Over the years, the CIPM has set up a number of Consultative Committees, which bring together the world's experts in their specified fields as advisers on scientific and technical matters. Among the tasks of these Committees are the detailed consideration of advances in physics that directly influence metrology, the preparation of Recommendations for discussion at the CIPM, the identification, planning and execution of key comparisons of national measurement standards, and the provision of advice to the CIPM on the scientific work in the laboratories of the BIPM.

The Committees meet at irregular intervals. The president of each Committee is appointed by, and is normally a member of, the CIPM. The Members (institutions and other bodies) of the Committees are agreed by the CIPM, and Members then send delegates of their choice. See Criteria for membership of a Consultative Committee.