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A container terminal at dusk: ship-to-shore cranes over a container ship, a worker in hi-vis on the wet quay.

What is on a CSC plate?

CSC stands for the International Convention for Safe Containers. It is the international treaty on the safety of containers. Every container in international transport must have an approved CSC plate, the "Safety Approval Plate". It is usually on the container door. The convention dates from 1972 and is administered by the IMO.

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The mandatory details

According to Annex I of the CSC convention:

  1. CSC SAFETY APPROVAL: the heading of the plate.
  2. Country of approval and approval number.
  3. Date of manufacture: month and year.
  4. Manufacturer's identification number: the serial number of the container.
  5. Maximum operating gross mass, in kg and lbs.
  6. Allowable stacking load for 1.8 g, in kg and lbs.
  7. Transverse racking test force, in newtons (N). Older plates call this the racking test load value, in kg and lbs.
  8. End wall and side wall strength, only if it differs from the standard.
  9. Maintenance: the date of the first periodic examination, or the number of the approved continuous examination programme (ACEP).

Often on the same plate

Many CSC plates combine the CSC details with other details, such as:

  • owner or operator, and the container number to ISO 6346 (with check digit);
  • tare weight and maximum payload;
  • for tank containers also the water capacity, the tank design code, the design temperature and pressure, the tank material and the equivalent thickness in mild steel.

That is why we have 15 versions. Choose the plate that fits the details you need.

kg and lbs

The plate shows weights in both kg and lbs. You only need to fill in the metric value: we convert lbs, US gallons, °F, inches and psi for you. If you fill in both, the field you fill in last decides the conversion.

How do we make the plate?

We engrave your details in stainless steel. You can also order the plate blank and pre-printed, and fill it in yourself or have it stamped. As a rule you receive a working drawing as a PDF within 2 working days after you accept the quote. We only start production once you have approved it. The plate is then ready as a rule within 5 to 10 working days.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the CSC plate on a container?

Usually on the container door.

Must the weight be in kg and lbs?

Yes, the weights are shown in both units on the plate. We convert the lbs for you.

Can I order a plate for a whole series of containers?

Yes. Fill in the first container and serial number of the series and state the number range in your request.

Questions about this text? Email info@kuyper-graveertechniek.com or call 010 216 2344.

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