ISO10012

ISO 10012 is an international standard that specifies requirements for the management of measurement processes and the competence of measuring equipment. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the standard provides a framework for establishing, implementing, and maintaining a systematic approach to measurement assurance in organizations that rely on accurate data for quality, safety, regulatory, or operational purposes.

The scope of ISO 10012 covers all types of measurement activities, including the selection, calibration, verification, and maintenance of measuring instruments, as well as the documentation of measurement methods and uncertainty. It is intended for use by manufacturers, service providers, laboratories, and any entity that requires reliable measurement results to support decision‑making, product conformity, or compliance with other standards.

ISO 10012 aligns closely with ISO 9001 (quality management systems) and the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for testing and calibration laboratories. While ISO 9001 emphasizes overall quality management, ISO 10012 focuses specifically on the technical aspects of measurement control, and ISO 17025 describes requirements for competence in testing and calibration. Together, these standards enable organizations to integrate measurement assurance into broader quality and compliance programs.

Key elements of the standard include the definition of measurement uncertainty, the establishment of a measurement management system (MMS), the identification of critical measurement equipment, and the implementation of calibration and verification schedules. It also requires records that demonstrate traceability of measurements to national or international measurement standards.

The most recent edition of ISO 10012, released in 2003, superseded earlier versions and incorporates updates to reflect advances in measurement technology and best practices. Organizations adopting ISO 10012 benefit from improved confidence in measurement results, reduced risk of non‑conformities, and enhanced ability to meet regulatory and customer requirements.