ISO 19709-1:2016

Transport packaging - Small load container systems - Part 1: Common requirements and test methods

ISO 19709-1:2016 specifies the essential characteristics and the common requirements and test methods for SLC systems used in the handling, transport and storage for the automotive industry. The application of such systems is described in Annex B. These containers are based on the modular area 600 mm × 400 mm, 550 mm × 366 mm and 600 mm × 500 mm and subdivisions according to ISO 3394 and ISO 3676. It is designed to be read in conjunction with the particular part which specifies the chosen system.

Emballage de transport — Systèmes de transport de petites charges — Partie 1: Exigences communes et méthodes d'essai

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 17-Nov-2016
• ICS: 55.020 - Packaging and distribution of goods in general
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 122 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 122 - Packaging
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Start Date: 23-May-2022
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Overview - ISO 19709-1:2016 (Transport packaging, Small Load Container systems)

ISO 19709-1:2016 defines the common requirements and test methods for Small Load Container (SLC) systems used primarily in the automotive industry for handling, transport and storage. Part 1 sets essential performance characteristics for modular, reusable, rectangular SLCs based on area modules such as 600 × 400 mm, 550 × 366 mm and 600 × 500 mm, and is intended to be read together with the particular part that specifies a chosen SLC system.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope & modularity: SLCs conform to modular area footprints compatible with standard pallets (e.g., 1 200 × 800 mm, 1 200 × 1 000 mm) to support poolable, reusable packaging systems.
• Nominal loads: Maximum filling mass per SLC is limited (specified maximum is 20 kg).
• Materials: Elements shall be made of recoverable materials; manufacturers commit to polypropylene copolymers and foamed plastics are prohibited. All plastics must be UV-stabilized and compatible with cleaning agents (see Annex C).
• Quality & finish: Uniform, matte colouring and smooth surfaces; permissible minor processing marks if they do not impair fitness for use.
• Stack stability: SLC stacks must remain stable under static and dynamic conditions. Measured deflection under load must meet limits (average deflection < 2% of height; residual deflection < 1%).
• Base deflection tolerances: Dimensional tolerances for base deflection in the delivered (empty) state are specified and measured at (23 ± 2) °C.
• Marking & labelling: Mandatory engraved data (type number, tare mass, manufacturer, manufacture date, recycling symbol) and at least one label holder for scanning/automation.
• Testing & normative references: Test methods are normative (Annex A) and reference standards include ISO 2234 (stacking tests), ISO 2248 (vertical impact), ISO 3676 (unit load dimensions) and IEC 61340-2-3 (electrostatics).

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO 19709-1:

• Packaging engineers and product designers specifying reusable SLCs
• Automotive supply‑chain and logistics managers implementing standardized unit loads
• Manufacturers and toolmakers producing SLCs and lids
• Quality assurance, testing laboratories and certification bodies conducting conformity and durability tests
• Pool operators and procurement teams specifying label, marking and material requirements

Benefits and applications:

• Ensures interoperability on pallets and unit loads
• Supports just-in-time and cross-border logistics with durable, reusable packaging
• Provides objective criteria for third‑party assessment, procurement specs and supplier contracts

Related standards

• ISO 19709 series (including ISO/TS 19709-2 and ISO/TS 19709-3)
• ISO 3394 (area module)
• ISO 3676 (unit load dimensions)
• ISO 2234, ISO 2248, IEC 61340-2-3

