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What is the NMS?

The National Measurement System (NMS) is the UK's national infrastructure of measurement laboratories, which delivers world-class measurement science and technology. It provides traceable and increasingly accurate standards of measurement for use in trade, industry, academia and government.

The NMS supports innovation in industry generally, by enabling the benefits of new products and processes to be measured and, specifically, by stimulating new product development in the instrument sector. It also raises productivity through improved process and quality control. Measurement also underpins a wide range of public goods, including consumer protection ("legal metrology"), forensic science, environmental controls, safe medical treatment and food safety regulation, as well as the technical standards that ensure barrier-free trade.

DIUS is responsible for government programmes for the NMS and for policy on measurement standards. It is also responsible for:

• the management of the contract with NPL Management Ltd (NPLML) for the effective operation of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL);
• the management of the Teddington estate including the development of new Laboratory premises.