3 - Identification system and its associated marks
3.1 : Identification system
The identification system shall consist only of the following elements, all of which shall be included:
- owner code: three letters;
- equipment category identifier: one letter
- serial number: six numerals
- check digit: one numeral
3.1.1 Owner code
The container owner's code shall consist of three capital letters, shall be unique and shall be registered with the International Container Bureau (B.I.C. - Bureau International des Conteneurs), either through an affiliated national registration organization (see section B) or directly with:
Bureau International des Conteneurs
38, rue des Blancs Manteaux
FR 75004 Paris, France
3.1.2 Equipment category identifier
The equipment category identifier consists of one capital letter of the latin alphabet as follows:
- U for all freight containers;
- J for detachable freight container-related equipment;
- Z for trailers and chassis
3.1.3 Serial numbers
The container serial number shall consist of six Arabic numerals. If the series of significant numerals does not total six, they shall be preceded by sufficient zeroes to make up six numerals. (For example, if the series of significant numerals is 1234, the serial number is 001234).
3.1.4 Check digit
The check digit provides a means of validating the transmission accuracy of the owner code and serial number and shall be determined as in annex A. The check digit shall validate the owner code, equipment category identifier and serial number of the container.
3.2 Identification marks
The use of marks in accordance with the identification system specified in 3.1, i.e. owner code, equipment category identifier, serial number and check digit, is mandatory for freight containers and recommended for all equipment as stated in 3.1.2. The characteristics (size, shape, layout, etc.) detailled in 6.1 and 6.2.1 shall be displayed as nearly as practicable in accordance with clause 6, i.e. legible to the human eye.
