ISO 6346:2022
(Main)Freight containers — Coding, identification and marking
Freight containers — Coding, identification and marking
This document provides a system for the identification and presentation of information about freight containers. The identification system is intended for general application, for example in documentation, control and communications (including automatic data processing systems), as well as for display on the containers themselves. The methods of displaying identification and certain other data (including operational data) on containers by means of permanent marks are included. This document specifies: a) a container identification system, with an associated system for verifying the accuracy of its use, having: — mandatory marks for the presentation of the identification system for visual interpretation, and — features to be used in optional Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) and electronic data interchange (EDI); b) a coding system for data on container size and type, with corresponding marks for their display; c) operational marks, both mandatory and optional; d) physical presentation of marks on the container. The terms “mandatory” and “optional” in this document are used to differentiate those ISO marking provisions which shall necessarily be fulfilled by all containers from those which are not required of all containers. The optional marks are included to further comprehension and promote uniform application of the optional mark. If a choice has been made to display an optional mark, the provisions laid down in this document relating to the mark shall be applied. The terms “mandatory” and “optional” do not refer to requirements of any regulatory body. This document applies to all freight containers covered by International Standards ISO 668, parts 1 to 5 of ISO 1496, ISO 8323 and should, wherever appropriate and practicable, be applied: — to containers other than those covered by the International Standards mentioned in Clause 2; — to container-related and/or detachable equipment. NOTE 1 Containers marked according to previous editions of ISO 6346 need not be re-marked. This document does not cover temporary operational marks of any kind, permanent marks, data plates, etc. which may 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. It should not be assumed that this list is exhaustive. 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 may be carried in freight containers.
Conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises — Codage, identification et marquage
Le présent document fournit un système pour l’identification et la présentation d’informations relatives aux conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises. Le système d’identification est prévu pour une application générale (par exemple, pour la documentation, le contrôle et les communications, y compris les systèmes de traitement automatique des données) ainsi que pour le marquage sur les conteneurs eux-mêmes. Les méthodes d’inscription de l’identification et de certaines autres informations (y compris les données opérationnelles) sur les conteneurs, au moyen de marques permanentes, sont incluses. Le présent document spécifie: a) un système d’identification des conteneurs incluant un dispositif pour vérifier l’exactitude de son utilisation, avec: — des marques obligatoires pour la présentation du système d’identification aux fins d’interprétation visuelle, et — des éléments à utiliser pour l’identification (facultative) automatique des équipements (AEI) et l’échange électronique de données (EDI); b) un système de codage des données relatives aux dimensions et au type de conteneur, et les marques correspondantes à inscrire; c) des marques, obligatoires et facultatives, relatives à l’exploitation; d) une présentation physique des marques sur le conteneur. Dans le présent document, les termes «obligatoires» et «facultatifs» sont utilisés pour différencier les dispositions relatives au marquage ISO, qui doivent nécessairement être respectées pour tous les conteneurs, des dispositions qui ne sont pas exigées pour tous les conteneurs. Les marques facultatives sont incluses pour faciliter la compréhension et encourager une application uniforme de ces marques. S’il a été décidé d’inscrire une marque facultative, les dispositions spécifiées dans le présent document relatives à cette marque s’appliquent. Les termes «obligatoire» et «facultatif» ne font pas référence aux exigences d’organismes de réglementation. Le présent document s’applique à tous les conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises couverts par les Normes internationales ISO 668, ISO 1496 (Parties 1 à 5) et ISO 8323. À chaque fois que cela est approprié et possible, il convient qu’il s’applique: — aux conteneurs autres que ceux couverts par les Normes internationales mentionnées à l’Article 2; — aux équipements de conteneurs et/ou aux équipements amovibles. NOTE 1 Il n’est pas nécessaire de marquer à nouveau les conteneurs déjà marqués conformément aux éditions précédentes de l’ISO 6346. Le présent document ne couvre pas les marques temporaires relatives à l’exploitation (quel que soit leur type), les marques permanentes, les plaques d’identification, etc., qui peuvent être requises par des accords intergouvernementaux, par la législation nationale ou par des organisations non gouvernementales. NOTE 2 Certaines des principales conventions internationales dont les exigences de marquage des conteneurs ne sont pas couvertes par le présent document sont indiquées ci-après: — Convention internationale sur la sécurité des conteneurs (1972, telle qu’amendée) (CSC), Organisation maritime internationale (OMI); — Convention douanière relative aux conteneurs (1956 et 1972), relative aux admissions temporaires et au transport sous scellement douanier; — Convention relative à l’admission temporaire (Istanbul, 26 juin 1990), relative aux admissions temporaires. Il convient de ne pas considérer cette liste comme exhaustive. Le présent document ne couvre pas l’inscription de données techniques sur les conteneurs-citernes (voir l’ISO 1496‑3). Il ne comprend en aucune façon des marques d’identification ou des signaux de sécurité pour les unités de marchandises qui peuvent être transportées dans des conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises.
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INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6346
Fourth edition
2022-04
Corrected version
2022-08
Freight containers — Coding,
identification and marking
Conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises — Codage,
identification et marquage
Reference number
ISO 6346:2022(E)
© ISO 2022
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 6346:2022(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2022
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, 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
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 2
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Identification system and its associated marks . 2
4.1 Identification system . 2
4.1.1 General . 2
4.1.2 Owner code . 2
4.1.3 Equipment category identifier . 2
4.1.4 Serial number . 3
4.1.5 Check digit . 3
4.2 Identification marks . 3
5 Size and type codes and their associated marks . 3
5.1 Purpose . 3
5.2 Size and type codes . 3
5.2.1 General . 3
5.2.2 Size: two alphanumeric characters . . 3
5.2.3 Type: two characters . 4
6 Operational marks . 4
6.1 General . 4
6.2 Mandatory operational marks. 4
6.2.1 Maximum gross and tare masses . 4
6.2.2 Air/surface container symbol . 4
6.2.3 Warning sign of overhead electrical danger . 5
6.2.4 Height mark for containers higher than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) . 5
6.2.5 Width mark for containers with an overall width greater than 2 438 m
(8 ft). . 5
6.3 Optional operational mark (maximum mass of payload) . 5
7 Physical display of marks .5
7.1 Size and colour of marks . 5
7.2 Layout and location of marks . 6
7.2.1 Layout of marks . 6
7.2.2 Location of marks . 9
Annex A (normative) Determination of check digit .11
Annex B (normative) Symbol to denote air/surface container .13
Annex C (normative) Sign warning of overhead electrical danger .14
Annex D (normative) Size code designation .15
Annex E (normative) Type Code designation .17
Annex F (normative) Height marks for containers higher than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) .23
Annex G (normative) Overall width marks for containers wider than 2 438 m (8 ft) .24
Bibliography .25
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
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 of the voluntary nature of standards, 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
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 104, Freight containers, Subcommittee
SC 4, Identification and communication, in collaboration with European Committee for Standardization
(CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 119, Intermodal loading units and Cargo securing (ILUCS), in
accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 6346:1995), which has been technically
revised. It also incorporates the Amendment ISO 6346:1995/Amd 3:2012.
The main changes are as follows:
— Incorporation of previous amendments to the standard to include the provision of markings to
identify containers with reduced stacking or racking;
— Inclusion of new markings to identify over width containers.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
This corrected version of ISO 6346:2022 incorporates the following corrections:
— In Table D.2, superscript “a” was removed from container height 1 295;
— In Table D.2, table footnote 'a', “is” was added after “in”;
— In Table E.1 H, a missing value for transfer coefficient in Detailed code H6/HV was added,
2 2
replacing K= 0 W/(m -k) with K= 0.7 W/(m -k).
— In Table A.1, the values for the letters B, C, D, E and F of the column “Equivalent value” have been
changed from “11, 12, 13, 14, 15” to “12, 13, 14, 15 and 16”.
— In 7.2.1.1 EXAMPLE, the length “6 068 mm” has been replaced with “6 058mm”.
— A NOTE was added in 7.2.1.1 to explain the boxes around markings in the figures.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6346:2022(E)
Freight containers — Coding, identification and marking
1 Scope
1.1 This document provides a system for the identification and presentation of information about
freight containers. The identification system is intended for general application, for example in
documentation, control and communications (including automatic data processing systems), as well as
for display on the containers themselves.
The methods of displaying identification and certain other data (including operational data) on
containers by means of permanent marks are included.
1.2 This document specifies:
a) a container identification system, with an associated system for verifying the accuracy of its use,
having:
— mandatory marks for the presentation of the identification system for visual interpretation,
and
— features to be used in optional Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) and electronic data
interchange (EDI);
b) a coding system for data on container size and type, with corresponding marks for their display;
c) operational marks, both mandatory and optional;
d) physical presentation of marks on the container.
1.3 The terms “mandatory” and “optional” in this document are used to differentiate those ISO
marking provisions which shall necessarily be fulfilled by all containers from those which are not
required of all containers. The optional marks are included to further comprehension and promote
uniform application of the optional mark. If a choice has been made to display an optional mark, the
provisions laid down in this document relating to the mark shall be applied. The terms “mandatory”
and “optional” do not refer to requirements of any regulatory body.
