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Introduction
Since 1965 the United Kingdom has been adopting metric
weights and measures in response to the adoption of metric units as
the international system of measurement.
Metric units of measurement are now used for most
transactions regulated by the Weights and Measures Act 1985. In
addition, it is Government policy to encourage the adoption of the
metric system for other purposes, including public administration.
Goods sold loose by weight (mainly fresh foods) from 1
January 2000 were required to be sold in grams and kilograms.
• Retailers can continue to display the price per imperial
unit alongside the price per metric unit.
• Consumers can continue to express in ounces and pounds
the quantity they wish to buy. Retailers will weigh out the
equivalent quantity in grams and kilograms.
  Guidance
for businesses on
the Use of Metric Units of Measurement and the EC units of
Measurement Directive.
On
the use of Metric Units of
Measurement by the Public Sector.
Background: International
System of Units
This DTI Report on the UK Adoption
of SI Units reviews the UK's adoption of the International
System of Units - the modern version of the metric system.
(76 Kb)
You can read more about the
International System of Units, including the names and definitions
of individual units and its history, by clicking
here.
Note: If you have problems
viewing PDF files on-line, right-click the button and choose [Save
Target As...]. This will save the PDF file to your computer for
viewing off-line.
Links
These other websites may have
useful information
Contacts
For further information please
contact:
|
DTI Enquiry Unit
dti.enquiries@dti.gsi.gov.uk |
020
7215 5000 |
| National
Weights and Measures Laboratory |
020
8943 7272 |
|
United Kingdom Weighing
Federation
|
01604
622 023 |
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