Technical Information > What Certifications Does a Shipping Container Have?

What Certifications Does a Shipping Container Have?

Basic Importance of Shipping Containers in Logistics and the Need for Certification

Shipping containers represent the backbone of modern cargo transportation – thanks to them, it is possible to safely, efficiently, and standardly transport millions of tons of cargo by sea, rail, and road. Their success lies in maximum standardization and proven safety, which are guaranteed by a system of mandatory certifications and inspections. Without these certifications, global interoperability, rapid handling, stacking in multiple layers, and legal participation in international transportation would not be possible.

Why certification is essential:

Certification proves that the container meets international safety and construction standards (ISO, CSC).
Without valid certification, a container cannot be loaded onto a ship, and often not onto a rail car or truck in international transport.
It demonstrates the current technical condition and suitability for specific use (transportation, storage, construction purposes).
It protects both the owner and the carrier from legal and insurance consequences in case of accident or cargo damage.

What is Shipping Container Certification?

Definition: Certification is a process in which an authorized inspection body (for example, Lloyd, Bureau Veritas, DNV-GL) verifies compliance with precise international technical standards – in particular construction, dimensions, strength, resistance to wind, water, stacking, handling, and marking.
Result: Issuance of an official certificate, or placement of a metal plate (e.g., CSC) directly on the container. These certificates are an integral part of the documentation and are often required by customs, port, and transportation authorities.

Key Reasons for Certification:

Reason	Description
Safety	Ensuring that the container can be safely stacked, lifted, and transported by sea and land.
Cargo Protection	Watertightness, wind resistance, protection against contamination and ingress of foreign substances.
Compatibility	Precise dimensions, anchoring and handling elements compatible with global transportation systems.
Legal Enforceability	Compliance with IMO and other international conventions (e.g., SOLAS, IMDG).
Insurability	Without certification, an insurance claim may be disputed in case of damage.

Main Types of Certifications and Certificates for Shipping Containers

1. CSC Plate (Container Safety Convention)

Characteristics:

Physical metal label on the container doors.
Confirms compliance with the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC 1972).
Managed by the IMO (International Maritime Organization).

Contents of the CSC Plate:

Label Data	Meaning
Serial Number	Unique identification of the container
Manufacturer	Who and where the container was manufactured
Date of Manufacture	Legal beginning of service life
Approval Number	Reference number for design and manufacturing approval
Maximum Gross Weight	Maximum permitted load (e.g., 30,480 kg for 20′)
Stacking Test Load Value	Maximum load on the bottom container in a stack – up to 192,000 kg
Racking Test Load Value	Ensures safety during crane handling
Date of Next Inspection, or ACEP Code	Whether the container is in periodic examination mode (PES) or ACEP

Inspection Modes:

PES (Periodic Examination Scheme): First inspection after 5 years, then every maximum 30 months.
ACEP (Approved Continuous Examination Program): Continuous mode approved by the authority, inspections during operation (often for large fleet owners).

Legal Consequences:

Without a valid CSC Plate, the container is not accepted for maritime transportation.
If cargo is lost or damaged in an uncertified container, there is a risk of insurance claim denial.

2. ISO Certification (International Organization for Standardization)

Main ISO Standards for Containers:

Standard	Description and Importance
ISO 668	Defines dimensions, volumes, and maximum gross weight of Series 1 containers (20′, 40′, 40′ HC, 45′).
ISO 1496	Establishes construction requirements and testing procedures (strength, tightness, dynamic tests, wall, floor, and roof tests).
ISO 6346	Container identification, coding, and marking system – owner code, number, check digit.

Importance of ISO Certification:

Ensures global compatibility in handling, stacking, transportation, and storage.
Is a prerequisite for obtaining a CSC Plate.
ISO marking is mandatory for all containers intended for international transportation.

3. CIC – Container Inspection Certificate

What is CIC?

Certificate issued after thorough inspection of a used container.
Includes assessment of physical condition, age, previous repairs, tightness, door and floor functionality.
Typically necessary when transporting a used container or when selling/renting an older unit.

What Does CIC Inspection Include?

Structural Integrity: Inspection of load-bearing elements, posts, floor, roof, and walls.
Tightness: Wind and watertight resistance (WWT).
Functionality: Opening, closing, and locking of doors including seals.
Cleanliness and Absence of Odor: Interior condition, absence of contaminants.
Marking: Validity and readability of ISO and CSC data.