1.4 This document applies to all freight containers covered by International Standards ISO 668, parts
1 to 5 of ISO 1496, ISO 8323 and should, wherever appropriate and practicable, be applied:
— to containers other than those covered by the International Standards mentioned in Clause 2;
— to container-related and/or detachable equipment.
NOTE 1 Containers marked according to previous editions of ISO 6346 need not be re-marked.
1.5 This document does not cover temporary operational marks of any kind, permanent marks,
data plates, etc. which may 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);
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
— 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.
It should not be assumed that this list is exhaustive.
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 may be carried
in freight containers.
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 10374, Freight containers — Automatic identification
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Identification system and its associated marks
4.1 Identification system
4.1.1 General
The identification system shall consist only of the following elements, all of which shall be included:
— owner code: three letters (see 4.1.2);
— equipment category identifier: one letter (see 4.1.3);
— serial number: six numerals (see 4.1.4);
— check digit: one numeral (see 4.1.5).
4.1.2 Owner code
Reference (1) in Figures 1 to 4
The container owner’s code shall consist of three capital letters, shall be unique and shall be registered
with the Registration Authority.
The name and contact information of the Registration Authority for this document can be found at
www .iso .org/ maintenance _agencies.
4.1.3 Equipment category identifier
Reference (2) in Figures 1 to 4
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
The equipment category identifier consists of one capital letter of the Latin alphabet as follows:
— U for all freight containers;
— J for detachable freight container-related equipment;
— Z for trailers and chassis.
4.1.4 Serial number
Reference (3) in Figures 1 to 4
The container serial number shall consist of six Arabic numerals. If the series of significant numerals
does not total six, they shall be preceded by sufficient zeroes to make up six numerals (for example, if
the series of significant numerals is 1234, the serial number is 001234).
4.1.5 Check digit
Reference (4) in Figures 1 to 4
The check digit provides a means of validating the transmission accuracy of the owner code and serial
number and shall be determined as in Annex A. The check digit shall validate the owner code, equipment
category identifier and serial number of the container.
4.2 Identification marks
The use of marks in accordance with the identification system specified in 4.1, i.e. owner code,
equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit, is mandatory for freight containers and
recommended for all equipment as stated in 4.1.3. The characteristics (size, shape, layout, etc.) detailed
in 7.1 and 7.2.1 shall be displayed as nearly as practicable in accordance with Clause 7, i.e., legible to the
human eye.
5 Size and type codes and their associated marks
5.1 Purpose
The type and main external dimensions of the container shall be identified with codes marked on the
container. Only those freight containers which conform with both the ISO top-handling capability and
structural stacking requirements set forth in ISO 1496 shall be marked with size and type codes in
accordance with 5.2.2 and 5.2.3.
5.2 Size and type codes
5.2.1 General
This information is mandatory for the marking of containers covered by the International Standards
listed in Clause 2 and shall be coded as in 5.2.2 and 5.2.3.
The size and type codes, when displayed on the container, shall be used as a whole, i.e., the information
must not be broken into its component parts.
The size and type codes shall be displayed in accordance with Clause 7.
5.2.2 Size: two alphanumeric characters
Reference (5) in Figures 1 to 4
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
The container size (i.e. external dimensions) shall be indicated by two characters as follows:
— First character: numeric or alphabetic character representing the length.
— Second character: numeric or alphabetic character representing the width and the height.
These two characters shall be determined in accordance with Annex D.
5.2.3 Type: two characters
Reference (6) in Figures 1 to 4
The container type and main characteristics shall be indicated by two characters as follows:
— First character: alphabetic character representing the container type.
— Second character: numeric or alphabetic character representing main characteristics related to the
container type.
These two characters shall be selected in accordance with Annex E.
NOTE For the purpose of exchanging data when indication of the main characteristics is not essential, the
“type group code designation” as shown in Annex E can be used.
6 Operational marks
6.1 General
The marks in this section are not intended to correspond to any particular code (e.g., for use in data
transmission or any other purpose). They are solely intended as markings for use on freight containers
to convey certain information or give visual warnings.
6.2 Mandatory operational marks
6.2.1 Maximum gross and tare masses
The maximum gross and tare masses shall be marked on a container as:
MAX GROSS 00 000 kg
00 000 lb
TARE 00 000 kg
00 000 lb
For safety reasons, containers tested in conformance with the approved methods specified in that part
of ISO 1496 applicable to the type of container in question, i.e., parts 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 of ISO 1496, shall be
uniformly marked with the maximum gross mass used for those tests.
Furthermore, the “maximum gross mass” marked on the container in accordance with this document
shall be identical to that shown on the CSC Safety Approval Plate.
As indicated above, the masses shall be expressed in both kilograms (kg) and pounds (lb).
NOTE 1 kg = 2 204 lb.
6.2.2 Air/surface container symbol
All air/surface containers shall display the symbol specified in Annex B.
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
6.2.3 Warning sign of overhead electrical danger
All containers equipped with ladders shall display a warning sign in accordance with the details given
in Annex C.
6.2.4 Height mark for containers higher than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in)
All containers higher than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) shall bear the following mandatory marks:
a) on both sides, a height mark similar to that described in Annex F;
b) an area of alternating black and yellow stripes on the top members of each end frame and side wall
at each corner adjacent to the corner fitting, of 300 mm (12 in) minimum length, that can be seen
from the ground or from the top. See Figure 5.
In addition, any other optional marks, such as a mirror image of the mark described in Annex F, may be
displayed at any convenient location (e.g., front wall).
6.2.5 Width mark for containers with an overall width greater than 2 438 m (8 ft).
All containers with an overall width greater than 2 438 m (8 ft) shall bear a mark similar to that
described in Annex G on the ends and the roof at both ends.
Where there is insufficient space to fit the marking on the ends or the roof, for example on tank
containers, the marking shall be as wide as is practicable on the ends and may be omitted on the roof.
6.3 Optional operational mark (maximum mass of payload)
It is common industry practice to mark containers with maximum payload in addition to the maximum
gross and tare masses.
If used, the maximum mass of payload should be marked on a container in accordance with the
requirements of 6.2.1, positioned after the maximum gross and tare masses as follows:
7 Physical display of marks
7.1 Size and colour of marks
The letters and numerals of the owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check
digit shall be not less than 100 mm (4 in) high.
The letters and numerals for MAX GROSS, TARE and, when used, PAYLOAD shall be not less than 50 mm
(2 in) high.
All characters shall be of proportionate width and thickness, they shall be durable and in a colour
contrasting with that of the container.
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
7.2 Layout and location of marks
The requirements of this clause are particularly applicable to containers of the “closed box” type. For
containers of other types, all possible practicable steps should be taken to follow the marking layout
and location given for the “closed box” type of container.
7.2.1 Layout of marks
7.2.1.1 General
The layout of the owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit on containers
shall preferably be in one single horizontal line (see Figure 1). Where constructional features of the
container dictate otherwise, the layout may be vertical (see Figure 2).
The layout of size and type codes should, as far as practicable, be in a single horizontal line underneath
the horizontal line giving the owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit
(see Figure 1).
When the owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit are displayed
vertically, the size and type codes should be placed adjacent to the other mandatory marks (see Figure 2
and Figure 3).
If, on some special-purpose containers, a fully horizontal or fully vertical layout is not possible, the
layout of the other mandatory identification marks shall be maintained in the horizontal or vertical
groupings as specified below (see Figure 3 and Figure 4).
On those special-purpose containers where a fully horizontal or fully vertical layout is not possible and
the layout of the other mandatory identification marks is horizontal, the size and type codes should be
placed beneath the other mandatory marks (see Figure 4).
NOTE The boxes around the markings in the figures represent the approximate shape of the side walls and
the markings are positioned relative to the side wall.
The size and type codes should be used as a whole (see 5.2).
The owner code and equipment category identifier shall be joined and shall be separated from the serial
number by at least one character space. The serial number shall be separated from the check digit by
one character space and the check digit shall be displayed in a box.
EXAMPLE
A general purpose container in accordance with ISO 1496, having passive vents at the upper part of the cargo
space, a length of 6 058 mm, a width of 2 438 mm, a height of 2 591 mm, having a unique registered owner code
of ABZ, an equipment category identifier of U and a serial number of 001234 will have the layout as shown in
Figure 1 to Figure 4.
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
Key
1 owner’s code
2 category identifier
3 serial number
4 check digit
5 size code
6 type code
Figure 1 — Mandatory identification marks - preferred horizontal layout
Key
1 owner’s code
2 category identifier
3 serial number
4 check digit
5 size code
6 type code
Figure 2 — Mandatory identification marks - preferred vertical layout
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
Key
1 owner’s code
2 category identifier
3 serial number
4 check digit
5 size code
6 type code
Figure 3 — Mandatory identification marks - Alternative (multiple column) vertical layout
Key
1 owner’s code
2 category identifier
3 serial number
4 check digit
5 size code
6 type code
Figure 4 — Mandatory identification marks - Alternative horizontal grouping layout
7.2.1.2 Mandatory operational marks
The layout of maximum gross and tare masses shall be as stated in 6.2.1.
The layout of the air/surface container symbol shall be as shown in Annex B.
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
The layout of the sign warning of overhead electrical danger shall be as shown in Annex C.
The layout of the height mark for containers having a height greater than 2,6 m shall be as stated in
Annex F.
