This document specifies a system for the identification and presentation of information about freight containers. The identification system gives guidelines for general application, for example in documentation, control and communications (including automatic data processing systems), as well as for display on the containers themselves.

It defines the methods of displaying identification and certain other data (including operational data) on containers by means of permanent marks.

This document specifies:

1. a container identification system, with an associated system for verifying the accuracy of its use of marks;
2. a coding system for data on container size and type, with corresponding marks for their display;
3. operational marks, both mandatory and optional;
4. physical presentation of marks on the container.

This document defines the terms “mandatory” and “optional” and provides guidelines for the use of the designated marks. The terms “mandatory” and “optional” do not refer to the requirements of any regulatory body.

This document is applicable to all freight containers covered by ISO 668, the ISO 1496 series, ISO 8323 and is applicable to:

• containers other than those covered by the International Standards listed in Clause 2;
• container-related or detachable equipment, or both.

NOTE 1        Containers marked according to previous editions of this document need not be re-marked.

This document does not apply to temporary operational marks of any kind, permanent marks, data plates, etc. which can be required by intergovernmental agreements, national legislation or nongovernmental organizations.

NOTE 2        Some of the major international conventions whose container-marking requirements are not covered in this document are as follows:

• International Convention for Safe Containers (1972, as amended) (CSC), International Maritime Organization (IMO);
• Customs Convention on Containers 1956 and 1972, related to temporary admission and transport under customs seal.
• Convention on Temporary Admission (Istanbul, 26 June 1990), related to temporary admission.

This document does not cover the display of technical data on tank containers (see ISO 1496-3), nor does it, in any way, include identification marks or safety signs for items of cargo which can be carried in freight containers.