--- title: "ISO 1496: Definition and Meaning | NPSA" description: "ISO 1496 is a series of international standards for the specification and testing of series 1 freight containers." url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/iso-1496 publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) phone: "(816) 960-6552" email: info@npsa.org --- Standards and certification # ISO 1496 ISO 1496 is a series of international standards for the specification and testing of series 1 freight containers. Part 1 covers general cargo containers for general purposes, including totally enclosed boxes and some vented or open top types. Other parts cover tank, thermal, dry bulk and platform containers. ## Why it matters ISO 1496 describes how a container must perform, not only how big it is. It sets design requirements and load tests, such as stacking and floor strength. The standard is the authoritative document for internal container dimensions, while ISO 668 summarizes outside sizes. For an operator, it matters when you buy containers for rental or sale and when a customer asks if a unit is built to a recognized standard. A common mistake is to assume an older used box is still as strong as the day it was tested. Test requirements apply to the design and build. Wear, rust and repairs change condition over time. That is why inspection and survey still matter. [Read: Shipping container grades explained: One-trip, IICL, cargo worthy, and WWT](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/guides/shipping-container-grades) Definition source: [iso.org](https://www.iso.org/standard/59672.html) ## Related terms [### ISO 668 ISO 668 is the international standard that classifies series 1 freight containers by their external dimensions. It sets the matching ratings, which include maximum gross mass, and gives minimum internal and door opening sizes for some container types. It covers containers meant for intercontinental traffic.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/iso-668)[### ISO 6346 ISO 6346 is the international standard for coding, identification and marking of freight containers. It defines the container identification system, with a way to check that an ID was written correctly. It also defines size and type codes and the operational marks shown on the container.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/iso-6346)[### 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.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/csc-plate)[### container inspection A container inspection is a check of a container's outside, inside, doors, floor and roof for damage, leaks and wear. Buyers do it before purchase. Operators do it when units go out and come back. It can be a quick look or a formal review to a standard.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/container-inspection)[### general purpose container A general purpose container is a totally enclosed container for general cargo. ISO 1496-1 covers general cargo containers for general purposes, including some vented, ventilated and open top types. Short codes such as GP often appear on specs and quotes.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/general-purpose-container)[### internal dimensions Internal dimensions are the length, width and height of the usable space inside a container. They are smaller than the outside size because of wall thickness, floor and roof structure. ISO 1496 is the authoritative document for internal container dimensions.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/internal-dimensions) [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)