Overview
ISO 10374:1991 - Freight containers – Automatic identification specifies user requirements for an Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) system for freight containers. The standard defines a container identification system, data coding and description, performance criteria, tag placement and physical/environmental requirements, and security features to protect stored information. Annex A is normative; Annex B is informative and describes a compliant technical implementation.
Key topics and technical requirements
- AEI system components: an electronic device (tag) mounted on the container and remote sensing equipment that reads and transmits tag data to automated processing systems.
- Mandatory tag data: tag type, equipment identifier, owner code, serial number and check digit (per ISO 6346), container dimensions, type code, maximum gross and tare mass, and length/height/width.
- Data coding & interface: data presented in a standard format (International Reference Version per ISO 646) and delivered via standard serial interfaces (RS-232C or RS-485).
- Frequencies & sensitivity: tag must respond within 850–950 MHz and 2 400–2 500 MHz bands; sensitivity tested per Annex A.
- Performance: AEI system reliability specified as minimum 99.99% (no more than one no-read in 10 000 reads) and AEI system accuracy of 99.9999% (one undetected incorrect read in 1 000 000). Combined requirements for read range, discrimination and presentation are defined (see Table 1).
- Environmental & durability: tag operation at surface temperatures from –50 °C to +80 °C and data integrity maintained from –70 °C to +85 °C; designed to survive salt spray, dust, shock and vibration. Minimum operational life of 10 years with no periodic maintenance required.
- Security & tamper protection: tags must be physically and electronically secure/tamper-proof; permanent data should not be reprogrammable when tag is fixed.
- Tag location & mounting: exterior right sidewall (as seen from door end), approx. 0.3 m from blind end or rear of lifting position for long containers; tag must not protrude beyond container envelope.
- Safety & regulation: systems must comply with national radio-frequency and human exposure limits (ALARA principle).
Applications and users
ISO 10374 is applicable to international container operations and useful for:
- Shipping lines and container owners
- Container manufacturers and retrofitting suppliers
- Port and terminal operators and intermodal yards
- Customs authorities and logistics providers
- AEI/RFID equipment manufacturers and systems integrators
Use cases include automated gate control, inventory tracking, terminal automation, customs pre-clearance and equipment/resource management.
Related standards
- ISO 6346 - Freight containers: Coding, identification and marking
- ISO 668 - Series 1 freight containers: Classification, dimensions and ratings
- ISO 646 - Information processing: 7-bit coded character set (IRV)
- IEC 68-2 - Environmental testing (tests)
- TIR Convention (UNECE) - requirements for container mounting and security
Keywords: ISO 10374, freight containers, automatic identification, AEI, container tag, container identification, ISO 6346, RFID frequencies, terminal automation.
