--- title: "CSC plate: Definition and Meaning | NPSA" description: "A CSC plate is a metal safety approval plate fixed to a freight container under the International Convention for Safe Containers." url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/csc-plate publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) phone: "(816) 960-6552" email: info@npsa.org --- Standards and certification # CSC plate A CSC plate is a metal safety approval plate fixed to a freight container under the International Convention for Safe Containers. It shows that the container was approved for international transport and carries the technical data and examination information for that container. The plate is usually fixed to a container door. ## Why it matters A CSC plate matters most when a container will move in international transport, such as on a ship. For domestic portable storage, many customers never need it. Operators still read it to learn the manufacturer, the build date and when the next safety examination is due. A common mistake is to assume any container with a plate is safe to ship today. The plate shows approval and examination status, and the examination must be current. Another mistake is to remove or paint over the plate during a refurbishment. Keep it clean and readable. If the plate is missing or damaged, ask the owner or a qualified surveyor what to do before you sell or ship the unit. [Read: Shipping container grades explained: One-trip, IICL, cargo worthy, and WWT](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/guides/shipping-container-grades) Definition source: [imo.org](https://www.imo.org/en/about/Conventions/Pages/International-Convention-for-Safe-Containers-(CSC).aspx) ## Related terms [### CSC safety approval plate A CSC safety approval plate is the plate that the International Convention for Safe Containers requires on approved containers. A national administration, or a group acting for it, authorizes the maker to fix it. The plate holds the technical data and is the proof of approval.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/csc-safety-approval-plate)[### International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) The International Convention for Safe Containers is a 1972 treaty written by the International Maritime Organization and the United Nations. It sets uniform test, inspection, approval and maintenance rules for containers in international transport. It was adopted on December 2, 1972 and entered into force on September 6, 1977.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/international-convention-for-safe-containers-csc)[### periodic examination scheme The periodic examination scheme is one of two approved CSC ways to keep a container safe in service. The container is examined before its fifth anniversary after manufacture, then at intervals of no more than 30 months. The next examination date is marked on the CSC plate.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/periodic-examination-scheme)[### Approved Continuous Examination Program (ACEP) An Approved Continuous Examination Program is one of two container safety examination schemes allowed under the CSC. A national administration approves it if the owner shows it gives a standard of safety not below the periodic scheme. The container is inspected as part of normal operation instead of on a fixed calendar.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/approved-continuous-examination-program-acep)[### cargo worthy (CW) Cargo worthy is a trade term for a used container that is sound enough to carry cargo by sea. It points to structural condition, not looks. Sellers define it slightly differently. It does not by itself prove the container holds a current CSC plate or survey.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/cargo-worthy-cw)[### container survey A container survey is a formal inspection of a container by a qualified surveyor, with a written result. Surveys check that a container meets safety standards, such as the CSC, before shipping. They can also support valuation and damage assessment. Costs vary by provider.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/container-survey) [All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary) For the industry ## Grow your portable storage business with NPSA Members get event rates, the Community Forum, the directory listing and leads from this website. [Join NPSA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/join-us)[See member benefits](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/member-benefits) Need storage? ## Get quotes from NPSA member companies Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you. [Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote)[Which unit do I need?](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/find-storage)