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 designated by, and is normally a member of, the CIPM. The members of the Committees are metrology laboratories and specialized institutes agreed by the CIPM, which send delegates of their choice. In addition individual members are appointed by the CIPM, and there is also at least one representative of the BIPM.