This July marks 106 years since the establishment of the Chamber of Weights and Measures – Estonia’s first metrology institution. On July 1st, 1919, the foundations were laid for national metrology in Estonia, and today’s AS Metrosert is its direct successor. This milestone commemorates our country’s long-standing commitment to precise measurements and reliability.
From History to Today
In its early days, the institution went by various names, from Chamber of Weights and Measures, until the 1920s, when the name Assay Office became common. Metrosert continues this legacy as Estonia’s central metrology authority, tasked with ensuring the accuracy of measurements and their international comparability.
Work began energetically in the summer of 1919 – within just a few weeks, the scales and measures of 86 merchants were verified. In 1925, with the legal adoption of the metric system in Estonia, a new era in metrology began. To ensure measurement accuracy, two copies of the kilogram standard were brought to Estonia – one placed at the University of Tartu, the other at the Assay Office.
Metrosert Today and in the Future
Metrosert maintains and develops the national measurement standards in the fields of mass, length, temperature, and electrical quantities. It is also working to create new standards in emerging areas such as time and frequency, optical quantities, and electric power.
In 2023, the Estonian government established an applied research centre at Metrosert, supporting companies in developing knowledge-intensive products and services. The centre focuses on biorefining, health data, drone technologies, hydrogen technologies, and autonomous vehicles. As of 2025, Metrosert also hosts a chip centre to strengthen Estonia’s microelectronics sector. Quantum technologies have also become a key focus, helping ensure that Estonia remains at the forefront of scientific and industrial innovation.
From Everyday Life to International Cooperation
Accurate measurements affect us daily – from medical devices to energy consumption and industry. Metrosert’s work is often invisible, yet its impact is present wherever precision and reliability matter.
This May, we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention together with the international community. Signed in 1875, this agreement laid the foundation for the modern International System of Units (SI), which supports science, innovation, and fair trade worldwide.
Birthday Month Gallery
106 years is a long time – a period during which we have championed precision, reliability, and science-based development. At the same time, we are looking firmly to the future, where new technologies, international cooperation, and innovative solutions will help maintain Estonia’s competitiveness in the world.
Take a look at our historical gallery and embark on a journey from the Chamber of Weights and Measures to today’s modern Metrosert.
This birthday month, we celebrate both history and the future – the solid foundation of precision and trustworthiness in Estonian science and economy. Congratulations, Metrosert! 🎉
Five Fascinating Facts
- Founded in 1919 as the Chamber of Weights and Measures
- Maintains and develops Estonia’s national standards in mass, length, temperature, and electrical quantities
- Developing new standards in time, frequency, optical quantities, and electric power
- Operates an applied research centre, bridging companies and research institutions
- Represents Estonia in international applied research and metrology organisations
