Weights and Measures

Current law

Metric units must be used for all measurements in use for trade. Imperial measurements may be used in addition to metric, as long as they are not more prominent.

Imperial measures (often known as 'supplementary indications') were permitted to remain in use alongside metric until 2009. We believe that the EU will shortly remove the deadline and supplementary indications may remain indefinitely.

This decision will be taken by the EU following lobbying from many parties. The two main reasons were to facilitate trade with the USA, and to make allowances for older people who may be more comfortable with imperial units.

We will continue to enforce the law in just the same way, offering advice and guidance wherever possible.

Further information on metrication, including official guidance, can be found on the BERR website (Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory)