National Standards TCVN 7623:2023 (ISO 6346:2022) for Freight containers - Coding, Identification and marking

NATIONAL STANDARDS

TCVN 7623:2023
ISO 6346:2022

FREIGHT CONTAINERS - CODING, IDENTIFICATION AND MARKING

Foreword

The TCVN 7623:2023 replaces the TCVN 7623:2007.

The TCVN 7623:2023 is entirely identical to ISO 6346:2022

The TCVN7623:2023 is compiled by the Board of National Standards TCVN/TC 104, Freight containers, proposed by the Vietnam Standards and Quality Institute, assessed by the Directorate for Standards, Metrology, and Quality, and promulgated by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

FREIGHT CONTAINERS - CODING, IDENTIFICATION AND MARKING

1 Scope

1.1 This Standard provides a common system for identifying and presenting information on freight containers. Identification system for general application, such as in documentation, control, communication (including data processing system), and display on the freight containers.

Methods of presenting identification and other data (including operational data) on containers, including signs of durability.

1.2 This Standard prescribes:

a) a container identification system associated with accuracy inspection system in container use including:

- mandatory markings presented on identification system explained by visuals,

and

- Characteristics used in optional automatic equipment identification (AEI) and electronic data interchange (EDI);

b) a system of encrypted data regarding types and dimensions of containers with markings presenting these data;

c) mandatory and optional operational markings;

d) presentation of container markings.

1.3 The terms “bắt buộc” (mandatory) and “tùy chọn” (optional) under this document are used to differentiate ISO-compliant marking requirements that all containers must comply with from ISO-compliant marking requirements that containers are not required to comply with. All optional markings are introduced to improve understanding and promote application of the same optional markings. If one optional marking is selected for display, clauses mentioned under this Standard shall only apply to the selected marking. The terms “bắt buộc” (mandatory) and “tùy chọn” (optional) are not related to requirements of any agency.

1.4 This Standard applies to all freight containers under TCVN 7553 (ISO 668), TCVN 7552-1 (ISO 1496-1), TCVN 7552-2 (ISO 1496-2), TCVN 7552-3 (ISO 1496-3), ISO 1496-4, TCVN 7552-5 (ISO 1496-5), TCVN 7821 (ISO 8323), and when appropriate:

- containers other than those under standards specified in Article 2;

- detachable freight containers-related equipment.

NOTE 1: Containers that are labeled in accordance with previous editions of TCVN 7623 (ISO 6346) are not required to be labeled again.

1.5 This Standard does not cover temporary operational markings of any kind, permanent markings, data panels, etc. according to request of agreements between countries, legal institutions of countries or non-governmental organizations.

NOTE 2: Several primary international conventions not covered in container labeling requirements in this document are:

- International Convention for Safe Containers (1972, and amendments) (CSC), International Maritime Organizations (IMO);

- Customs Conventions on Containers of 1956 and 1972 relevant to temporary admission and transport under customs seal.

- Convention on Temporary Admission (Istanbul, June 26, 1990) relevant to temporary admission.

This list shall not be considered exhaustive.

This Standard does not cover the display of technical data on tank containers [see TCVN 7552-3 (ISO 1496-3)] or the display of technical data on tank containers by any means including identifiers or safety markings for contents of freight containers.

2 Reference documents

The following referencing documents are necessary for the application of this Standard. If a reference document is mentioned together with its publishing year, only the referenced edition shall prevail. If a reference document is not mentioned together with its publishing year, the latest version and all its amendments and revisions (if any) shall prevail:

TCVN 7824 (ISO 10374), Freight Containers - Automatic Identification.

3 Definitions

This Standard does not contain definitions.

4 Identification system and relevant markings

4.1 Identification system

4.1.1 General requirements

Identification system shall contain all components below:

4.1.2. Owner code

Entry (1) on Figures 1 through 4

Container owner code consists of three capital letters and is registered to competent registration authority.

Name and contact information of competent registration authority can be found at www.iso.org/maintenance_agencies.

