Although there were precedents in the pre-unification Italian states, the institution was formally established by the
Royal Decree No. 20 of January 13, 1910. Despite its official establishment, it began its activity only in 1920, in the laboratories of
Gardone Val Trompia and
Brescia. Its importance grew also because weapons testing became mandatory, as sanctioned by the Royal Decree-Law No. 3152 of December 30, 1923. == Responsibilities ==