ISO 10374-1991 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10374:1991 — Freight containers — Automatic identification. This international standard specifies user requirements for an automatic identification system for freight containers, including the identification scheme, data coding systems, description of data elements, performance criteria and security features; it contains an integral Annex A and an Annex B (subject to amendment).

Abstract

Defines a container identification system and associated data coding and presentation rules intended for documentation, control, communications and automatic equipment identification. The standard sets out required data items, coding formats, performance criteria for AEI systems and security/integrity considerations; Annex A is normative and Annex B was amended in 1995.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed current following ISO systematic review).
• Publication date: 3 October 1991 (ISO edition 1, October 1991).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 55.180.10 — Freight containers.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1991) with Amendment 1 published in December 1995 (changes the status of Annex B).
• Number of pages: 14 (some bibliographic entries show 14–15 pages depending on print/format).

Scope

Specifies the user requirements for automatic identification of freight containers used in intermodal transport. The scope covers the coding and structure of identification data, required data elements, formats suitable for both visual marking and automatic equipment identification (AEI), performance and reliability criteria for identification systems, and security/integrity measures for data used in container handling and documentation. Annex A is integral to the standard; Annex B was made normative by the 1995 amendment.

Key topics and requirements

• Container identification system — formal structure of identifiers and presentation rules for visual and AEI usage.
• Data coding systems and character sets for container-related data elements.
• Definition and description of required data elements (what must be captured and exchanged).
• Performance criteria for AEI/readers — reliability, read-rates and environmental considerations.
• Security and integrity features to reduce misidentification and support trustworthy electronic exchange.
• Normative and informative annexes (Annex A normative, Annex B made normative by Amendment 1:1995).

Typical use and users

Used by container owners and operators, terminal operators, port and intermodal logistics providers, customs and border agencies, AEI/electronic identification equipment manufacturers, software vendors for terminal operating systems, and standards bodies that harmonize container identification and data exchange across transport chains. It supports both visual marking requirements and integration with automatic data capture systems.

Related standards

Closely related container and identification standards include ISO 6346 (Freight containers — Coding, identification and marking), ISO 668 (Series 1 freight containers — Classification, dimensions and ratings), ISO 1496 (Series 1 freight containers — Specification and testing), and ISO 830 (Freight containers — Terminology). These documents together address container marking, numbering, dimensions, testing and terminology that complement ISO 10374’s AEI and data-coding requirements.

Keywords

freight containers, container identification, automatic identification, AEI, data coding, container marking, ISO 10374, intermodal transport, container data elements, performance criteria.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10374:1991 is the international standard that defines requirements for automatic identification of freight containers — covering identifier structure, data coding, required data elements and performance/security criteria for both visual marking and AEI systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the container identification system itself, the coding and presentation of container data, performance requirements for automatic identification equipment, and security/integrity measures; Annex A is an integral normative part and Annex B’s status was changed by a 1995 amendment.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Container owners and operators, ports and terminal operators, AEI hardware and software vendors, logistics and supply-chain IT integrators, and government/customs agencies involved in container handling and tracking.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 1991 edition (with Amendment 1:1995) remains published and was last reviewed and confirmed by ISO in 2020, so the edition is current as maintained by ISO.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 10374 is part of the body of ISO standards addressing freight containers and their identification/marking and is most often used together with ISO 6346 (coding and marking), ISO 668 (dimensions/classification) and ISO 1496 (specification and testing).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: freight container identification, automatic identification (AEI), data coding, container marking, container data elements, performance criteria, security features.