Glossary > #CIC

CIC – Common Interchange Criteria

Common Interchange Criteria (CIC) are an internationally recognized set of standardized rules and guidelines designed to enable objective, rapid, and clear inspection and decision-making regarding repairs to standard freight containers (particularly so-called dry freight containers – universal closed containers). CIC defines which damage is still in an acceptable condition for further safe operation of the container and when repair is necessary.

Main objectives of CIC:

Ensure that containers remain safe, functional, and suitable for cargo transport.
Minimize unnecessary and costly repairs of cosmetic or minor damage.
Standardize assessment across users (owners, lessors, shipping lines, depots).

CIC Standard is published and updated by the Container Owners Association (COA) and is a key tool for depots, inspectors, and operators worldwide.

Main benefits and significance of CIC in global transport

CIC brings clear order to the logistics chain and prevents disputes between involved parties. Without clear rules, repair decisions would be subjective, leading to inefficiency and increased costs.

Advantages of CIC:

Standardization: Uniform limits (e.g., maximum permitted dent depth, crack width, etc.) instead of subjective assessment.
Cost reduction: Only defects affecting safety, structural integrity, or watertightness are repaired.
Efficiency: Inspectors can make decisions faster, reducing container downtime.
Safety: Containers meeting CIC are safe for operation, stacking, and transport.
Environmental impact: Fewer unnecessary repairs mean lower material consumption, energy use, and waste production.

History and development of CIC

CIC emerged as a response to overly strict and costly IICL-5 (Institute of Intermodal Container Lessors) standards. The first version, CIC-1, was published by COA in 2008 and quickly gained popularity due to its pragmatic approach.

Year 2016: Harmonization occurs – IICL releases IICL-6, which adopts many CIC principles, and COA introduces an updated version CIC-2. Since then, both standards (IICL-6 and CIC-2) are largely aligned, and the market is unified on one modern, efficient inspection procedure.

Structure and content of CIC (according to CIC-2)

CIC is based on tables divided by individual container components. Each contains:

CONDITION: Description of damage type (e.g., “Holed, cut, torn or cracked”).
ACTION REQUIRED: When damage must be repaired (including specific measurable limits, e.g., dent depth > 35 mm).

Overview of main sections and specific CIC limits

Top & Bottom Rails

Damage: Holed, cracked, broken, or deformed profile.
Limits: Repair required if:
- Deformation (bending, denting, etc.) exceeds 30 mm (top side rail), 35 mm (front rail), 50 mm (bottom rail).
- Parts or fasteners are missing or loose.
- Weld damage near corner fittings.

Corner Posts

Damage: Crack, hole, deformation, broken weld.
Limits: Repair if:
- Deformation exceeds 20 mm (regardless of length/location).
- Deformation deviates > 5 mm from the plane of the front wall or > 10 mm from the plane of the side wall.
- Any deformation prevents door opening/closing.

Side & Front Panels

Damage: Holed, cut, torn panel, denting, bulging.
Limits: Repair if:
- Inward deformation (denting inward) > 35 mm (measured on outer corrugation).
- Outward deformation (bulging outward) > 30 mm (side), > 15 mm (front panel).
- Missing/loose fasteners.
- Damaged ventilation covers.

Doors

Damage: Holed, cracked, deformed doors, non-functional hardware, leakage.
Limits: Repair if:
- Any deformation prevents safe opening/closing.
- Doors are not light-tight.
- Internal intrusion into space > 35 mm.
- Gasket is missing or incomplete.

Roof

Damage: Holed, torn, cracked panel, denting (inward/outward).
Limits: Repair if:
- Deformation inward/outward > 40 mm (from top edge of side rails).
- Damaged protective corner covers.

Floor

Damage: Holes, cracks, delamination, protruding bolts.
Limits: Repair if:
- Light leak – always repair regardless of size.
- Denting > 15 mm (transverse along bolt axis).
- Gouge > 15 mm deep or > 5 mm deep and longer than 250 mm.

Understructure

Damage: Damaged cross-members, trailer tunnel, broken weld.
Limits: Repair if:
- Any structural defects affecting load capacity or safety.

Markings

Requirements: All markings (ISO number, CSC plate, etc.) must be legible and complete.

CIC vs. other inspection standards

Standard	Characteristic	Use
CIC	Pragmatic, modern, harmonized with IICL-6, detailed safety/functionality limits	Exchange between leasing companies, depots, global operations
IICL-6	Previously strict, now harmonized with CIC, detailed tables for limits and inspection methods	New and young containers, premium services
UCIRC	Operational standard, softer, focused on safety, not cosmetics	Shipping lines, in-service inspections
Cargo Worthy (CW)	Not a formal standard, indicates condition suitable for transport but with possible cosmetic defects	Used container sales, modifications, storage
CSC	International safety convention, requires regular inspections and valid CSC plate	All containers in international transport

Practical application: How inspection according to CIC proceeds?

Step by step:

Arrival: Container arrives at depot after lease or transport completion.
Visual inspection: Inspector reviews all parts according to CIC tables.
Damage measurement: Each defect is measured (depth, length, width) and recorded.
Comparison: Found values are compared with limits in CIC tables.
Repair list: Everything exceeding limits is included in repair estimate.
Approval: Lessee/owner approves repairs.
Repair: Only necessary repairs according to CIC are performed.
Follow-up inspection: Repaired container is ready for further use.

Technical notes and practical tips

Differences between container types: CIC is primarily for dry freight containers, but similar principles apply to open-top, reefer, etc.
Damage measurement: It is essential to measure deformations at the correct location (e.g., on the outer corrugation of the panel) and use the correct measuring tool.
Documentation: Each inspection should be carefully documented (photographs, measurements, accompanying report).
Inspector training: CIC assumes professional training and knowledge of safety regulations (see COA Guidelines).

CIC in practice: Who uses it and what impact does it have

Leasing companies: Standardization and asset value protection.
Depots: Faster container turnover, fewer disputes with clients.
Shipping lines: Lower repair fees, higher operational efficiency.
Cargo owners: Higher transport safety and reliability.
Used container market: Clear definition of when a container is still “Cargo Worthy” and when it is only suitable for storage.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) and myths about CIC

Is CIC less safe than IICL?
- No, CIC is harmonized with IICL-6 and places equal emphasis on structural safety, only does not address cosmetic defects.
Do I have to repair every scratch?
- No, only defects exceeding CIC limits.
Can I use a container without a CSC plate?
- Not in international transport. CIC helps ensure that the container will pass CSC inspection.
Who determines if a container is “Cargo Worthy”?
- An inspector trained in CIC/IICL, based on current criteria.

Why knowledge of CIC is essential

Common Interchange Criteria (CIC) are the cornerstone of efficient, safe, and economical container management in international transport. They reduce friction between business partners, save costs on unnecessary repairs, and ensure compliance with safety standards. For all logistics professionals, knowledge of CIC is key to making correct decisions and ensuring smooth transport operations.