The layout for the width mark for containers having a width greater than 2 438 m shall be as stated in
Annex G.
7.2.1.3 Optional operational mark (maximum mass of payload)
Where marked, the layout of payload shall be as stated in 6.3.
7.2.2 Location of marks
7.2.2.1 Mandatory identification marks
The mandatory marks of 4.1 and 5.2, i.e., owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number,
check digit, and size and type codes, shall be positioned on the container as far as practicable as shown
in Figure 5.
Containers with reduced stacking or reduced racking strength shall have size type code marks on the
front (blind end) and on the roof at either end.
7.2.2.2 Operational marks
The mandatory operational marks of 6.2.1, i.e., maximum gross and tare masses, shall be positioned on
the container as far as practicable as shown in Figure 5.
The location of the air/surface container symbol shall be as given in Annex B.
The location of the symbol warning of overhead electrical danger shall be as given in Annex C.
The location of the height warning symbol shall be as given in Annex F and shown in Figure 5.
The location of the width mark shall be as given in Annex G and shown in Figure 5.
The optional operational mark of 6.3, i.e., maximum payload or net mass, shall be positioned on the
container as far as practicable as shown in Figure 5.
7.2.2.3 Other marks and devices
Marks other than those stipulated by this document shall be displayed on the container so that they do
not in any way interfere with the marks described in this document.
For the Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) system, the AEI tag shall be positioned on the
container as specified in ISO 10374.
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
Key
1 blind / front end 3 container side
2 door / rear end 4 automatic equipment identifier tag
NOTE 1 Black and yellow stripes adjacent to the corner fitting can be reduced to a length of 300 mm min.
NOTE 2 Size and type marking on the roof and on the front (blind end) are optional except for containers with
reduced stacking and/or racking.
NOTE 3 Mounting of AEI tag is optional.
NOTE 4 “PAYLOAD” marking is optional.
Figure 5 — Location of mandatory and optional marks
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© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
...
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6346
Fourth edition
2022-04
Freight containers — Coding,
identification and marking
Conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises — Codage,
identification et marquage
Reference number
ISO 6346:2022(E)
© ISO 2022
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 6346:2022(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2022
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, 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
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 2
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Identification system and its associated marks . 2
4.1 Identification system . 2
4.1.1 General . 2
4.1.2 Owner code . 2
4.1.3 Equipment category identifier . 2
4.1.4 Serial number . 3
4.1.5 Check digit . 3
4.2 Identification marks . 3
5 Size and type codes and their associated marks . 3
5.1 Purpose . 3
5.2 Size and type codes . 3
5.2.1 General . 3
5.2.2 Size: two alphanumeric characters . . 3
5.2.3 Type: two characters . 4
6 Operational marks . 4
6.1 General . 4
6.2 Mandatory operational marks. 4
6.2.1 Maximum gross and tare masses . 4
6.2.2 Air/surface container symbol . 4
6.2.3 Warning sign of overhead electrical danger . 5
6.2.4 Height mark for containers higher than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) . 5
6.2.5 Width mark for containers with an overall width greater than 2 438 m
(8 ft). . 5
6.3 Optional operational mark (maximum mass of payload) . 5
7 Physical display of marks .5
7.1 Size and colour of marks . 5
7.2 Layout and location of marks . 6
7.2.1 Layout of marks . 6
7.2.2 Location of marks . 9
Annex A (normative) Determination of check digit .11
Annex B (normative) Symbol to denote air/surface container .13
Annex C (normative) Sign warning of overhead electrical danger .14
Annex D (normative) Size code designation .15
Annex E (normative) Type Code designation .17
Annex F (normative) Height marks for containers higher than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) .23
Annex G (normative) Overall width marks for containers wider than 2 438 m (8 ft) .24
Bibliography .25
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
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 of the voluntary nature of standards, 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
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 104, Freight containers, Subcommittee
SC 4, Identification and communication, in collaboration with European Committee for Standardization
(CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 119, Intermodal loading units and Cargo securing (ILUCS), in
accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 6346:1995), which has been technically
revised. It also incorporates the Amendment ISO 6346:1995/Amd 3:2012.
The main changes are as follows:
— Incorporation of previous amendments to the standard to include the provision of markings to
identify containers with reduced stacking or racking;
— Inclusion of new markings to identify over width containers;
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6346:2022(E)
Freight containers — Coding, identification and marking
1 Scope
1.1 This document provides a system for the identification and presentation of information about
freight containers. The identification system is intended for general application, for example in
documentation, control and communications (including automatic data processing systems), as well as
for display on the containers themselves.
The methods of displaying identification and certain other data (including operational data) on
containers by means of permanent marks are included.
1.2 This document specifies:
a) a container identification system, with an associated system for verifying the accuracy of its use,
having:
— mandatory marks for the presentation of the identification system for visual interpretation,
and
— features to be used in optional Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) and electronic data
interchange (EDI);
b) a coding system for data on container size and type, with corresponding marks for their display;
c) operational marks, both mandatory and optional;
d) physical presentation of marks on the container.
1.3 The terms “mandatory” and “optional” in this document are used to differentiate those ISO
marking provisions which shall necessarily be fulfilled by all containers from those which are not
required of all containers. The optional marks are included to further comprehension and promote
uniform application of the optional mark. If a choice has been made to display an optional mark, the
provisions laid down in this document relating to the mark shall be applied. The terms “mandatory”
and “optional” do not refer to requirements of any regulatory body.
1.4 This document applies to all freight containers covered by International Standards ISO 668, parts
1 to 5 of ISO 1496, ISO 8323 and should, wherever appropriate and practicable, be applied:
— to containers other than those covered by the International Standards mentioned in Clause 2;
— to container-related and/or detachable equipment.
NOTE 1 Containers marked according to previous editions of ISO 6346 need not be re-marked.
1.5 This document does not cover temporary operational marks of any kind, permanent marks,
data plates, etc. which may 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);
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
— 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.
It should not be assumed that this list is exhaustive.
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 may be carried
in freight containers.
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 10374, Freight containers — Automatic identification
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Identification system and its associated marks
4.1 Identification system
4.1.1 General
The identification system shall consist only of the following elements, all of which shall be included:
— owner code: three letters (see 4.1.2);
— equipment category identifier: one letter (see 4.1.3);
— serial number: six numerals (see 4.1.4);
— check digit: one numeral (see 4.1.5).
4.1.2 Owner code
Reference (1) in Figures 1 to 4
The container owner’s code shall consist of three capital letters, shall be unique and shall be registered
with the Registration Authority.
The name and contact information of the Registration Authority for this document can be found at
www .iso .org/ maintenance _agencies.
4.1.3 Equipment category identifier
Reference (2) in Figures 1 to 4
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
The equipment category identifier consists of one capital letter of the Latin alphabet as follows:
— U for all freight containers;
— J for detachable freight container-related equipment;
— Z for trailers and chassis.
4.1.4 Serial number
Reference (3) in Figures 1 to 4
The container serial number shall consist of six Arabic numerals. If the series of significant numerals
does not total six, they shall be preceded by sufficient zeroes to make up six numerals (for example, if
the series of significant numerals is 1234, the serial number is 001234).
4.1.5 Check digit
Reference (4) in Figures 1 to 4
The check digit provides a means of validating the transmission accuracy of the owner code and serial
number and shall be determined as in Annex A. The check digit shall validate the owner code, equipment
category identifier and serial number of the container.
4.2 Identification marks
The use of marks in accordance with the identification system specified in 4.1, i.e. owner code,
equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit, is mandatory for freight containers and
recommended for all equipment as stated in 4.1.3. The characteristics (size, shape, layout, etc.) detailed
in 7.1 and 7.2.1 shall be displayed as nearly as practicable in accordance with Clause 7, i.e., legible to the
human eye.
5 Size and type codes and their associated marks
5.1 Purpose
The type and main external dimensions of the container shall be identified with codes marked on the
container. Only those freight containers which conform with both the ISO top-handling capability and
structural stacking requirements set forth in ISO 1496 shall be marked with size and type codes in
accordance with 5.2.2 and 5.2.3.
5.2 Size and type codes
5.2.1 General
This information is mandatory for the marking of containers covered by the International Standards
listed in Clause 2 and shall be coded as in 5.2.2 and 5.2.3.
The size and type codes, when displayed on the container, shall be used as a whole, i.e., the information
must not be broken into its component parts.
The size and type codes shall be displayed in accordance with Clause 7.
5.2.2 Size: two alphanumeric characters
Reference (5) in Figures 1 to 4
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
The container size (i.e. external dimensions) shall be indicated by two characters as follows:
— First character: numeric or alphabetic character representing the length.
— Second character: numeric or alphabetic character representing the width and the height.
These two characters shall be determined in accordance with Annex D.
5.2.3 Type: two characters
Reference (6) in Figures 1 to 4
The container type and main characteristics shall be indicated by two characters as follows:
— First character: alphabetic character representing the container type.
— Second character: numeric or alphabetic character representing main characteristics related to the
container type.
These two characters shall be selected in accordance with Annex E.
NOTE For the purpose of exchanging data when indication of the main characteristics is not essential, the
“type group code designation” as shown in Annex E can be used.
