Maritime certification
CSC container certification: ready to travel with a valid CSC plate
CSC container certification is essential for a container to be used in the international transport of goods. Without a valid CSC plate, the container cannot be loaded on board or legally move as a cargo unit.
At Mar Containers we make sure your container complies with current regulations: we coordinate the inspection, any repairs needed and the certification, so you can use it in your logistics operations and exports without getting held up at port.
- Structural inspection of the container.
- Management of the CSC plate and its examination date.
- New and used containers, 20, 40 and 45 ft.
- Ideal if you are buying a container to export with.
- CSC 1972
- International convention (IMO)
- 30 months
- Maximum between examinations
- Export
- Essential to travel
What is CSC container certification?
CSC stands for the International Convention for Safe Containers, adopted in 1972 under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Its aim is to ensure that containers handled, stacked and transported all over the world are structurally safe.
The CSC plate
This is the safety approval plate fixed to the container door. Among other details, it shows:
- Country and approval number.
- Date of manufacture and manufacturer identification.
- Maximum gross weight and allowable stacking load.
- Date of the next examination or reference to the ACEP programme.
Who needs it
Any container that will be used as a cargo unit in international transport, especially by sea. A container used only as fixed storage, a storage unit or a cabin does not need a valid CSC plate.
- Exporters shipping goods in their own container.
- Companies buying containers to reuse them in transport.
- Owners of containers with an expired plate.
Periodic examinations: PES and ACEP
The CSC plate is not valid forever: the owner must keep the container in a safe condition and have it examined periodically under one of these two schemes.
| Scheme | How it works | Intervals |
|---|---|---|
| PES (Periodic Examination Scheme) | Scheduled periodic examinations. The date of the next examination is shown on or next to the plate. | First examination within 5 years of manufacture; thereafter, at most every 30 months. |
| ACEP (Approved Continuous Examination Programme) | Continuous examination programme approved by the authorities: the container is examined at every interchange or major repair. | Continuous examinations; the plate shows the ACEP mark and programme number. |
If the examination date on the plate has passed, the container must undergo a new inspection before travelling again.
How we manage CSC certification
Document review
We check the current CSC plate, the container number and how you intend to use it.
Container inspection
The structure, corner fittings, rails, floor, roof, walls and doors are inspected for any damage affecting safety.
Repairs if needed
If defects are found, we let you know and coordinate the repair so the container passes the inspection.
Plate and certificate
The container is certified, with the plate and the next examination date updated, ready to be loaded and travel.
Buying a container for export?
If you are buying a used container intending to load it and ship it out of Spain, tell us from the start. We will select a unit fit to travel and make sure it reaches you with valid CSC certification.
That way you avoid buying a container that cannot be shipped or that needs costly repairs. See our shipping containers for sale and, if you import goods, our foreign trade service.
Frequently asked questions about CSC certification
What is a container CSC plate?
It is the safety approval plate required by the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC). Among other details, it shows the approval number, date of manufacture, maximum gross weight, allowable stacking load and the date of the next examination or the ACEP programme.
Is CSC certification mandatory?
Yes, for any container used as a cargo unit in international transport. If the container is used only as fixed storage, a storage unit or an office, it does not need a valid CSC plate.
How often does a container need to be examined?
Under the PES scheme, the first examination must take place within 5 years of manufacture and thereafter at most every 30 months. Under an approved ACEP programme, the container is examined continuously.
What happens if the CSC plate has expired?
The container should not be loaded for international transport until it passes a new inspection. We help you inspect it, repair it if necessary and update the certification.
Can a used container obtain CSC certification?
Yes, as long as its structure is in good condition. The inspection covers corner fittings, rails, floor, walls, roof and doors; any damage is repaired before certification.
Other Mar Containers services
Container sales
Dry, High Cube, Open Top, Flat Rack and refrigerated containers, new and second-hand.
View service
Container rental
Containers for construction sites, events and temporary storage, for as long as you need.
View service
Container transport
Delivery by crane truck or tilt-bed trailer anywhere in Spain.
View service
Foreign trade
We audit your supply chain and negotiate with suppliers in China to improve your imports.
View serviceNeed to certify your container?
Send us the container number and a photo of the CSC plate and we will tell you what is needed to bring it up to standard.
