instruments used have to be calibrated
          by means of reference materials .
          The Community 's efforts in the way of harmonization directives have
          to be backed up by technical and scientific work designed to facili­
          tate correct implementation of the directives and the development
          of adequate methods of measurement .
 ---pagebreak---                                          -V-
  5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OP THE PROJECT Iff EUA ( at current prices )
     5.0 . Implications in respect of expenditure
     5,0.0 . Total cost over the full period
             - to the Community tiudget :                       11,300,000   EUA
             - to national administrations :
                                                                 2,000,000   EUA
             - to other sectors at national level
                                                 Total cost :   13,300,000   EUA
     5.0.1 . Multiannual timetable
             Appropriations for commitment
                     1979        1980      1981      1982      Tbtal
  Personnel        640,400     727,600   768,400   816,000  2,952,400
  Administrative
                   245,000     262,000   277,000   294,000  1,078,000
     operations
  Technical
                    55,000      59,000    62,000    66,000    242,000
     operations
  Contracts      1,876,500 2,098,000 2,287,000     766,100  7,027,600
  Total          2,816,900 3,146,600 3,394,400 1,942,100 11,300,000
             Appropriations for payment
                     1979        1980      1981      1982       1983       Total
I Personnel        640,400     727,600   768,400   816,000              2,952,400 I
  Administrative
                   245,000     262,000   277,000   294,000              1,078,000
     operations
  Technical
                    55,000      59,000    62,000    66,000                242,000
     operations
  Contracts      1,076,500 h-, 393,000 1,887,000 1,880,000    791,100  7,027,600
  ïbtal          2,016,900 2,441,600 2,994,400 3,056,000      791,100 11,300,000
 ---pagebreak---                                       -VI-
5.0.2. Method of calculation
       a) Personnel costs
       The staff required for this programme has been estimated at :
       8 staff in category . A
       2 staff in category B
       4 staff in category C
       The A staff cpmprises five persons for project 1 , one person for
       project 2 and two persons for project 3 .
       Project 1 corresponds to the previous programme 1976-1978 f°r which
       the staff allocation was quite inadequate . One extra member of staff
       is essential . A staff of one A for project 2 and two A for project 3
       are the absolute minimum if these operations are to be successful .
       The B and C staff have been evaluated proportionately.
       In calculating the relevant expenditure , account has been taken of the
       parameters laid down for the preparation of the preliminary draft
       budget for 1979 * No increase in purchasing power is foreseen. Only
       a variation in weighting has been taken into consideration to allow
       for changes in the general price level in the Community.
       b) Expenditure on administrative and technical operations
       These cover costs of travel , missions and the organization of meetings
       and the use of a scientific and technical support when this is
       essential for the proper execution of the programme .
       c) Contract expenditure
       As the type of subject and qualifications of the contract holders vary
       a uniform method of calculation cannot be used .
       In any case , the Advisory Committee on Programme Management will be
       consulted on the allocation of appropriations .
       d) Multiannual forecasts
       The rates adopted for the calculation of the forecasts are as follows :
       1979 - 1.07 ; 1980 - 1.13 ; 1981 - 1.20 : 1982 - I.27 .
 ---pagebreak---                                        -VII-
    5.1 . Implications in respect of revenue
          For information purposes , it is pointed out that some revenue is to
          be expected ( see point 8).
6 . TYPE OP C0NTR0L 10 BE APPLIED
    Scientific controls ; ACPM
                          responsible officials of DG XII
    Administrative controls s
    Budgetary execution : General Directorate for Financial Control
    Regularity of expenditure : General Directorate for Financial Control
7 . FINANCING THE PROJECT
    7.0 .
    7.1 .
    7.2 .
    7.3 . Appropriations to be entered m future budgets
8 . REVENUE
    8.1 . Legal basis
          Articles 3(l ), last paragraph of 87 and 90(4) of the Financial
          Regulation of 21 December 1977 *
    8.2 . Type of revenue
          The revenue under this programme will come from the services supplied
          upon request and against payment for public or private undertakings
          or bodies .
          This revenue will be used to cover the expenditure entered in Item
          3388 of the statement of expenditure .
          The revenue will be entered in Chapter 92 of the Budget ( Article 924).
    8.3. Amount of revenue
          1979 token entry
          1980 token entry
          1981 token entry
          1982 token entry
    8.4 . Method of calculation
          In 1977 » the revenue amounted to 1,271.35 EUA. It is not possible to
          prepare valid forecasts for revenue in 1979 and future years since
          it will depend essentially on the requests made to the Commission
          which in principle cannot be estimated at the present time .