REFERENCE MATERIALS: RM / CRM / ERM

Reference materials serve as essential standards for ensuring the quality of analyses, calibrating equipment, verifying the accuracy of measurements, and validating analytical methods. Their use helps to strengthen the reliability of results and ensure the precision of processes used in analytical laboratories. They therefore play a key role in any quality management system.

BIPEA provides several types of reference materials, each suited to different needs:

• Reference Materials (RM): Their properties are defined and documented, but no formal certification is provided.
• Certified Reference Materials (CRM): Their reference values are certified and accompanied by metrological traceability, in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• External Reference Materials (ERM): Their reference values are derived from proficiency testing.

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Reference Materials (RM) and Certified Reference Materials (CRM)

Certified reference materials (CRMs) are delivered with a certificate that details reference values for one or more properties, the associated measurement uncertainties, and the conditions of use.

CRMs produced under ISO 17034 accreditation: since 2025, BIPEA has been ISO 17034 accredited for its activities as a reference material producer (RMP) – scope 1-7400 available at www.cofrac.fr.

This accreditation guarantees control over the processes of production, characterization, certification, and traceability of certified reference materials.

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There are numerous reasons for using a Certified Reference Material:

• Equipment calibration
  • Use a CRM to adjust or verify the accuracy of a laboratory measurement instrument
  • Ensure metrological traceability in accordance with international standards

• Internal quality control
  • Use the CRM in a series of analyses to monitor the stability and consistency of measurements
  • Rapid detection of systematic errors or deviations

• Accuracy testing (bias)
  • Compare the results obtained with the certified value of the CRM to estimate the systematic deviation (bias) of the method and/or laboratory

• Validation of analytical methods
  • Verify that a method produces accurate results: correct and reliable
  • Confirm that the method is suitable for analysing the analyte in the matrix of interest

• Assigning a value to other materials

CRM DURUM WHEAT => Technical specifications

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Conditions under which CRMs are made available

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Certified Reference Materials (CRMs):

• meet the requirements of ISO 17034,
• are available to all laboratories, whether or not they are members of BIPEA,
• are available upon reservation and subject to limited stock availability.

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External Reference Materials (ERM)

External Reference Materials (ERMs) are samples prepared for the purposes of proficiency testing programs. Their assigned values are determined by rigorous statistical processing of the results provided by all participants, thus ensuring a consensual and representative reference.

External Reference Materials (ERMs) offer a flexible and tailor-made solution to complement and strengthen internal quality control in laboratories, empower technical operators, or verify an analytical instrument, for instance. They not only extend quality assurance beyond regular testing cycles but also provide a means of analysing matrices similar to those analysed on a daily basis.

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A wide range of ERMs in many fields

BIPEA offers a wide range of ERMs spanning many fields (agri-food, feed, environment, cosmetics, etc.), directly linked to its proficiency testing programs.

The complete list of ERMs available for sale can be viewed in the Member Area.

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Conditions under which ERMs are made available 

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External Reference Materials:

• meet the requirements of the FD V03-115 technical documentation,
• are reserved for BIPEA members who keep their membership fees up to date,
• and are available after validation of the assigned values and publication of the Interlaboratory Comparison Report.

ERM contracts are available, allowing you to enter a year-long contract for the supply of ERMs at discounted prices. For further information, please contact the sales department: sales@bipea.org

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Important information: The assigned values cannot be guaranteed for all parameters. If you have any specific requests, please contact the sales department to verify the availability and stability of the parameter(s) concerned.