4.1.3 Equipment category identifier

Entry (2) on Figures 1 through 4

Equipment category identifier consists of one capital letter of the Latin alphabet:

- U for all freight containers;

- J for detachable freight containers-related equipment;

- Z for trailers and chassis.

4.1.4 Serial number

Entry (3) on Figures 1 through 4

Serial number of container consists of six Arabic numerals. If there are less than six numerals in a unique series, add more numerals to the left of the unique series until there is a total of six numerals in the series (for example, if a unique series contain 1234, the corresponding serial number shall be 001234).

4.1.5 Check digit

Entry (4) on Figures 1 through 4

Check digit consists of one numeric digit providing a means of validating the recording and transmission accuracy of the owner code and serial number and identified in accordance with Appendix A. Check digit shall be able to verify effectiveness of owner code, equipment category identifier, and serial number of container.

4.2. Identifiers

Identifiers appropriate to identification system under 4.1 mean: owner code, equipment category identifier, and check digit and are mandatory for freight containers, recommended for all equipment as specified under 4.1.3. Characteristics (dimensions, shapes, arrangement, etc.) specified under 7.1 and 7.2.1 shall be presented in a manner compliant with Article 7 which means they shall be legible.

5 Size and type codes and relevant identifiers

5.1 Purpose

Size and type of container shall be recognized by codes labeled on the container. Only freight containers appropriate to moving capability at the top according to ISO and stacking requirements detailed under ISO 1496 shall be labeled with size and type codes appropriate to 5.2.2 and 5.2.3.

5.2 Size and type codes

5.2.1 General requirements

This information is mandatory when labeling containers under international standards listed under Article 2 and is encrypted in accordance with 5.2.2 and 5.2.3.

Size and type codes, when displayed on containers, shall be displayed in their entirety which means they shall not be separated into components.

Size and type codes shall be presented in a manner compliant with Article 7.

5.2.2 Size codes: two digits

Entry (5) on Figures 1 through 4

Sizes of container (meaning external dimensions) shall be expressed using two digits:

- The first digit: a numeral or a letter indicating length.

- The second digit: a numeral or a letter indicating width and height.

These digits shall be determined in accordance with Appendix D.

5.2.3 Type codes: two digits

Entry (6) on Figures 1 through 4

Types of containers and primary characteristics shall be expressed using two digits:

- The first digit: a letter indicating type of container;

- The second digit: a numeral or a letter indicating primary characteristics relevant to type of container.

These two digits shall be selected in a manner compliant with Appendix E.

NOTE: For the purpose of data exchange, when indication of primary characteristics is not necessary, it is permissible to use “type group code” according to Appendix E.

6 Operational markings

6.1 General requirements

Do not consider markings under this section equivalent to any other code (for example: for data transmission purpose or any other purpose). Operational markings are used as labels on container to convey information or sign warnings.

6.2 Mandatory operational markings

6.2.1 Maximum gross weight and tare weight

Maximum gross weight and tare weight shall be specified on container as follows:

For safety reasons, containers shall be tested using accepted measures under ISO 1496 sections applicable to the container type in question, which means that section 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of ISO 1496 shall contain the same type code and maximum gross weight used for these tests.

Maximum gross weight labeled on container in a manner compliant with this Standard shall be similar to maximum gross weight under the Safety Approval Plate (CSC plate).

As mentioned above, weights shall be expressed in kilogram (kg) and pound (lb).

NOTE: 1 kg = 2,204 Ib.

6.2.2 Air/surface container pictogram

All air/surface containers shall be accompanied by pictograms depicted under Appendix B.

6.2.3 Overhead electrical danger warning

All containers equipped with ladders shall be accompanied by warning signs compliant with Appendix C.

6.2.4 Height marking for containers taller than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in)

All containers taller than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) shall be accompanied by:

a) a height marking on both sides compliant with the description under Appendix F;

b) yellow and black tapes wrapping around members on the top of each end frame, to the sides, and over the top edges, having minimum length of 300 mm (12 in), and visible from ground level or the top of the containers. See Figure 5.

In addition, other optional markings such as mirrored reflection of markings described under Appendix F in convenient spots (for example: front side).