Importance of CIC:

Guarantee of container suitability for storage/transportation without risk of cargo damage.
CIC is often required before export or major rental.

4. Cargo Worthy (CW) – Certificate of Technical Condition

It is not a formal certificate, but a qualifying designation.
The container is structurally sound, tight, functional, and suitable for maritime transportation.
CW status is verified by an independent inspector according to parameters similar to CIC.

Criterion	Description
Wind & Watertight	Container does not leak water or light, suitable for valuable cargo.
Structural Health	No serious deformations/corrosion breakthroughs, solid load-bearing elements.
Functional Doors	Fully operable, sealing, and securely lockable.

5. IICL Standards

IICL (Institute of International Container Lessors): International organization uniting the largest container owners and lessors.
Issues the strictest standards for repair and maintenance (currently IICL 6).
IICL6/5 containers always have valid CSC, are nearly damage-free, with minimal signs of wear.

Category	Container Age	Condition	Use
IICL 6	New/One-way	Flawless	Premium storage, export, construction platforms
IICL 5	Up to 5 years	Very good	Export, demanding storage
CIC	5–9 years	Guaranteed structural quality	Export, long-term use

Classification of Container Quality and Condition

Overview of Basic Classes:

Designation	Description and Suitability of Use
New/One-Way/IICL6	New/one-way, valid CSC Plate, no damage, premium choice for representative purposes.
IICL5	Up to 5 years, minimal wear, strictly controlled repairs, suitable for export and long-term rental.
Cargo Worthy	Older, but structurally sound, tight, suitable for maritime transportation.
Wind & Watertight	Sufficient for storage, but not always for export.
As Is	No condition warranty, often only for stationary storage.

Basic Inspection Procedures – How to Recognize a Quality Certified Container?

Inspection Checklist:

External Inspection:
- Valid and legible CSC Plate (verify date of next inspection/ACEP).
- Inspection of load-bearing corners, bottom frame, doors for deformations and corrosion.
- Removal of old hazardous goods labels (important for ADR).
Doors and Seals:
- Smooth operation, tightness of rubber seals.
- Functionality of all locking mechanisms.
Internal Inspection:
- Light test (close doors, look for light leaks).
- Absence of odor, moisture, traces of chemicals.
- Floor condition (no delamination, holes, protruding nails/screws).
Walls and Roof:
- Minor dents are common, but without space restrictions.
- Inspection of anchor points (for cargo securing).
Documentation:
- Copy of last inspection (CIC, ACEP, PES).
- Documentation of manufacturing, repairs, and usage history.

Special Certifications and Markings for Hazardous Goods Transportation

IMDG Code, ADR, RID, ADN, IATA DGR: Special codes and certifications for transportation of chemicals, pressure cylinders, fuels, etc.
Tank Containers (ISO Tanks): Subject to periodic pressure and tightness tests (in the Czech Republic, e.g., by Československý Lloyd).

Versatility of Certified Container – Life Cycle

Phase	Typical Use	Required Certifications
Primary	Export, transportation, storage	CSC, ISO, possibly IICL/CIC
Secondary	Warehouses, construction units, modules	Sales/transfer inspection, CIC
Third Life	Residential buildings, workshops, garages	Proof of origin and condition history

Note: For secondary and tertiary use, it is desirable to have documentation of original certifications – it guarantees higher residual value and safety.

Legislation, Inspection Bodies, and Approval in the Czech Republic

Československý Lloyd is the official authority in the Czech Republic for inspection and periodic testing of containers according to CSC and ISO Series 1.
Container manufacturers and repairers in the Czech Republic have accreditation for manufacturing/repairs of ISO containers (e.g., Karbox, Variel, METRANS, VUKV).
Regular inspections are mandatory for all export containers; their neglect is legally punishable.

Why is Certification Essential Even When Buying a Used Container?

Higher safety, longer service life, better resale opportunities.
Ensuring waterproofing and cargo protection.
Possibility to legally use the container for export, or for further conversion.
Protection of investment – without certification, the container price is often significantly lower.

Summary: How to Properly Select and Verify a Certified Shipping Container

Check the validity of the CSC Plate and its data.
Verify the existence and currency of CIC or Cargo Worthy status.
Thoroughly visually inspect the container according to the checklist.
Request inspection documentation, or verification in the inspection body’s database.
Ask about repair history, age, and original purpose of the container.

Czech Republic, Pilsen