Reference materials (RMs) and certified reference materials (CRMs) (defined in 2.1 and 2.2) are widely used for the calibration of measuring apparatus, for the evaluation of measurement procedures and for the internal or external quality control of measurements and laboratories. They may enable the expression of functional properties, for instance in certain cases relevant for biology or material sciences, in appropriate units. RMs and CRMs play an increasingly important role in national and international standardizing activities and in the accreditation of laboratories.

This document is intended to serve as a guide for terms and definitions used in connection with the production and use of RMs as described in the respective ISO guides. It should prove useful in helping to ensure a greater degree of uniformity in the terminology used by different organizations concerned with the production and use of RMs throughout the world.

In some cases, admitted alternate terms are listed below the bold typeface defined term.