6.2.5 Width markings for containers wider than 2 438 m (8 ft)

All containers wider than 2 438 m (8 ft) shall be accompanied by markings compliant with Appendix G on both ends and on the top of both ends.

If there is sufficient space on both the sides and the top of container to apply markings, such as tank containers, markings shall cover the largest width possible on all sides and roof markings are not required.

6.3 Optional operational markings (maximum net weight)

In actuality, in addition to maximum gross weight and tare weight, maximum net weight of containers should also be specified. If possible, maximum net weight of a container shall be specified in a manner compliant with 6.2.1 after maximum gross weight and tare weight:

7 Marking display

7.1 Size and color of markings

Letters and numerals of owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number, and check digit shall have minimum height of 100 mm (4 in).

Letters and numerals in “KHỐI LƯỢNG CẢ BÌ LỚN NHẤT” (MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT) , “KHỐI LƯỢNG BÌ” (TARE WEIGHT), and, when specified, “TRỌNG TẢI” (NET WEIGHT) shall have minimum height of 50 mm (2 in).

All letters shall have reasonable height and width, sufficient durability, and colors contrasting with container color.

7.2 Arrangement and location of markings

Requirements of this Article apply specifically to “box” type containers. In regard to containers of other types, feasible steps compliant with marking arrangement and location applicable to “box” type containers should be taken.

7.2.1 Arrangement of markings

7.2.1.1 General requirements

Owner code, equipment category identifier, and check digit on a container should be arranged horizontally in a single line (see Figure 1). Vertical arrangement of owner code, equipment category identifier, and check digit on a container is allowed if structural characteristics of the container are different from those of a general container (see Figure 2).

To a certain extent, size and type codes should be placed directly below owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number, and check digit (see Figure 1).

If owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number, and check digit are arranged vertically, size and type codes should be placed adjacent to other mandatory markings (see Figure 2 and Figure 3).

If entirely horizontal or entirely vertical arrangement of markings on special-use containers is not feasible, other mandatory marking shall be arranged in an entirely horizontal or entirely vertical manner as specified below (see Figure 3 and Figure 4).

In case of special-use containers where entirely horizontal or entirely vertical arrangement of markings is not feasible and other mandatory identifiers are arranged vertically, size and type codes shall be placed beneath other mandatory markings (see Figure 4).

Display of size and type codes in their entirety shall be recommended (see 5.2).

Owner code and equipment category identifier shall be connected to one another and separated from serial number by a space equivalent to one digit. Serial number shall be separated from check digit by a space equivalent of one digit and check digit shall be contained in a square.

FOR EXAMPLE:

A container compliant with ISO 1496, having passive vents on the sides of cargo space, 6 068 mm in length, 2 438 mm in width, 2 591 mm in height, having a unique owner code of ABZ, an equipment category identifier of u, and a serial number of 001234 shall bear markings complaint with descriptions under Figure 1 through Figure 4.

Legend

1 owner code

2 equipment category identifier

3 serial number

4 check digit

5 size code

6 type code

Figure 1 - Mandatory identifiers - prioritizing horizontal arrangement

Legend

1 owner code

2 equipment category identifier

3 serial number

4 check digit

5 size code

6 type code

Figure 2 - Mandatory identifiers - prioritizing vertical arrangement

Legend

1 owner code

2 equipment category identifier

3 serial number

4 check digit

5 size code

6 type code

Figure 3 - Mandatory identifiers - column arrangement

Legend

1 owner code

2 equipment category identifier

3 serial number

4 check digit

5 size code

6 type code

Figure 4 - Mandatory identifiers - row arrangement

7.2.1.2 Mandatory operational markings

Arrangement of maximum gross weight and tare weight shall be compliant with 6.2.1.

Arrangement of air/surface container shall be compliant with Appendix B.

Arrangement of overhead electrical danger warning sign shall be compliant with Appendix C.

Arrangement of height marking for containers taller than 2,6 m shall be compliant with Appendix F.

Arrangement of width marking for containers wider than 2 438 m shall be compliant with Appendix G.

7.2.1.3 Optional operational markings (maximum net weight)

If net weight marking is specified, the marking shall be compliant with 6.3.