6 Operational marks
6.1 General
The marks in this section are not intended to correspond to any particular code (e.g., for use in data
transmission or any other purpose). They are solely intended as markings for use on freight containers
to convey certain information or give visual warnings.
6.2 Mandatory operational marks
6.2.1 Maximum gross and tare masses
The maximum gross and tare masses shall be marked on a container as:
MAX GROSS 00 000 kg
00 000 lb
TARE 00 000 kg
00 000 lb
For safety reasons, containers tested in conformance with the approved methods specified in that part
of ISO 1496 applicable to the type of container in question, i.e., parts 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 of ISO 1496, shall be
uniformly marked with the maximum gross mass used for those tests.
Furthermore, the “maximum gross mass” marked on the container in accordance with this document
shall be identical to that shown on the CSC Safety Approval Plate.
As indicated above, the masses shall be expressed in both kilograms (kg) and pounds (lb).
NOTE 1 kg = 2 204 lb.
6.2.2 Air/surface container symbol
All air/surface containers shall display the symbol specified in Annex B.
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
6.2.3 Warning sign of overhead electrical danger
All containers equipped with ladders shall display a warning sign in accordance with the details given
in Annex C.
6.2.4 Height mark for containers higher than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in)
All containers higher than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) shall bear the following mandatory marks:
a) on both sides, a height mark similar to that described in Annex F;
b) an area of alternating black and yellow stripes on the top members of each end frame and side wall
at each corner adjacent to the corner fitting, of 300 mm (12 in) minimum length, that can be seen
from the ground or from the top. See Figure 5.
In addition, any other optional marks, such as a mirror image of the mark described in Annex F, may be
displayed at any convenient location (e.g., front wall).
6.2.5 Width mark for containers with an overall width greater than 2 438 m (8 ft).
All containers with an overall width greater than 2 438 m (8 ft) shall bear a mark similar to that
described in Annex G on the ends and the roof at both ends.
Where there is insufficient space to fit the marking on the ends or the roof, for example on tank
containers, the marking shall be as wide as is practicable on the ends and may be omitted on the roof.
6.3 Optional operational mark (maximum mass of payload)
It is common industry practice to mark containers with maximum payload in addition to the maximum
gross and tare masses.
If used, the maximum mass of payload should be marked on a container in accordance with the
requirements of 6.2.1, positioned after the maximum gross and tare masses as follows:
7 Physical display of marks
7.1 Size and colour of marks
The letters and numerals of the owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check
digit shall be not less than 100 mm (4 in) high.
The letters and numerals for MAX GROSS, TARE and, when used, PAYLOAD shall be not less than 50 mm
(2 in) high.
All characters shall be of proportionate width and thickness, they shall be durable and in a colour
contrasting with that of the container.
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
7.2 Layout and location of marks
The requirements of this clause are particularly applicable to containers of the “closed box” type. For
containers of other types, all possible practicable steps should be taken to follow the marking layout
and location given for the “closed box” type of container.
7.2.1 Layout of marks
7.2.1.1 General
The layout of the owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit on containers
shall preferably be in one single horizontal line (see Figure 1). Where constructional features of the
container dictate otherwise, the layout may be vertical (see Figure 2).
The layout of size and type codes should, as far as practicable, be in a single horizontal line underneath
the horizontal line giving the owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit
(see Figure 1).
When the owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit are displayed
vertically, the size and type codes should be placed adjacent to the other mandatory marks (see Figure 2
and Figure 3).
If, on some special-purpose containers, a fully horizontal or fully vertical layout is not possible, the
layout of the other mandatory identification marks shall be maintained in the horizontal or vertical
groupings as specified below (see Figure 3 and Figure 4).
On those special-purpose containers where a fully horizontal or fully vertical layout is not possible and
the layout of the other mandatory identification marks is horizontal, the size and type codes should be
placed beneath the other mandatory marks (see Figure 4).
The size and type codes should be used as a whole (see 5.2).
The owner code and equipment category identifier shall be joined and shall be separated from the serial
number by at least one character space. The serial number shall be separated from the check digit by
one character space and the check digit shall be displayed in a box.
EXAMPLE
A general purpose container in accordance with ISO 1496, having passive vents at the upper part of the cargo
space, a length of 6 068 mm, a width of 2 438 mm, a height of 2 591 mm, having a unique registered owner code
of ABZ, an equipment category identifier of U and a serial number of 001234 will have the layout as shown in
Figure 1 to Figure 4.
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
Key
1 owner’s code
2 category identifier
3 serial number
4 check digit
5 size code
6 type code
Figure 1 — Mandatory identification marks - preferred horizontal layout
Key
1 owner’s code
2 category identifier
3 serial number
4 check digit
5 size code
6 type code
Figure 2 — Mandatory identification marks - preferred vertical layout
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
Key
1 owner’s code
2 category identifier
3 serial number
4 check digit
5 size code
6 type code
Figure 3 — Mandatory identification marks - Alternative (multiple column) vertical layout
Key
1 owner’s code
2 category identifier
3 serial number
4 check digit
5 size code
6 type code
Figure 4 — Mandatory identification marks - Alternative horizontal grouping layout
7.2.1.2 Mandatory operational marks
The layout of maximum gross and tare masses shall be as stated in 6.2.1.
The layout of the air/surface container symbol shall be as shown in Annex B.
The layout of the sign warning of overhead electrical danger shall be as shown in Annex C.
The layout of the height mark for containers having a height greater than 2,6 m shall be as stated in
Annex F.
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
The layout for the width mark for containers having a width greater than 2 438 m shall be as stated in
Annex G.
7.2.1.3 Optional operational mark (maximum mass of payload)
Where marked, the layout of payload shall be as stated in 6.3.
7.2.2 Location of marks
7.2.2.1 Mandatory identification marks
The mandatory marks of 4.1 and 5.2, i.e., owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number,
check digit, and size and type codes, shall be positioned on the container as far as practicable as shown
in Figure 5.
Containers with reduced stacking or reduced racking strength shall have size type code marks on the
front (blind end) and on the roof at either end.
7.2.2.2 Operational marks
The mandatory operational marks of 6.2.1, i.e., maximum gross and tare masses, shall be positioned on
the container as far as practicable as shown in Figure 5.
The location of the air/surface container symbol shall be as given in Annex B.
The location of the symbol warning of overhead electrical danger shall be as given in Annex C.
The location of the height warning symbol shall be as given in Annex F and shown in Figure 5.
The location of the width mark shall be as given in Annex G and shown in Figure 5.
The optional operational mark of 6.3, i.e., maximum payload or net mass, shall be positioned on the
container as far as practicable as shown in Figure 5.
7.2.2.3 Other marks and devices
Marks other than those stipulated by this document shall be displayed on the container so that they do
not in any way interfere with the marks described in this document.
For the Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) system, the AEI tag shall be positioned on the
container as specified in ISO 10374.
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
Key
1 blind / front end 3 container side
2 door / rear end 4 automatic equipment identifier tag
NOTE 1 Black and yellow stripes adjacent to the corner fitting can be reduced to a length of 300 mm min.
NOTE 2 Size and type marking on the roof and on the front (blind end) are optional except for containers with
reduced stacking and/or racking.
NOTE 3 Mounting of AEI tag is optional.
NOTE 4 “PAYLOAD” marking is optional.
Figure 5 — Location of mandatory and optional marks
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ISO 6346:2022(E)
Annex A
(normative)
Determination of check digit
The check digit of a container identification system is determined by following the procedure outlined
in A.1 to A.4. A sample calculation is presented in A.5.
A.1 Numerical equivalents of container owner code, category identifier and
serial number
Each letter of the owner code, the equipment category identifier and each numeral of the serial number
all be consecutively allocated a numerical value in accordance with Table A.1.
A.2 Weighting factor
Each numerical equivalent, determined in accordance with A.1, shall be multiplied by a weighting factor
0 9 0
in the range 2 to 2 . The weighting factor 2 is applied to the first letter of the owner code, and then in
9
increasing powers of 2, rising to 2 for the last digit of the serial
...
NORME ISO
INTERNATIONALE 6346
Quatrième édition
2022-04
Conteneurs pour le transport
de marchandises — Codage,
identification et marquage
Freight containers — Coding, identification and marking
Numéro de référence
ISO 6346:2022(F)
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ISO 6346:2022(F)
DOCUMENT PROTÉGÉ PAR COPYRIGHT
© ISO 2022
Tous droits réservés. Sauf prescription différente ou nécessité dans le contexte de sa mise en œuvre, aucune partie de cette
publication ne peut être reproduite ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique,
y compris la photocopie, ou la diffusion sur l’internet ou sur un intranet, sans autorisation écrite préalable. Une autorisation peut
être demandée à l’ISO à l’adresse ci-après ou au comité membre de l’ISO dans le pays du demandeur.
