The credibility of a product certification system is directly related to the reputation of the laboratories performing certification tests. All laboratories engaged in product certification should be accredited to the criteria of ISO/ IEC Guide 25. For the industries, ISO 9000 series requires that all inspection, measuring and test equipment that can affect product quality be calibrated at prescribed intervals, or prior to use, against certified equipment having a known valid relationship to nationally recognized standards. Understandably, those ISO/IEC Guide 25 criteria and implementation of ISO 9000 series requires stringent attention to calibration practices. A credible national calibration system is prerequisite for national quality, testing and product certification systems which are acceptable by customer, and eligible for inclusion in mutual recognition arrangements with other nations, or regional and international frameworks.

Committee on Metrology-Indonesian Standardization Council (DSN) is appointed as Technical Institution of Accreditation Body for Metrology (KATT - Metrology) by National Accreditation Body (KAN) to perform the assessment of calibration laboratories against the compliances to DSN Guide 01 -1 991 requirements as an adoption of ISO/[EC Guide 25. The Committee has also set up the National Calibration Network (JNK) for coordination of calibration services which are rendered by all accredited calibration laboratories in Indonesia. Currently, there are 19 accredited calibration laboratories as a member of JNK, the other 24 laboratories are still wait-listed to be accredited by the Committee.

The physical measurements performed by the JNK's laboratories are traceable to the National Physical Standards of Measurement maintained by the Research and Development Centre for Calibration, Instrumentation, and Metrology - Indonesian Institute of Science (Puslitbang KIM - LIPI).

To enhance international reputation, performance and recognition in measurement and conformance are the first steps to international acceptance. Puslitbang KIM - LIPI and the Committee on Metrology are collaborating with the National Measurement Laboratory (NML) and the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) of Australia for a three-year period which commenced in July 1995.