Key ISO Standards

Being subject to many updates, we encourage container owners and operators to check the latest news and amendments on the ISO website.

ISO 668: CLASSIFICATION, dimensions and ratings
This standard is the most important since it gives information on all the dimensions of the series 1 containers including the positioning of the corner fittings. The maximum acceptable gross mass (MGW) for each type of container are also indicated.

Publication date: January 2022

Amendment 1 Publication date: February 2022

ISO 1161: Corner fittings – Specifications
As all the efforts supported by a container pass through the corner fittings, this standard is also crucial. All information regarding the dimensions of these parts and their resistance and their mechanical resistance are included in this standard.

Publication date: July 2016

Important Safety Video on Corner Fittings

ISO 1496-1: Specification and Testing
Part 1 General cargo container for general purposes (except for specialized test , part 1 is driven the other part)
The containers undergo n service under related efforts to their mode of transport: Maritime, railway, road. In order to guarantee their reliability in service, each new type of container is tested. The object of this standard is to define the nature of each test as well as the modalities of implementation.

Publication date: July 2013
Amendment 1 Publication date: July 2016

Part 2 Thermal containers
Publication date: November 2018

Part 3 Tank containers for liquids, gases and pressurized dry bulk
Publication date: April 2019

ISO 3874: Handling and Securing
This standard defines the acceptable practices for all that concerns the lifting of the containers as well as the lashing on board of the mainly maritime transport equipment but also rail and road. This standard is of major importance given the growth in the size of container ships.

Publication date: October 2017

ISO 6346: Coding, Identification and marking
This standard gives all the information concerning the different markings that must appear on a container. In addition to clearly identifying the owner or the main operator of the container: this information is particularly important for safety because some of the information relates to dimensions or mechanical strength which will condition the positioning of the container on a ship.

Publication date: August 2022

ISO ISO 9897: Container equipment data exchange (Cedex) – General communication codes
This standard gives all the information concerning the codes (Cedex), to be used to be able to dialogue between the various actors of the transport chain like ports, depots, repair shops, etc…

Publication date: 2012-12
Under review / will be replaced