CSC Safety Approval Plate
The CSC plate is the safety approval plate every container must carry under the 1972 International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC). It shows, among other things, the maximum gross mass, tare, allowable stacking load and racking test load. Containers must be examined regularly under a periodic examination scheme (PES) or an approved continuous examination programme (ACEP). For heavy loads, the figures on the plate, not typical catalogue values, are the binding reference.
Related terms
- Maximum Gross Mass
Maximum gross mass (MGW) is the limit for the total weight of a container and its contents, as stated on the CSC plate.
- Tare Weight
Tare is the weight of the empty container and is printed on the door and the CSC plate.
- ISO 6346
ISO 6346 (2022 edition) is the international standard for coding, identifying and marking containers.
- Payload
Payload is the maximum cargo weight a container may carry: maximum gross mass minus tare.
Covered in these guides
Container Lashing on Ships: Twistlocks, Lashing Rods, Stack Weights and Roll Forces
How container lashing works on ships, from twistlocks, rods and lashing bridges to stack weight limits, roll forces, the Cargo Securing Manual and parametric rolling.
6 min read Maritime professionalsVGM under SOLAS: Methods 1 and 2, Responsibilities and a Worked Example
A practical SOLAS VGM guide for shippers in Indonesia covering methods 1 and 2, shipper responsibility, cut-off, a worked container example and common mistakes.
5 min read Load calculations20ft vs 40ft vs 40HC Containers: Volume, Weight and Cost per m³
Compare 20GP, 40GP and 40HC containers on volume, payload, floor area, pallet count and cost per cubic metre, with practical rules for choosing the right size.
6 min read Container sizes & capacityContainer Types and ISO Codes: Container Numbers, Check Digits and Type Codes
The main container types (dry, high cube, reefer, open top, flat rack, tank), how to read an ISO 6346 number, calculate the check digit and decode codes like 22G1.
6 min read Container sizes & capacityFlat Rack Containers: 20FR & 40FR Dimensions, OOG Cargo and Concentrated Loads
A guide to 20FR and 40FR flat racks covering fixed vs collapsible ends, over-width and over-height cargo, concentrated loads, lashing points and OOG charges.
6 min read Container sizes & capacityOpen Top Containers: 20OT & 40OT Dimensions, Tarpaulins and Over-Height Cargo
A guide to 20OT and 40OT open top containers covering dimensions, tarpaulin and roof bows, crane top loading, over-height cargo and lashing.
6 min read