Overview
EN ISO 10374:1997 (ISO 10374:1991 including Amendment 1:1995) specifies user requirements for the automatic identification of freight containers. It defines a container identification system (AEI - Automatic Equipment Identification), data coding and description, performance criteria, physical mounting and environmental requirements, and security features to protect electronically stored container information. Annex A is integral; Annex B is informative and describes a compliant technical solution (parts of which are patent-encumbered).
Keywords: freight containers, automatic identification, AEI, ISO 10374, container tag, container identification system
Key topics and requirements
- AEI system components: an electronic device (tag) mounted on the container and external sensing equipment that reads/tag data for automatic data processing.
- Mandatory tag data: tag type, equipment identifier, owner code, serial number, check digit (per ISO 6346), container dimensions (length, height, width), type code, maximum gross mass and tare mass.
- Data coding & transfer: standard formats for encoding container identity and permanent related information for reliable electronic transfer.
- Performance & reliability:
- Minimum AEI system reliability of 99.99% (no-read events) and AEI accuracy target of 99.9999% (undetected incorrect reads).
- Sensing equipment must decode tag data, timestamp reads and add sensing-unit identification and container movement status.
- Environmental & durability:
- Tag operational surface temperature range: approximately –50 °C to +80 °C; data integrity storage range down to –70 °C to +85 °C.
- Minimum tag life: 10 years without periodic maintenance.
- Resistance to electromagnetic interference: survive peak field strength of 50 V/m for 60 s.
- Physical & security requirements:
- Tags must be physically and electronically tamper-proof and fixed following TIR convention provisions.
- Only a single tag required per container; must not protrude beyond container envelope and must be permanently mounted.
- Tag placement: typically on the right sidewall (as seen from the door end) about 0.3 m from the blind end for containers ≤12.2 m; alternative placement guidance for longer, non-box or smooth-skin containers.
Practical applications & who uses it
- Shipping lines and container manufacturers for standard-compliant tag installation.
- Ports, terminals and crane/sensor vendors for AEI sensing systems and gate automation.
- Logistics providers and freight forwarders for automated tracking and resource control.
- Customs and regulatory agencies for electronic transfer of validated container identity.
- RFID/tag manufacturers and systems integrators designing AEI equipment to meet international performance, environmental and security specs.
Related standards
- ISO 6346 (container coding and marking)
- ISO 668 (container classification and dimensions)
- ISO 646 (7‑bit coded character set)
- IEC 68-2 (environmental testing)
- ECE TIR convention (mounting/operational provisions)
This standard is essential for interoperable, secure automatic identification of freight containers across international transport and logistics operations.