ISO copyright office
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CH-1214 Vernier, Genève
Tél.: +41 22 749 01 11
E-mail: copyright@iso.org
Web: www.iso.org
Publié en Suisse
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ISO 6346:2022(F)
Sommaire Page
Avant-propos .iv
1 Domaine d’application . 1
2 Références normatives .2
3 Termes et définitions . 2
4 Système d’identification et marques associées . 2
4.1 Système d’identification . 2
4.1.1 Généralités . 2
4.1.2 Code du propriétaire . . 3
4.1.3 Identificateur de la catégorie d’équipement . 3
4.1.4 Numéro de série . 3
4.1.5 Chiffre d’autocontrôle . 3
4.2 Marques d’identification . 3
5 Codes de dimensions et de type, et marques associées . 3
5.1 Finalité . 3
5.2 Codes de dimensions et de type . 4
5.2.1 Généralités . 4
5.2.2 Code de dimensions (deux caractères alphanumériques) . 4
5.2.3 Code de type (deux caractères) . 4
6 Marques d’exploitation . 4
6.1 Généralités . 4
6.2 Marques d’exploitation obligatoires . 4
6.2.1 Masse brute maximale et tare . 4
6.2.2 Symbole pour conteneurs air/surface . 5
6.2.3 Signal d’avertissement de danger électrique au-dessus du conteneur . 5
6.2.4 Marque de hauteur pour les conteneurs de hauteur supérieure à 2,6 m (8 ft
6 in) . 5
6.2.5 Marque signalant les conteneurs dont la largeur hors tout est supérieure à
2 438 m (8 ft) . 5
6.3 Marques d’exploitation facultatives (masse maximale de la charge utile) . 5
7 Disposition physique des marques. 6
7.1 Dimensions et couleurs des marques . 6
7.2 Disposition et emplacement des marques. 6
7.2.1 Disposition des marques . 6
7.2.2 Emplacement des marques . 9
Annexe A (normative) Détermination du chiffre d’autocontrôle .12
Annexe B (normative) Symbole désignant un conteneur air/surface .14
Annexe C (normative) Signal d’avertissement de danger électrique au-dessus du conteneur .15
Annexe D (normative) Code de désignation des dimensions.16
Annexe E (normative) Désignation du code de type .18
Annexe F (normative) Marques de hauteur pour les conteneurs de hauteur supérieure à
2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) .24
Annexe G (normative) Marques de largeur hors tout pour les conteneurs de largeur
supérieure à 2 438 m (8 ft) .25
Bibliographie .26
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ISO 6346:2022(F)
Avant-propos
L’ISO (Organisation internationale de normalisation) est une fédération mondiale d’organismes
nationaux de normalisation (comités membres de l’ISO). L’élaboration des Normes internationales est
en général confiée aux comités techniques de l’ISO. Chaque comité membre intéressé par une étude
a le droit de faire partie du comité technique créé à cet effet. Les organisations internationales,
gouvernementales et non gouvernementales, en liaison avec l’ISO participent également aux travaux.
L’ISO collabore étroitement avec la Commission électrotechnique internationale (IEC) en ce qui
concerne la normalisation électrotechnique.
Les procédures utilisées pour élaborer le présent document et celles destinées à sa mise à jour sont
décrites dans les Directives ISO/IEC, Partie 1. Il convient en particulier de prendre note des différents
critères d’approbation requis pour les différents types de documents ISO. Le présent document
a été rédigé conformément aux règles de rédaction données dans les Directives ISO/IEC, Partie 2
(voir www.iso.org/directives).
L'attention est attirée sur le fait que certains des éléments du présent document peuvent faire l'objet de
droits de propriété intellectuelle ou de droits analogues. L'ISO ne saurait être tenue pour responsable
de ne pas avoir identifié de tels droits de propriété et averti de leur existence. Les détails concernant
les références aux droits de propriété intellectuelle ou autres droits analogues identifiés lors de
l'élaboration du document sont indiqués dans l'Introduction et/ou dans la liste des déclarations de
brevets reçues par l'ISO (voir www.iso.org/brevets).
Les appellations commerciales éventuellement mentionnées dans le présent document sont données
pour information, par souci de commodité, à l’intention des utilisateurs et ne sauraient constituer un
engagement.
Pour une explication de la nature volontaire des normes, la signification des termes et expressions
spécifiques de l’ISO liés à l’évaluation de la conformité, ou pour toute information au sujet de l’adhésion
de l’ISO aux principes de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) concernant les obstacles
techniques au commerce (OTC), voir le lien suivant: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
Le présent document a été élaboré par le comité technique ISO/TC 104, Conteneurs pour le transport de
marchandises, sous-comité 4, Identification et communication en collaboration avec le comité technique
CEN/TC 119, Unités de chargement intermodales et arrimage des charges du Comité européen de
normalisation (CEN), conformément à l’Accord de coopération technique entre l’ISO et le CEN (Accord
de Vienne).
Cette quatrième édition annule et remplace la troisième édition (ISO 6346:1995), qui a fait l’objet d’une
révision technique. Elle incorpore également l’Amendement ISO 6346:1995/Amd 3:2012.
Les principales modifications sont les suivantes:
— intégration à la présente norme des amendements précédents afin d’inclure les dispositions
relatives au marquage pour l’identification des conteneurs présentant une capacité de gerbage ou
de déséquerrage réduite;
— ajout de nouveaux marquages pour identifier les conteneurs de largeur hors tout.
Il convient que l’utilisateur adresse tout retour d’information ou toute question concernant le présent
document à l’organisme national de normalisation de son pays. Une liste exhaustive desdits organismes
se trouve à l’adresse www.iso.org/members.html.
La présente version française de l’ISO 6346:2022 correspond à la version anglaise publiée le 2022-04 et
corrigée le 2022-08.
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NORME INTERNATIONALE ISO 6346:2022(F)
Conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises — Codage,
identification et marquage
1 Domaine d’application
1.1 Le présent document fournit un système pour l’identification et la présentation d’informations
relatives aux conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises. Le système d’identification est prévu
pour une application générale (par exemple, pour la documentation, le contrôle et les communications,
y compris les systèmes de traitement automatique des données) ainsi que pour le marquage sur les
conteneurs eux-mêmes.
Les méthodes d’inscription de l’identification et de certaines autres informations (y compris les données
opérationnelles) sur les conteneurs, au moyen de marques permanentes, sont incluses.
1.2 Le présent document spécifie:
a) un système d’identification des conteneurs incluant un dispositif pour vérifier l’exactitude de son
utilisation, avec:
— des marques obligatoires pour la présentation du système d’identification aux fins
d’interprétation visuelle, et
— des éléments à utiliser pour l’identification (facultative) automatique des équipements (AEI) et
l’échange électronique de données (EDI);
b) un système de codage des données relatives aux dimensions et au type de conteneur, et les marques
correspondantes à inscrire;
c) des marques, obligatoires et facultatives, relatives à l’exploitation;
d) une présentation physique des marques sur le conteneur.
1.3 Dans le présent document, les termes «obligatoires» et «facultatifs» sont utilisés pour différencier
les dispositions relatives au marquage ISO, qui doivent nécessairement être respectées pour tous les
conteneurs, des dispositions qui ne sont pas exigées pour tous les conteneurs. Les marques facultatives
sont incluses pour faciliter la compréhension et encourager une application uniforme de ces marques.
S’il a été décidé d’inscrire une marque facultative, les dispositions spécifiées dans le présent document
relatives à cette marque s’appliquent. Les termes «obligatoire» et «facultatif» ne font pas référence aux
exigences d’organismes de réglementation.
1.4 Le présent document s’applique à tous les conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises couverts
par les Normes internationales ISO 668, ISO 1496 (Parties 1 à 5) et ISO 8323. À chaque fois que cela est
approprié et possible, il convient qu’il s’applique:
— aux conteneurs autres que ceux couverts par les Normes internationales mentionnées à l’Article 2;
— aux équipements de conteneurs et/ou aux équipements amovibles.
NOTE 1 Il n’est pas nécessaire de marquer à nouveau les conteneurs déjà marqués conformément aux éditions
précédentes de l’ISO 6346.
1.5 Le présent document ne couvre pas les marques temporaires relatives à l’exploitation (quel que
soit leur type), les marques permanentes, les plaques d’identification, etc., qui peuvent être requises
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ISO 6346:2022(F)
par des accords intergouvernementaux, par la législation nationale ou par des organisations non
gouvernementales.
NOTE 2 Certaines des principales conventions internationales dont les exigences de marquage des conteneurs
ne sont pas couvertes par le présent document sont indiquées ci-après:
— Convention internationale sur la sécurité des conteneurs (1972, telle qu’amendée) (CSC), Organisation
maritime internationale (OMI);
— Convention douanière relative aux conteneurs (1956 et 1972), relative aux admissions temporaires et au
transport sous scellement douanier;
— Convention relative à l’admission temporaire (Istanbul, 26 juin 1990), relative aux admissions temporaires.
Il convient de ne pas considérer cette liste comme exhaustive.
Le présent document ne couvre pas l’inscription de données techniques sur les conteneurs-citernes
(voir l’ISO 1496-3). Il ne comprend en aucune façon des marques d’identification ou des signaux de
sécurité pour les unités de marchandises qui peuvent être transportées dans des conteneurs pour le
transport de marchandises.
2 Références normatives
Les documents suivants sont cités dans le texte de sorte qu’ils constituent, pour tout ou partie de leur
contenu, des exigences du présent document. Pour les références datées, seule l’édition citée s’applique.
Pour les références non datées, la dernière édition du document de référence s'applique (y compris les
éventuels amendements).
