Implementation of the New Defense Standard VG 96910

Abstract

International military agreements and standards are published in Standardisation Agreements (STANAG). STANAG 4704 contains the minimum requirements for calibration (reference to ISO 17025) but also standard documents for the user of the t&m equipment. This STANAG has been developed further into the new German Defense Standard VG 96910 (Documentation of Calibration Services) by German Standards Institution (DIN) published 1. September 2015. According to VG 96910 the holder of a test & measurement equipment has to define the calibration services needed before placing a calibration order. This requirement will also change the way of procurement of test & measurement equipment not only within the German Armed Forces. Before placing an order for purchasing test & measurement equipment, the measurement requirements have to be defined properly in accordance with ISO 10012. This will lead to the creation of a datasheet for the test & measurement equipment to be purchased. The retailer / distributor has to demonstrate the fulfillment of the required specification within the calibration certificate of the test & measurement equipment on offer and the traceability to national standards. The first calibration of the item after receiving can be considered as the conformity testing of the test & measurement Equipment to the required specification. This calibration will be continued to ensure that the test & measurement equipment can be used for the designated task. The Review of the calibration results can be used in accordance with RP-1 to define the calibration interval.