7.2.2 Location of markings

7.2.2.1 Mandatory identifiers

Mandatory markings under 4.1 and 5.2, which include owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number, check digit, and size and type codes, shall be displayed on container in a manner depicted under Figure 5.

Size and type codes of containers with reduced stacking strength or reduced sheer stress resistance shall be displayed on the front end (solid end) and on the roof sections of both ends.

7.2.2.2 Operational markings

Mandatory operational markings under 6.2.1, meaning maximum gross weight and tare weight shall be displayed on container in a manner depicted under Figure 5.

Arrangement of air/surface container shall be compliant with Appendix B.

Arrangement of overhead electrical danger warning sign shall be compliant with Appendix C.

Arrangement of height marking shall be compliant with Appendix F and signified under Figure 5.

Arrangement of width marking shall be compliant with Appendix G and signified under Figure 5.

Optional operational markings under 6.3, which means maximum gross weight or net weight, shall be displayed on container in a manner depicted under Figure 5.

7.2.2.3 Other markings and equipment

Markings other than those specified under this document shall be presented on containers in a manner where they do not interfere with markings specified under this document.

In regard to AEI system, AEI markings shall be placed in the right position on container according to ISO 10374.

Legend

NOTE 1: Black and yellow strips adjacent to corner members can be reduced to the minimum length of 300 mm.

NOTE 2: Display of size and type markings on the roof and on the front end (the solid end) is optional except for containers with reduced stacking strength and/or reduced shear stress resistance.

NOTE 3: Display of AEI markings is optional.

NOTE 4: Display of “Trọng tải” (PAYLOAD) is optional.

Figure 5 - Location of mandatory and optional markings

Appendix A

 (regulation)

Identification of check digit

Check digit of a container identification system shall be identified using methods specified under A.1 through A.4. Sample calculation is provided under A.5.

A.1 Numeral equivalent of owner code, equipment category identifier, and serial number

Each letter in owner code, equipment category identifier, and each numeral of serial number is assigned with an appropriate value according to Schedule A.1.

A.2 Weighting factor

Each numeral equivalent compliant with A.1 shall be multiplied by a weighting factor ranging from 2⁰ to 2⁹. A weighting factor of 2⁰ is applied to the first letter of owner code and increased exponentially from 2⁰ to 2⁹ for the last numeral of serial number.

A.3 Module

The sum of products under A.2 shall be divided by a module of 11.

Schedule A.1 - Equivalent

A.4 Value of check digit

Schedule A.2 specifies value of check digit which is the product of quotient under A.3.

Schedule A.2 - Value of check digit

A.5 Sample calculation for check digit

The sum of all products on step IV = 4 592

The sum divided by module

The product is 5 and based on Schedule A.2, check digit in this case is 5.

Appendix B

 (regulation)

Air/surface container marking

In order to indicate that a container is an air/surface container with stacking limitations, the marking below shall be used.

The marking shall be placed on the top left corner of each end, each side, and on the roof when appropriate (see TCVN 7821 (ISO 8323)).

Airplane figure in the marking shall have minimum height of 130 mm (5 in) and minimum length of 360 mm (14 in). Stacking marking shall have minimum height of 280 mm (11 in) and minimum width of 260 mm (10 in). Recommended proportions shall be used. Capital letters shall have minimum height of 80 mm (3 in). The marking color should be black. If container color causes the marking to blend in, a panel of appropriate color, usually white, shall be used.

Figure B.1 - Air/surface container marking

Appendix C

 (regulation)

Overhead electrical danger warning

Mandatory overhead electrical danger warning marking for containers fitted with ladders shall consist of a black symbol on a yellow background surrounded by a black outline (see example below)

Minimum height of the spark symbol shall be 175 mm (6,875 in).

Dimensions of warning signs measured between the outer edge of the black outline shall not be less than 230 mm (9 in).

Warning sign shall be placed adjacent to the ladder.

Figure C.1 - Caution, risk of electric shock

Appendix D

 (regulation)

Size codes

Two letters - numerals indicating size codes of a container shall be selected as follows:

- the first digit, indicating length, is compliant with Schedule D.1;

- the second digit, indicating width and height, is compliant with Schedule D.2.

