Container certification is a compulsion for international trade as it ensures that shipping containers meet specific standards and regulations established by international organizations. To get certified for international trade, containers must adhere to international regulations that govern container size, weight, dimensions, volume, and capacity. Therefore, to lead a journey through containers, you need container certification, which can be achieved by adhering to the rules and regulations. The ordinances are laid down by organizations such as ISO (International Organization or Standardization), IMO (International Maritime Organization), and IICL. 

This blog will comprehensively overview key standards and regulations for attaining container certification. In detail, we will discuss the CSC (Convention for Safe Containers), ISO standards, and guidelines by the International Institute of Container Lessors (IICL).

What is container certification? 

Container certification is the process of substantiating that the containers have conformed to the regulations and safety standards before proceeding with shipping. To achieve container certification, the containers must undergo various tests, customs verification, and inspection to ensure that they are structured and maintained to survive international container transportation. 

The main aim of container certification is to set the seal on container security. These regulations are for environmental safety, cargo protection, and worker security. During the tests, the shipping authorities check the structural integrity, markings, and labeling or any damage to the container’s physical appearance. 

What does CSC mean in shipping? 

CSC stands for Convention for Safe Containers, a standard for shipping container certification laid down by the IMO in 1972. This standard’s main goal is to ensure the safety of all involved in transit by setting some tests to check container sturdiness. Secondly, it uniformizes the container transportation safety standards for international trade to avoid confusion among various countries involved in trade. 

CSC plate: After completing all the tests and adhering to the regulations, your containers will be fitted with a CSC plate. Shipping lines only approve containers with valid CSC plates. The plates include some specific information: identification number, stacking ability, weight standards, and date of manufacture.  CSC inspectors are responsible for examining containers if they follow the rules and regulations and quality assurance. After the inspections, containers will get the CSC plate and get approved as Shipper-Owned Containers (SOC). Finally, the words CSC SAFETY APPROVAL are necessary for the plate approval. 

What are the major regulatory bodies for container certification? 

Some major organizations are involved in the process of setting up standards and regulations for container certification. The following are the regulatory bodies: 

1. ISO (International Organization of Standardization): ISO standards make shipment safe and reliable and ensure effective cargo transport in shipping containers. They cover all the fundamental aspects, such as recognition of performance expectations and allowing safe and smooth movements of freight containers across the globe. 
2. The International Convention for Safe Containers sets minimum container building and testing standards. The CSC applies to all new containers transported through the ocean. This standard requires regular container maintenance and incident reporting for required corrections.
3. IMDG Code for Dangerous Goods: The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code is levied on containers when transporting hazardous materials in the maritime industry. The main objectives of the IMDG code are to prevent pollution, ensure the safety of the crew members, and make the transit safe and secure. It is under the SOLAS convention (International Convention for the Safety of Life At Sea). The IMO Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) maintains and updates the code. 
4. The Customs Convention on Containers: The Customs Convention on Containers is primarily a treaty between the international maritime organization and the United Nations. This standard allows the entry of intermodal containers to the states, which is duty- and tax-free for up to three months. For this particular time, this convention allows the transportation of goods without the fear of opening the seal or customs and container inspection. 
5. International Institute of Container Lessors: IICL-certified containers undergo certain testing and inspection. They are a type of stamp approval for containers and allow permission to transport goods from one container depot to another. Under this certification, containers’ quality, structural integrity, and durability are checked to ensure they can survive the harsh climates of foreign countries.  

What are the ISO standards?

There are various standards for freight containers so that the shipment can be secure and safe. It includes around 30 international standards. Let’s discuss the main standards that you must adhere to start your international shipments and get your container certification: 

1. ISO 27008: This code protects personal data or personally identifiable information through a cloud-based system requirement. In short, this standard is basically for information controls. It consists of legal documents for container certification and safety highlighting the procedures for auditing an organization’s information safety controls. 
2. ISO 668: This regulation covers the sizes and weight capacities of the most commonly used containers. It sets the nominal lengths for the 20-foot and 40-foot containers. For instance, the height is 8 feet 6 inches for 20-foot containers and 9 feet 6 inches for high cube containers. In addition, the gross weight is 24 tons for 20-foot containers and 30 tons for 40-foot containers. 
3. ISO 3874, according to ISO standards, ensures secure cargo handling and container safety. It states various methods for shifting, stacking, and lifting containers to prevent damage and ensure security. It also mentions the potential threats or accidents that can adversely affect the handling. 
4. ISO 1161 deals with the specifications of corner fittings. It describes the corner fittings’ dimensions, performance, and strength limitations. Corner fittings are essential to maintaining the structural strength of the container. They also ensure safe container handling and container alignment through various operations. 
5. ISO 1496 is a standard that covers multiple aspects of container construction and performance. It covers general-purpose containers, thermal containers, and tank containers. 
6. ISO 6346 characterizes the coding system uniquely used to identify the container throughout the journey. It is called the BIC (Bureau International des Code) code and tracks containers throughout transit. In addition, it specifies marking containers with particular information, such as serial number, weight, or owner code. 

What are the offshore container standards? 

Offshore containers are structures that survive in the challenging marine offshore environment, such as oil rigs and wind farms. They are different from regular shipping containers, built with thicker walls, corrosion-resistant coatings for durability, and reinforced corners. Offshore containers are also available in various types, ranging from standard dry vans to specially refrigerated containers. 

They also need container certification from DNV (Det Norske Veritas). The DNV 2.7-1 standard is important for matching and security requirements. This certification ensures container safety, quality, watertightness, and lifting points. If you are using certified offshore containers, you are free from any type of security tension. 

Why is container certification important? 

Container certification is crucial for the shipping industry for safety, compliance, and cost efficiency. The following are the reasons: 

1. Global standards: Container certification ensures that the containers properly adhere to the rules and regulations, meeting the global and national standards. Every country has its maritime laws and rules. You must be careful about abiding by these laws to facilitate international trade. Therefore, container certification helps ensure you abide by these laws and regulations. 
2. Quality: These certifications focus on the quality assurance and reliability of containers in the maritime industry. Certificates increase the standard of these containers, and people trust them more than noncertified containers.
3. Market access: To access some major markets worldwide with unique regulations, you need to comply with their rules and regulations or get certified according to their standards. The organizations that offer containers for sale must adhere to standards to ensure global access. 
4. Risk mitigation: These certificates help develop better strategies and ensure container maintenance. Certification ensures that the container is in the best condition to withstand the harsh conditions of transit.  

Container certification is a mandated aspect of the shipping and logistics industry. This ensures that containers meet all the standards set by international organizations for cargo and container safety. As a container industry stakeholder, you must know the parameters to help your container get certified and suitable for usage in overseas trade. Comply with all the regulations and get a container safety certificate. This will enhance your reputation and user experience. 

LOTUS Containers offers a wide variety of container solutions and provides CSC plates for your containers if they comply with the standards. Their container types are also ISO-compliant and suitable for onshore and offshore systems, even in harsh weather conditions.