Keywords: ISO 19709-1:2016, small load container systems, SLC, transport packaging, test methods, automotive packaging, modular containers, stacking tests, base deflection, UV stabilization.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 19709-1
First edition
2016-12-01
Transport packaging — Small load
container systems —
Part 1:
Common requirements and test
methods
Emballage de transport — Systèmes de transport de petites
charges —
Partie 1: Exigences communes et méthodes d’essai
Reference number
©
ISO 2016
© ISO 2016, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
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www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Module capacity. 2
5 SLC system elements designation . 2
6 Loads . 3
7 Requirements . 3
7.1 Quality conditions . 3
7.2 Stack stability . 4
7.3 Base deflection in the condition as delivered . 4
8 Material . 5
9 Marking and labelling . 5
9.1 Marking . 5
9.2 Labelling . 6
Annex A (normative) Testing . 8
Annex B (informative) Applications .15
Annex C (normative) UV stabilization and cleaning .17
Bibliography .18
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity assessment,
as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 122, Packaging.
A list of all parts in the ISO 19709 series can be found on the ISO website.
iv © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Introduction
The exchange of goods between national and international partners is increasingly dependent upon
“just-in-time” shipments, total quality requirements and across-the-border delivery organizations.
In order to rationalize the flow of products, it is necessary to use a restricted number of harmonized,
standard, durable and reusable containers, which are coordinated in modular fashion with the modulus
1 200 × 800, 1 200 × 1 000 (1 219 × 1 016) and 1 100 × 1 100. These represent universally usable,
poolable systems and are especially designed to meet customer and supplier needs, as well as the
technical and environmental requirements of the logistic chain.
One of the main goals is to create and promote an overall open system for packaging and equipment for
unit loads to facilitate free border crossing exchange of goods.
This leads to the condition of the more restricted use of standardized packages and unit loads as the
main elements of the transportation and distribution of goods and unit loads, “the modular system”.
This document specifies the elements of Small Load Container (SLC) modular systems which are
designed to promote reusable primary and transport packaging to protect the environment.
It has to be recognized that a single overall system is unlikely to cover all aspects of distribution
chain. For this reason, this document specifies different systems which are dependent on different
specification requirements.
Handling and transportation technologies are taken into account by specifying different types of SLC
systems.
These containers and the other system elements are designed for handling, storage and transport
operations in order to meet the requirements of the transportation chain most efficiently.
This document is based on performance requirements and thus, does not include specific design
features. However, it includes essential requirements to allow for third-party assessment and
certification of the products if required.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 19709-1:2016(E)
Transport packaging — Small load container systems —
Part 1:
Common requirements and test methods
1 Scope
This document specifies the essential characteristics and the common requirements and test methods
for SLC systems used in the handling, transport and storage for the automotive industry. The application
of such systems is described in Annex B.
These containers are based on the modular area 600 mm × 400 mm, 550 mm × 366 mm and
600 mm × 500 mm and subdivisions according to ISO 3394 and ISO 3676.
This document is designed to be read in conjunction with the particular part which specifies the
chosen system.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 2234, Packaging — Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads — Stacking tests using a
static load
ISO 2248, Packaging — Complete, filled transport packages — Vertical impact test by dropping
ISO 3676, Packaging — Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads — Unit load dimensions
IEC 61340-2-3, Electrostatics — Part 2-3: Methods of test for determining the resistance and resistivity of
solid materials used to avoid electrostatic charge accumulation
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 21067, ISO/TS 19709-2,
ISO/TS 19709-3 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
ends
two shortest vertical walls of an SLC (3.5)
3.2
nominal load
recommended maximum mass of container contents, lowest safe load value for the specified support
conditions, independent of the type of load (excluding concentrated loads)
[SOURCE: ISO 445:2013, 2.2, modified, “recommended maximum mass of container contents” added,
Note 1 and Note 2 removed.]
3.3
nominal stacking load
recommended maximum mass applied to the top of the lowest SLC (3.5) in a stack
3.4
sides
two longest vertical walls of an SLC (3.5)
3.5
small load container