ISO 10374, Conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises — Identification automatique
3 Termes et définitions
Aucun terme n’est défini dans le présent document.
L’ISO et l’IEC tiennent à jour des bases de données terminologiques destinées à être utilisées en
normalisation, consultables aux adresses suivantes:
— ISO Online browsing platform: disponible à l’adresse https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: disponible à l’adresse https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Système d’identification et marques associées
4.1 Système d’identification
4.1.1 Généralités
Le système d’identification doit comprendre à la fois tous les éléments suivants et uniquement les
éléments suivants:
— code du propriétaire: trois lettres (voir 4.1.2);
— identificateur de la catégorie d’équipement: une lettre (voir 4.1.3);
— numéro de série: six chiffres (voir 4.1.4);
— chiffre d’autocontrôle: un chiffre (voir 4.1.5).
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ISO 6346:2022(F)
4.1.2 Code du propriétaire
Référence [1] dans les Figures 1 à 4
Le code du propriétaire du conteneur doit comporter trois lettres majuscules. Il doit être unique et
enregistré auprès de l’Organisme d’enregistrement.
Le nom et les coordonnées de l’Organisme d’enregistrement relatif au présent document peuvent être
consultés à l’adresse suivante: www .iso .org/ maintenance _agencies.
4.1.3 Identificateur de la catégorie d’équipement
Référence [2] dans les Figures 1 à 4
L’identificateur de la catégorie d’équipement se compose d’une lettre majuscule de l’alphabet latin, à
savoir:
— U pour tous les conteneurs de transport de marchandises;
— J pour les équipements amovibles associés aux conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises;
— Z pour les remorques et châssis.
4.1.4 Numéro de série
Référence [3] dans les Figures 1 à 4
Le numéro de série du conteneur doit comporter six chiffres arabes. Si la série des chiffres significatifs
ne comporte pas six chiffres, les chiffres doivent être précédés d’un ou de plusieurs zéros afin d’obtenir
un total de six chiffres (par exemple, si la série de chiffres significatifs est 1234, le numéro de série
est 001234).
4.1.5 Chiffre d’autocontrôle
Référence [4] dans les Figures 1 à 4
Le chiffre d’autocontrôle est un moyen de vérifier l’exactitude de la transmission du code du propriétaire
et du numéro de série, et doit être déterminé conformément à l’Annexe A. Le chiffre d’autocontrôle doit
valider le code du propriétaire, l’identificateur de la catégorie d’équipement et le numéro de série du
conteneur.
4.2 Marques d’identification
L’utilisation de marques conformes au système d’identification spécifié en 4.1 (c’est-à-dire le code du
propriétaire, l’identificateur de la catégorie d’équipement, le numéro de série et le chiffre d’autocontrôle)
est obligatoire pour les conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises et est recommandée pour tous
les équipements spécifiés en 4.1.3. Les caractéristiques (dimensions, forme, disposition, etc.) décrites
en 7.1 et 7.2.1 doivent être inscrites, autant que possible, conformément à l’Article 7, c’est-à-dire de
manière visible à l’œil nu.
5 Codes de dimensions et de type, et marques associées
5.1 Finalité
Le type et les principales dimensions extérieures du conteneur doivent être identifiés par des
codes marqués sur le conteneur. Seuls les conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises conformes
aux exigences ISO relatives à la manutention par le haut et à la structure de gerbage spécifiées
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ISO 6346:2022(F)
dans l’ISO 1496 doivent être marqués des codes de dimensions et de type conformes aux dispositions
en 5.2.2 et 5.2.3.
5.2 Codes de dimensions et de type
5.2.1 Généralités
Cette information est obligatoire pour le marquage des conteneurs couverts par les Normes
internationales indiquées à l’Article 2 et doit être codée comme décrit en 5.2.2 et 5.2.3.
Lorsqu’ils sont inscrits sur le conteneur, les codes de dimensions et de type doivent former un tout,
c’est-à-dire que ces informations ne doivent pas être décomposées en plusieurs parties.
Les codes de dimensions et de type doivent être inscrits conformément à l’Article 7.
5.2.2 Code de dimensions (deux caractères alphanumériques)
Référence [5] dans les Figures 1 à 4
Les dimensions (extérieures) du conteneur doivent être indiquées au moyen des deux caractères
suivants:
— premier caractère: caractère numérique ou alphabétique représentant la longueur;
— second caractère: caractère numérique ou alphabétique représentant la largeur et la hauteur.
Ces deux caractères doivent être déterminés conformément à l’Annexe D.
5.2.3 Code de type (deux caractères)
Référence [6] dans les Figures 1 à 4
Le type du conteneur et ses caractéristiques principales doivent être indiqués au moyen des deux
caractères suivants:
— premier caractère: caractère alphabétique représentant le type du conteneur;
— second caractère: caractère numérique ou alphabétique représentant les caractéristiques
principales liées au type du conteneur.
Ces deux caractères doivent être choisis conformément aux dispositions de l’Annexe E.
NOTE Pour échanger des données, lorsqu’il n’est pas essentiel d’indiquer les caractéristiques principales, il
est possible d’utiliser le «code de type regroupé» indiqué à l’Annexe E.
6 Marques d’exploitation
6.1 Généralités
Les marques indiquées dans le présent article ne prétendent pas correspondre à un code particulier
(par exemple, pour la transmission de données ou tout autre usage). Elles sont seulement prévues pour
être utilisées comme marques sur les conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises afin de donner
certaines informations ou des avertissements visuels.
6.2 Marques d’exploitation obligatoires
6.2.1 Masse brute maximale et tare
La masse brute maximale et la tare doivent être inscrites sur un conteneur de la façon suivante:
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ISO 6346:2022(F)
MASSE BRUTE MAXIMALE 00 000 kg
00 000 lb
TARE 00 000 kg
00 000 lb
Pour des raisons de sécurité, les conteneurs soumis à essai selon les méthodes approuvées spécifiées
dans la partie de l’ISO 1496 applicable au type de conteneur en question (c’est-à-dire la Partie 1, 2, 3, 4
ou 5 de l’ISO 1496), doivent être marqués uniformément de la masse brute maximale ayant servi pour
les essais.
De plus, la «masse brute maximale» inscrite sur le conteneur conformément au présent document doit
être identique à celle figurant sur la plaque d’agrément aux fins de la sécurité CSC.
Comme indiqué ci-dessus, les masses doivent être exprimées en kilogrammes (kg) et en livres (lb).
NOTE 1 kg = 2 204 lb.
6.2.2 Symbole pour conteneurs air/surface
Tous les conteneurs air/surface doivent porter le symbole indiqué à l’Annexe B.
6.2.3 Signal d’avertissement de danger électrique au-dessus du conteneur
Un signal d’avertissement conforme aux dispositions indiquées à l’Annexe C doit être apposé sur tous
les conteneurs équipés d’échelles.
6.2.4 Marque de hauteur pour les conteneurs de hauteur supérieure à 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in)
Tous les conteneurs de hauteur supérieure à 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) doivent porter les marques obligatoires
suivantes:
a) sur les deux parois latérales: une marque de hauteur similaire à celle décrite dans l’Annexe F;
b) sur les traverses d’extrémité supérieures de chaque cadre d’extrémité et de chaque paroi de côté
dans les angles adjacents à chaque pièce de coin: une zone d’au moins 300 mm (12 in) de longueur,
rayée de noir et de jaune, visible du sol ou du dessus. Voir la Figure 5.
En outre, toute autre marque facultative, comme une marque symétrique à celle décrite à l’Annexe F,
peut être inscrite en tout endroit approprié (par exemple, la paroi avant).
6.2.5 Marque signalant les conteneurs dont la largeur hors tout est supérieure à 2 438 m (8 ft)
Tous les conteneurs dont la largeur hors tout est supérieure à 2 438 m (8 ft) doivent porter, à leurs
extrémités et aux extrémités sur le toit, une marque similaire à celle décrite dans l’Annexe G.
Lorsque les extrémités ou le toit n’offrent pas un espace suffisant pour les marques (par exemple, dans
le cas des conteneurs-citernes), ces dernières doivent être aussi larges que possible sur les extrémités
et peuvent être omises sur le toit.
6.3 Marques d’exploitation facultatives (masse maximale de la charge utile)
Il s’agit d’une pratique courante dans l’industrie de marquer les conteneurs avec leur charge utile
maximale, en plus de la masse brute maximale et de la tare.
Dans ce cas, il convient de marquer la masse maximale de la charge utile sur le conteneur conformément
aux exigences en 6.2.1, après l’indication de la masse brute maximale et de la tare, comme suit:
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ISO 6346:2022(F)
7 Disposition physique des marques
7.1 Dimensions et couleurs des marques
Les lettres et les chiffres du code du propriétaire, de l’identificateur de la catégorie d’équipement, du
numéro de série et du chiffre d’autocontrôle ne doivent pas avoir une hauteur inférieure à 100 mm (4 in).
Les lettres et les chiffres de la MASSE BRUTE MAXIMALE, de la TARE et de la CHARGE UTILE (si utilisée)
ne doivent pas avoir une hauteur inférieure à 50 mm (2 in).
Tous les caractères doivent avoir une largeur et une épaisseur proportionnées. Ils doivent être durables
et d’une couleur contrastant avec celle du conteneur.
