[fixed date below] Recently there was two seperate comments on this list server about a new metric-only requirement for Japan with a possible deadline of 1-1-199[9]. In chasing down this issue, I have the following tentative and marginally useful info (in other words, normal internet banter) to share with the group:
The US Dept of Commerce says there is no such requirement in Japan, metric is preferred, dual units are still acceptable. The same source reports that the EU Metric Directive has spawned a petition from the USA asking for a delay in it's implementation; the EU is reported to be agreeable to such a delay. However, as of this time there is no actual agreement on the EU Metric Directives delay. The Commerce Dept spokesperson recommended the following web site to watch for related topics: http://www.qualitydigest.com/ I am not terribly comforted by the info provided on Japan, the EU info seemed to be potentially interesting but is too premature to get very excited about. Regards, Eric Lifsey National Instruments
