(Why are Roman numerals used for demonstrating Packing Groups?)
Q.
Arabic numerals and Roman numerals are used in the Dangerous Goods Regulations. Why are Arabic numerals used in describing Class Numbers such as Class 3 Flammable Liquids, but for Packing Instructions of that Class 3, Roman numerals are used for Packing Groups, e.g. Packing Group I, II, and III? Is there any meaning or set rules for the use of Roman numerals? Kindly enlighten us.  (31 Jul 21)
A.
Arabic numerals are used more or less to show an independent value or number. With the discovery of the figure “zero” in India, Arabic numerals were actively used in calculation and gained general usage. Flammale Liquid was indicated as Class 3 using Arabic numbers which gained the status as an independent value and number. Roman numeral which did not have a “zero” survived as a numberng system to show order or sequence. For example, the year as MMXXI (2021)、MCMLXIX (1969) or, Royal Order as Louis XIV or Elizabeth II, and also to simply “stand out”. Packing Group I, II and III will stand out better than Packing Group 1, 2, 3. There are many other opinions to this subject and if you hear of any, please contact benkinoshita@i.softbank.jp.

The Japanese Code on Air Transport of Dangerous Goods written in Japanese language, use the Arabic numerals as PG 1, 2 and 3. I suppose this is because the Roman numerals are not publicly known to the Japanese unlike westerners.

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