7.2 Disposition et emplacement des marques
Les exigences du présent paragraphe sont applicables en particulier aux conteneurs de type «fermé».
Pour les conteneurs d’autres types, il convient que la disposition et l’emplacement des marques suivent,
autant que possible, les dispositions données pour les conteneurs de type «fermé».
7.2.1 Disposition des marques
7.2.1.1 Généralités
Le code du propriétaire, l’identificateur de la catégorie d’équipement, le numéro de série et le
chiffre d’autocontrôle doivent être disposés sur les conteneurs de préférence sur une seule ligne
horizontale·(voir la Figure 1). Lorsque des particularités de construction du conteneur obligent à une
autre disposition, celle-ci peut être verticale (voir la Figure 2).
Si possible, il convient de disposer les codes de dimensions et de type sur une seule ligne horizontale,
en dessous de la ligne horizontale indiquant le code du propriétaire, l’identificateur de la catégorie
d’équipement, le numéro de série et le chiffre d’autocontrôle (voir la Figure 1).
Lorsque le code du propriétaire, l’identificateur de la catégorie d’équipement, le numéro de série et le
chiffre d’autocontrôle sont disposés verticalement, il convient de placer les codes de dimensions et de
type à côté des autres marques obligatoires (voir la Figure 2 et la Figure 3).
Si, pour certains conteneurs d’usage spécifique, il n’est pas possible d’avoir une disposition entièrement
horizontale ou entièrement verticale, la disposition des autres marques d’identification obligatoires doit
être réalisée par regroupements horizontaux ou verticaux, comme spécifié ci-après (voir la Figure 3 et
la Figure 4).
Lorsque les conteneurs d’usage spécifique ne permettent pas une disposition entièrement verticale ou
entièrement horizontale et lorsque les autres marques d’identification obligatoires sont regroupées
horizontalement, il convient de placer les codes de dimensions et de type en dessous des autres marques
obligatoires (voir la Figure 4).
NOTE Les encadrés autour des marquages dans les figures représentent la forme approximative des parois
latérales. Les marquages sont positionnés par rapport aux parois latérales.
Il convient que les codes de dimensions et de type soient utilisés comme un tout (voir 5.2).
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ISO 6346:2022(F)
Le code du propriétaire et l’identificateur de la catégorie d’équipement doivent être joints et séparés
du numéro de série par un espace équivalent à au moins un caractère. Le numéro de série et le chiffre
d’autocontrôle doivent être séparés par un espace équivalent à un caractère, et le chiffre d’autocontrôle
doit être encadré.
EXEMPLE
Un conteneur pour usage général (identificateur de catégorie U) conforme à l’ISO 1496, muni d’ouvertures
d’aération passives sur la partie supérieure de l’espace de chargement, de 6 058 mm de longueur, 2 438 mm
de largeur, 2 591 mm de hauteur, ayant un code de propriétaire enregistré unique ABZ et portant le numéro de
série 001234 aura l’une des dispositions illustrées de la Figure 1 à la Figure 4.
Légende
1 code du propriétaire
2 identificateur de la catégorie d’équipement
3 numéro de série
4 chiffre d’autocontrôle
5 code de dimensions
6 code de type
Figure 1 — Marques d’identification obligatoires - Disposition horizontale préférentielle
Légende
1 code du propriétaire
2 identificateur de la catégorie d’équipement
3 numéro de série
4 chiffre d’autocontrôle
5 code de dimensions
6 code de type
Figure 2 — Marques d’identification obligatoires - Disposition verticale préférentielle
7
© ISO 2022 –
...
FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 6346
ISO/TC 104/SC 4
Freight containers — Coding,
Secretariat: AFNOR
identification and marking
Voting begins on:
2021-12-06
Conteneurs pour le transport de marchandises — Codage,
identification et marquage
Voting terminates on:
2022-01-31
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN-
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2021
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, 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
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 2
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Identification system and its associated marks . 2
4.1 Identification system . 2
4.1.1 General . 2
4.1.2 Owner code . 2
4.1.3 Equipment category identifier . 2
4.1.4 Serial number . 3
4.1.5 Check digit . 3
4.2 Identification marks . 3
5 Size and type codes and their associated marks . 3
5.1 Purpose . 3
5.2 Size and type codes . 3
5.2.1 General . 3
5.2.2 Size: two alphanumeric characters . 3
5.2.3 Type: two characters . 4
6 Operational marks . 4
6.1 General . 4
6.2 Mandatory operational marks. 4
6.2.1 Maximum gross and tare masses . 4
6.2.2 Air/surface container symbol . 4
6.2.3 Warning sign of overhead electrical danger . 5
6.2.4 Height mark for containers higher than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) . 5
6.2.5 Width mark for containers with an overall width greater than 2 438 m
(8 ft). . 5
6.3 Optional operational mark (maximum mass of payload) . 5
7 Physical display of marks .5
7.1 Size and colour of marks . 5
7.2 Layout and location of marks . 6
7.2.1 Layout of marks . 6
7.2.2 Location of marks . 9
Annex A (normative) Determination of check digit .11
Annex B (normative) Symbol to denote air/surface container .13
Annex C (normative) Sign warning of overhead electrical danger .14
Annex D (normative) Size code designation .15
Annex E (normative) Type Code designation .17
Annex F (normative) Height marks for containers higher than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) .23
Annex G (normative) Overall width marks for containers wider than 2 438 m (8 ft) .24
Bibliography .25
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
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 of the voluntary nature of standards, 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
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 104, Freight containers, Subcommittee
SC 4, Identification and communication, in collaboration with European Committee for Standardization
(CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 119, Intermodal loading units and Cargo securing (ILUCS), in
accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 6346:1995), which has been technically
revised. It also incorporates the Amendment ISO 6346:1995/Amd 3:2012.
The main changes are as follows:
— Incorporation of previous amendments to the standard to include the provision of markings to
identify containers with reduced stacking or racking;
— Inclusion of new markings to identify over width containers;
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
Freight containers — Coding, identification and marking
1 Scope
1.1 This document provides a system for the identification and presentation of information about
freight containers. The identification system is intended for general application, for example in
documentation, control and communications (including automatic data processing systems), as well as
for display on the containers themselves.
The methods of displaying identification and certain other data (including operational data) on
containers by means of permanent marks are included.
1.2 This document specifies:
a) a container identification system, with an associated system for verifying the accuracy of its use,
having:
— mandatory marks for the presentation of the identification system for visual interpretation,
and
— features to be used in optional Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) and electronic data
interchange (EDI);
b) a coding system for data on container size and type, with corresponding marks for their display;
c) operational marks, both mandatory and optional;
d) physical presentation of marks on the container.
1.3 The terms “mandatory” and “optional” in this document are used to differentiate those ISO
marking provisions which shall necessarily be fulfilled by all containers from those which are not
required of all containers. The optional marks are included to further comprehension and promote
uniform application of the optional mark. If a choice has been made to display an optional mark, the
provisions laid down in this document relating to the mark shall be applied. The terms “mandatory”
and “optional” do not refer to requirements of any regulatory body.
1.4 This document applies to all freight containers covered by International Standards ISO 668, parts
1 to 5 of ISO 1496, ISO 8323 and should, wherever appropriate and practicable, be applied:
— to containers other than those covered by the International Standards mentioned in Clause 2;
— to container-related and/or detachable equipment.
NOTE 1 Containers marked according to previous editions of ISO 6346 need not be re-marked.
1.5 This document does not cover temporary operational marks of any kind, permanent marks,
data plates, etc. which may 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);
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
— 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.
It should not be assumed that this list is exhaustive.
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 may be carried
in freight containers.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Identification system and its associated marks
4.1 Identification system
4.1.1 General
The identification system shall consist only of the following elements, all of which shall be included:
— owner code: three letters (see 4.1.2);
— equipment category identifier: one letter (see 4.1.3);
— serial number: six numerals (see 4.1.4);
— check digit: one numeral (see 4.1.5).
4.1.2 Owner code
Reference (1) in Figures 1 to 4
The container owner’s code shall consist of three capital letters, shall be unique and shall be registered
with the Registration Authority.
The name and contact information of the Registration Authority for this document can be found at
www .iso .org/ maintenance _agencies.
4.1.3 Equipment category identifier
Reference (2) in Figures 1 to 4
The equipment category identifier consists of one capital letter of the Latin alphabet as follows:
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
— U for all freight containers;
— J for detachable freight container-related equipment;
— Z for trailers and chassis.
4.1.4 Serial number
Reference (3) in Figures 1 to 4
The container serial number shall consist of six Arabic numerals. If the series of significant numerals
does not total six, they shall be preceded by sufficient zeroes to make up six numerals (for example, if
the series of significant numerals is 1234, the serial number is 001234).
4.1.5 Check digit
Reference (4) in Figures 1 to 4
The check digit provides a means of validating the transmission accuracy of the owner code and serial
number and shall be determined as in Annex A. The check digit shall validate the owner code, equipment
category identifier and serial number of the container.
4.2 Identification marks
The use of marks in accordance with the identification system specified in 4.1, i.e. owner code,
equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit, is mandatory for freight containers and
recommended for all equipment as stated in 4.1.3. The characteristics (size, shape, layout, etc.) detailed
in 7.1 and 7.2.1 shall be displayed as nearly as practicable in accordance with Clause 7, i.e., legible to the
human eye.
