3D Science Valley has released an analysis indicating that digital certification for metal 3D printing is entering a new phase. According to industry benchmarks disclosed at ASTM ICAM Conference 2020, a single complete microstructure characterization (including sample, preparation, and microscopy) costs approximately $1,400; to achieve statistical confidence, ten characterizations total about $14,000. In contrast, the physics-based digital twin simulation route, including cloud computing and software amortization, costs roughly $14.45—nearly a thousand times less than the ten-characterization cost. Digital twins are now economically viable for certification, but time, data, and consensus among standards bodies are still needed. Internationally, the Singapore Standards Council is advancing a framework for digital certification cooperation. The preparation of a Technical Report (TR) on digital certification methods for metal 3D printing components has commenced, involving a full chain from regulators to industry: Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, Maritime and Port Authority, and Civil Aviation Authority represent certification needs in critical infrastructure; global certification bodies including American Bureau of Shipping, ASTM, DNV, Bureau Veritas, and TÜV SÜD participate in technical compliance review; industrial end users such as ST Engineering and Alstom take part in validation.