Metrication in Peru

Peru adopted the metric system in 1862. Before, the Spanish system of measures was used. [1]

History

In 1862 the Peruvian government decreed the metric system to be official in Peru. However, several years later the old measurements were still used. In 1869 a new law made the metric system compulsory.

In 1875 Peru adhered to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in Sèvres, France.

The most current law regarding the measuring system is Law 23560, of 1982.[2]

Current exceptions

Gasoline and kerosene are sold by the gallon.

Television sets have their diagonal measured in inches.

Nails are sold in inches.

Coca leaves[3] and potatoes[4] are sold in arrobas.

References
  1. Proyecto Historia UNI, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Eduardo J. de Habich, chapter 12: Comisión de Pesos y Medidas Archived 2008-10-21 at the Wayback Machine (in Spanish)
  2. Sistema legal de unidades de medida del Perú, Ley 23560 (in Spanish)
  3. La República, “Mamacoca" recorre sus dominios... (in Spanish)
  4. La República, En Feria de la Mujer Emprendedora presentan antibióticos naturales saludables (in Spanish)
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