Overview
ISO 27955:2010 - "Road vehicles - Securing of cargo in passenger cars, station wagons and multi-purpose vehicles - Requirements and test methods" - specifies minimum requirements and test methods for devices that secure cargo where vehicle seats directly delimit the loading space. The standard addresses the strength and retention performance of backrests/seats, partitioning systems, and lashing points, and defines dynamic test procedures (using test blocks that simulate cargo) to improve occupant protection against shifting loads during a frontal impact.
Keywords: ISO 27955:2010, securing cargo, passenger cars, station wagons, multi-purpose vehicles, lashing points, partitioning systems, backrest testing, dynamic test methods.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope: Applies to passenger cars, station wagons and multi-purpose passenger vehicles where seats form the load boundary. For cargo-derived vehicles, only the lashing point requirements apply; additional rules for vans are in ISO 27956.
- Backrests / Seats: Designed to help prevent cargo intrusion into occupant space during severe deceleration. During dynamic tests (see clause 5.3), test blocks must be retained and locking systems remain engaged; permanent deformation is allowed if it does not create injury risks.
- Partitioning Systems: Intended to protect rear-row occupants from unsecured loads above the backrests. Forward movement of partition front surfaces must not exceed 300 mm beyond the rear edge of seat backs in design position; limited exceptions (and measurement rules relative to the R‑point) are defined for harder components.
- Lashing Points: Luggage compartments must be equipped with at least four lashing points, unless the compartment length is under 700 mm, in which case one pair (two points) is sufficient. Lashing points must transfer loads reliably to vehicle structure and be compatible with vehicle lashing devices.
- Testing: Detailed procedures for test equipment, test block positioning (clause 5.2), dynamic testing of backrests and partitions (5.3), and lashing point testing (5.4) are specified. Test blocks simulate cargo mass and impact scenarios.
Practical Applications - Who Uses ISO 27955:2010
- Vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) for design validation of seats, partitions and load restraint points.
- Seat and partition suppliers for product development and conformity testing.
- Test laboratories performing dynamic retention tests and lashing-point strength tests.
- Regulatory and certification bodies assessing occupant safety related to cargo intrusion.
- Fleet operators, retrofitters and aftermarket suppliers designing or installing cargo retention systems.
- Safety engineers and compliance teams integrating load-securing requirements into vehicle type approval and operator guidance.
Related Standards
- UNECE Regulation No.17 and No.126 (luggage retention/partition approvals) - referenced in the standard.
- DIN 75410‑2 (historical reference used for harmonization).
- ISO 27956 (additional requirements for vehicles designed primarily for cargo transport).
- ISO 6549 (procedure for H- and R-point determination) - normative reference.
ISO 27955:2010 is a practical standard for improving in-vehicle safety by defining how seats, partitions and lashing points must perform and be tested to reduce occupant risk from shifting cargo.
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