Sometimes questions are raised whether quantity of dangerous goods or temperatures in dangerous goods declaration should be indicated in metric or imperial units.

The most recent enquiries were should the quantity in DGD be declared in pounds or kilograms and flashpoint be declared in Celsius or Fahrenheit.

IMDG Code chapter 5.4 states

Except for empty uncleaned packagings, the total quantity of dangerous goods covered by the description (by volume or mass as appropriate) of each item of dangerous goods bearing a different proper shipping Name. For class 1 dangerous goods, the quantity shall be the net explosive mass. For dangerous goods transported in salvage packagings, an estimate of the quantity of dangerous goods shall be given. Abbreviations may be used to specify the unit of measurement for the total quantity.

Above does not specify whether the units of measurements must be in SI, metric or imperial units.

For flashpoint and control and emergency temperatures IMDG Code indicates they must be mentioned in Celsius.

However, section 1.2.2.1 of IMDG Code lists down the units of measurement applicable for IMDG Code which are SI units and acceptable alternative units in metric without mentioning imperial units.

Certain other sections of IMDG Code which refers to same

• Definition : Maximum net mass as used in 6.1.4 means the maximum net mass of contents in a single packaging or maximum combined mass of inner packagings and the contents thereof and is expressed in kilograms.
• All packing instructions, which states mass or volume, indicate mass in KG and volume in litres.
• 5.2.1.1 – size of UN Number on package lesser of greater than 30 kg or 30 L,
• 5.2.1.4 – marking and labelling of IBCs & Large Packagings above 450L,
• 5.2.1.5.3 Radioactive material exceeding 50kg.
• 5.3.2.1 – packaged dangerous goods loaded in excess of 4000 kg gross mass to display of UN Numbers.
• Dangerous Goods Declaration – Flashpoint, Control and Emergency Temperatures in Celsius, field for mass in Kg