5 Size and type codes and their associated marks
5.1 Purpose
The type and main external dimensions of the container shall be identified with codes marked on the
container. Only those freight containers which conform with both the ISO top-handling capability and
structural stacking requirements set forth in ISO 1496 shall be marked with size and type codes in
accordance with 5.2.2 and 5.2.3.
5.2 Size and type codes
5.2.1 General
This information is mandatory for the marking of containers covered by the International Standards
listed in Clause 2 and shall be coded as in 5.2.2 and 5.2.3.
The size and type codes, when displayed on the container, shall be used as a whole, i.e., the information
must not be broken into its component parts.
The size and type codes shall be displayed in accordance with Clause 7.
5.2.2 Size: two alphanumeric characters
Reference (5) in Figures 1 to 4
The container size (i.e. external dimensions) shall be indicated by two characters as follows:
— First character: numeric or alphabetic character representing the length.
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
— Second character: numeric or alphabetic character representing the width and the height.
These two characters shall be determined in accordance with Annex D.
5.2.3 Type: two characters
Reference (6) in Figures 1 to 4
The container type and main characteristics shall be indicated by two characters as follows:
— First character: alphabetic character representing the container type.
— Second character: numeric or alphabetic character representing main characteristics related to the
container type.
These two characters shall be selected in accordance with Annex E.
NOTE For the purpose of exchanging data when indication of the main characteristics is not essential, the
“type group code designation” as shown in Annex E can be used.
6 Operational marks
6.1 General
The marks in this section are not intended to correspond to any particular code (e.g., for use in data
transmission or any other purpose). They are solely intended as markings for use on freight containers
to convey certain information or give visual warnings.
6.2 Mandatory operational marks
6.2.1 Maximum gross and tare masses
The maximum gross and tare masses shall be marked on a container as:
MAX GROSS 00 000 kg
00 000 lb
TARE 00 000 kg
00 000 lb
For safety reasons, containers tested in conformance with the approved methods specified in that part
of ISO 1496 applicable to the type of container in question, i.e., parts 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 of ISO 1496, shall be
uniformly marked with the maximum gross mass used for those tests.
Furthermore, the “maximum gross mass” marked on the container in accordance with this document
shall be identical to that shown on the CSC Safety Approval Plate.
As indicated above, the masses shall be expressed in both kilograms (kg) and pounds (lb).
NOTE 1 kg = 2 204 lb.
6.2.2 Air/surface container symbol
All air/surface containers shall display the symbol specified in Annex B.
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
6.2.3 Warning sign of overhead electrical danger
All containers equipped with ladders shall display a warning sign in accordance with the details given
in Annex C.
6.2.4 Height mark for containers higher than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in)
All containers higher than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) shall bear the following mandatory marks:
a) on both sides, a height mark similar to that described in Annex F;
b) an area of alternating black and yellow stripes on the top members of each end frame and side wall
at each corner adjacent to the corner fitting, of 300 mm (12 in) minimum length, that can be seen
from the ground or from the top. See Figure 5.
In addition, any other optional marks, such as a mirror image of the mark described in Annex F, may be
displayed at any convenient location (e.g., front wall).
6.2.5 Width mark for containers with an overall width greater than 2 438 m (8 ft).
All containers with an overall width greater than 2 438 m (8 ft) shall bear a mark similar to that
described in Annex G on the ends and the roof at both ends.
Where there is insufficient space to fit the marking on the ends or the roof, for example on tank
containers, the marking shall be as wide as is practicable on the ends and may be omitted on the roof.
6.3 Optional operational mark (maximum mass of payload)
It is common industry practice to mark containers with maximum payload in addition to the maximum
gross and tare masses.
If used, the maximum mass of payload should be marked on a container in accordance with the
requirements of 6.2.1, positioned after the maximum gross and tare masses as follows:
7 Physical display of marks
7.1 Size and colour of marks
The letters and numerals of the owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check
digit shall be not less than 100 mm (4 in) high.
The letters and numerals for MAX GROSS, TARE and, when used, PAYLOAD shall be not less than 50 mm
(2 in) high.
All characters shall be of proportionate width and thickness, they shall be durable and in a colour
contrasting with that of the container.
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
7.2 Layout and location of marks
The requirements of this clause are particularly applicable to containers of the “closed box” type. For
containers of other types, all possible practicable steps should be taken to follow the marking layout
and location given for the “closed box” type of container.
7.2.1 Layout of marks
7.2.1.1 General
The layout of the owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit on containers
shall preferably be in one single horizontal line (see Figure 1). Where constructional features of the
container dictate otherwise, the layout may be vertical (see Figure 2).
The layout of size and type codes should, as far as practicable, be in a single horizontal line underneath
the horizontal line giving the owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit
(see Figure 1).
When the owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit are displayed
vertically, the size and type codes should be placed adjacent to the other mandatory marks (see Figure 2
and Figure 3).
If, on some special-purpose containers, a fully horizontal or fully vertical layout is not possible, the
layout of the other mandatory identification marks shall be maintained in the horizontal or vertical
groupings as specified below (see Figure 3 and Figure 4).
On those special-purpose containers where a fully horizontal or fully vertical layout is not possible and
the layout of the other mandatory identification marks is horizontal, the size and type codes should be
placed beneath the other mandatory marks (see Figure 4).
The size and type codes should be used as a whole (see 5.2).
The owner code and equipment category identifier shall be joined and shall be separated from the serial
number by at least one character space. The serial number shall be separated from the check digit by
one character space and the check digit shall be displayed in a box.
EXAMPLE
A general purpose container in accordance with ISO 1496, having passive vents at the upper part of the cargo
space, a length of 6 068 mm, a width of 2 438 mm, a height of 2 591 mm, having a unique registered owner code
of ABZ, an equipment category identifier of U and a serial number of 001234 will have the layout as shown in
Figure 1 to Figure 4.
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
Key
1 owner’s code
2 category identifier
3 serial number
4 check digit
5 size code
6 type code
Figure 1 — Mandatory identification marks - preferred horizontal layout
Key
1 owner’s code
2 category identifier
3 serial number
4 check digit
5 size code
6 type code
Figure 2 — Mandatory identification marks - preferred vertical layout
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
Key
1 owner’s code
2 category identifier
3 serial number
4 check digit
5 size code
6 type code
Figure 3 — Mandatory identification marks - Alternative (multiple column) vertical layout
Key
1 owner’s code
2 category identifier
3 serial number
4 check digit
5 size code
6 type code
Figure 4 — Mandatory identification marks - Alternative horizontal grouping layout
7.2.1.2 Mandatory operational marks
The layout of maximum gross and tare masses shall be as stated in 6.2.1.
The layout of the air/surface container symbol shall be as shown in Annex B.
The layout of the sign warning of overhead electrical danger shall be as shown in Annex C.
The layout of the height mark for containers having a height greater than 2,6 m shall be as stated in
Annex F.
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
The layout for the width mark for containers having a width greater than 2 438 m shall be as stated in
Annex G.
7.2.1.3 Optional operational mark (maximum mass of payload)
Where marked, the layout of payload shall be as stated in 6.3.
7.2.2 Location of marks
7.2.2.1 Mandatory identification marks
The mandatory marks of 4.1 and 5.2, i.e., owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number,
check digit, and size and type codes, shall be positioned on the container as far as practicable as shown
in Figure 5.
Containers with reduced stacking or reduced racking strength shall have size type code marks on the
front (blind end) and on the roof at either end.
7.2.2.2 Operational marks
The mandatory operational marks of 6.2.1, i.e., maximum gross and tare masses, shall be positioned on
the container as far as practicable as shown in Figure 5.
The location of the air/surface container symbol shall be as given in Annex B.
The location of the symbol warning of overhead electrical danger shall be as given in Annex C.
The location of the height warning symbol shall be as given in Annex F and shown in Figure 5.
The location of the width mark shall be as given in Annex G and shown in Figure 5.
The optional operational mark of 6.3, i.e., maximum payload or net mass, shall be positioned on the
container as far as practicable as shown in Figure 5.
7.2.2.3 Other marks and devices
Marks other than those stipulated by this document shall be displayed on the container so that they do
not in any way interfere with the marks described in this document.
For the Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) system, the AEI tag shall be positioned on the
container as specified in ISO 10374.
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
Key
1 blind / front end 3 container side
2 door / rear end 4 automatic equipment identifier tag
NOTE 1 Black and yellow stripes adjacent to the corner fitting can be reduced to a length of 300 mm min.
NOTE 2 Size and type marking on the roof and on the front (blind end) are optional except for containers with
reduced stacking and/or racking.
NOTE 3 Mounting of AEI tag is optional.
NOTE 4 “PAYLOAD” marking is optional.
Figure 5 — Location of mandatory and optional marks
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ISO/FDIS 6346:2021(E)
Annex A
(normative)
Determination of check digit
The check digit of a container identification system is determined by following the procedure outlined
in A.1 to A.4. A sample calculation is presented in A.5.
A.1 Numerical equivalents of container owner code, category identifier and
serial number
Each letter of the owner code, the equipment category identifier and each numeral of the serial number
all be con
...
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