SLC
open-topped durable, reusable, rigid, rectangular modular container which can be handled manually
and/or mechanically and is the central element of a SLC system
3.6
system
entity consisting of interdependent components
[SOURCE: ISO 3676:2012, 3.2]
4 Module capacity
These SLC systems are based on the area module 600 mm × 400 mm according to ISO 3394. They
shall be compatible with the international standardized unit load sizes 1 200 mm × 800 mm and/or
1 200 mm × 1 000 mm according to ISO 3676.
NOTE The SLC patterns identified for 1 000 × 1 200 will also be accommodated by a 1 016 × 1 219 pallet
(North American standard GMA size). The ideal pallet size to transport the containers with an area module of
550 mm × 366 mm is 1 100 mm × 1 100 mm.
The plan view dimensions of the system elements specified shall be subdivisions or multiples of the
area module with the following nominal sizes, for example:
— 300 mm × 200 mm, 400 mm × 300 mm, 600 mm × 400 mm;
— 550 mm × 366 mm, 366 mm × 275 mm, 366 mm × 183 mm;
— 600 mm × 500 mm, 500 mm × 300 mm, 300 mm × 250 mm.
Carrying handles and label frames are separated. Exceptions are BSS-SLC and CSS-SLC with height
147,5 mm, for which the label frame on the end face is integrated in the carrying handle.
5 SLC system elements designation
— SLC is an open container (with footprint up to 600 mm × 400 mm) for receiving bulk goods and
components.
— CSS-SLC is an adaptation or system extension to meet the requirements of new supply chains (see
Figure 1). Features are single-walled SLC design, rigid, filling mass up to 20 kg and flat base (see
ISO/TS 19709-2).
2 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Figure 1 — View of a CSS-SLC 6280
EXAMPLE 6280 SLC means a SLC with the following dimensions: length 600 mm, width 400 mm and
height 280 mm.
— BSS-SLC is an adaptation or system extension to meet the requirements of new supply chains (see
Figure 2). Features are single-walled SLC design, rigid, filling mass up to 20 kg and composite base
(see ISO/TS 19709-3).
Figure 2 — View of a BSS-SLC 6429
EXAMPLE 6429 SLC means a SLC with the following dimensions: length 600 mm, width 400 mm and
height 280 mm.
6 Loads
The maximum loads per SLC may not exceed 20 kg.
7 Requirements
7.1 Quality conditions
The SLC system elements shall have uniform, matte colouring and smooth surfaces that are free
of foreign objects, cavities, cracks, webbing and other defects. Minor shallow, processing-related
unevenness and pockmarks are permissible if they do not impair fitness for use. Test methods to
determine fitness for purpose of SLCs shall be conducted in accordance with Annex A.
7.2 Stack stability
There shall be no risk of stacked SLC units collapsing when operated either in unit loads or single stack
columns. This applies both to static and dynamic situations.
When tested in accordance with A.2.2:
a) the stack formed by the three SLCs shall keep its stability during and after the test;
b) the deflection over the height of the stack under load is defined as the average value of the reduction
between the first and second measurement and shall be less than 2 % of the height;
c) the residual deflection over the height of the stack is defined as the average value of the reduction
between the first and third measurement and shall be less than 1 % of the height.
7.3 Base deflection in the condition as delivered
The following specified dimensional tolerances for base deflection shall be maintained and apply for
(23 ± 2) °C (see Figure 3 and Table 1). These apply while empty, as delivered from the manufacturer,
before use.
Key
1 long side
V inward deflection
i
V outward deflection
a
Figure 3 — Base deflection using the example CSS-SLC, 400 mm × 300 mm
Table 1 — Base deflection condition on delivery
Dimension in millimetres
Modulus Modulus Modulus
600 × 400 400 × 300 300 × 200
550 × 366 366 × 275 366 × 183
600 × 500 500 × 300 300 × 250
V V V V V V
a i a i a i
BSS-SLC 1 4 1 3 0 5
CSS-SLC 0 7 0 5 0 5
NOTE  In each case, the measuring point is the middle of the container base.
4 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

8 Material
The material used shall be recoverable.
The user and the supplier shall agree that the operating temperature and the resistance to chemicals,
e.g. acids, oils, coolants, brake fluids, and especially to washing agents, are compatible with the element
material specified.
The SLC manufacturer shall ensure that any colouring agent used is compatible with the raw material.
NOTE Information on the use of colour as a means of identification is given in ISO/TS 19709-2 and
ISO/TS 19709-3.
SLC manufacturers pledge to use only polypropylene copolymers for all SLC system elements in order
to maintain consistent quality. The use of foamed plastics is prohibited.
This document does not cover test conditions for raw materials. However, the finished SLCs shall fulfil
the quality and test requirements set out in this document.
The colour tolerances in delivered condition are checked by colour measurements. See ISO/TS 19709-2
and ISO/TS 19709-3 for details.
All plastics shall be UV-stabilized. See Annex C for details.
SLCs shall be able to withstand washing processes and cleaning agentsin accordance with the details
provided
...