Schedule D.1 - First digit of size code

Schedule D.2 - Second digit of size code

a) 2 438 mm wide from corner members

b) > 2 438 wide from corner members

Figure D.1 - Width of container

Appendix E

 (regulation)

Type code

Schedule E.1 provides codes for identifying container types and other characteristics relating to types which will be used for compiling container log or exchanging operational data.

Detailed list of type codes does not cover all possible characteristics of containers. In actuality, specific characteristics of certain types have not been fully listed as further research is required before reaching conclusions.

E.2 If selected codes are not stipulated or if a code indicating a container bearing important characteristics is not specified under Schedule E.1, the code shall then use the highest numeral possible in the appropriate number string until subcommittees of ISO/TC 104 issue additional codes.

E.3 If other characteristics relating to container type are not specified or are not known, container type shall then be identified using group code under Schedule E.1 in the column “Type group code”.

Schedule E.1 - Detailed type code

Appendix F

 (regulation)

Height marking for containers taller than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in)

Mandatory height marking for containers taller than 2,6 m (8 ft 6 in) shall include black symbols on yellow background surrounded by a black outline (see example below).

Upper symbol shall specify height in meters to the first decimal (0,1 m) and shall not indicate height below actual height,

Lower symbol shall specify height in feet to the nearest inch and shall not indicate height below actual height. To save space, symbols such as “” and “”” are used to represent ft and in, corresponding to feet and inch.

Dimensions of the marking measured between outer edges of the black outline shall not be less than 155 mm x 155 mm (6 in × 4,5 in) and letters shall be large enough to achieve sufficient legibility.

The marking shall be placed at two locations on each container, close to the right side of each side plane, no more than 1,2 m (4 ft) away from the container roof, 0,6 m (2 ft) away from the right side of a side plane, and below container identification marking.

Appendix G

 (regulation)

Width marking for containers wider than 2 438 m (8 ft)

Mandatory width marking for containers wider than 2 438 m (8 ft) shall include numerals on yellow background (RAL 1023 or RAL 1003) and surrounded by a black outline (see example under Figure G.1 below).

Upper symbols shall specify width at the widest point of the container, in meter and two decimal points (0,15).

Lower symbols shall specify width at the widest point of the container, in feet and inches, and shall not indicate width below actual width. To save space, symbols such as “” and “”” are used to represent ft and in, corresponding to feet and inch.

Dimensions of the outline surrounding the symbols shall not be lower than 200 mm x 120 mm (8 in × 4,75 in), and minimum letter dimensions shall be 50 mm (2 in).

The marking shall be displayed on the front and rear ends of the container.

Location of symbol outline shall be decided by container owners.

Arrows extending from one side to the other of the container (see Note 2)

Figure G.1 - Arrow indicating width

If the container is yellow, background color shall be changed in order to better contrast with the container.

If markings are damaged by corrosion, such as those on corner members, extend the marking to cover the full width of the front end or openings. Also see Note 4 under 7.2.2.3.

Reference

[1] TCVN 7553 (ISO 668), Series 1 freight containers - Classification, dimensions and ratings.

[2] TCVN 7552-1 (ISO 1496-1), Series 1 freight containers - Specification and testing - Part 1: General cargo container for general purpose

[3] TCVN 7552-2 (ISO 1496-2), Series 1 freight containers - Specification and testing - Part 2: Thermal containers.

[4] TCVN 7552-3 (ISO 1496-3), Series 1 freight containers - Specification and testing - Part 3: Tank containers for liquids, gases and pressurized dry bulk.

[5] ISO 1496-4, Series 1 freight containers - Specification and testing - Part 3: Non-pressurized containers for dry bulk.

[6] TCVN 7552-5 (ISO 1496-5), Series 1 freight containers - specification and testing- Part 5: Platform and platform-based containers.

[7] TCVN 7821 (ISO 8323), Freight containers - Air/Surface (intermodal) general Purpose containers - Specification and tests.

[8] ISO 10374, Freight containers - Automatic identification.